One Small Fire At A Time
- June 10, 2016
- Kidalang
- 5h median play time
Get on Steam13-year-old Janis has "Magic Deficiency Disorder," a madness where one can't use magic in a very magic-oriented world. For her protection, she lives in a madhouse: a place where those with mental disorders can be safe from an unforgiving society. However, this madhouse isn't exactly the haven it was made out to be, and Aidan Woolf, a police commander, intends to find out why. The standalone prequ…
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Reviews
- The game features a well-written story that explores themes of mental health and personal growth, resonating with players on an emotional level.
- It has engaging characters and a unique premise set in a magical world, making it an interesting read for fans of visual novels.
- The art and music are well-executed, enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in the game's atmosphere.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more depth and complexity in the story and character development.
- Some dialogue presentation is inconsistent, with paragraphs instead of individual character lines, which can disrupt the flow of the narrative.
- The pacing feels rushed at times, particularly towards the end, leading to a less satisfying conclusion for some players.
- story53 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story is generally well-received, praised for its engaging premise and character development, particularly in addressing themes of mental illness and personal struggle. However, many reviewers noted that the narrative feels rushed, lacking depth in character exploration and world-building, especially towards the end. While the game offers a variety of endings and emotional moments, some players felt it could benefit from a longer, more fleshed-out storyline.
“The twists, the turns, the comedy, the drama, the mystery, this story literally had it all.”
“One small fire at a time is a really moving story about mental illnesses and a girl who can't use magic in a world where nearly everyone can use magic.”
“A unique (and surprisingly chilling) story, focusing on a topic that entertainment properties are starting to look at a little more in recent memory (that of psychology and 'mental illness'), and then thrusting it into a world of steampunk(ish) fantasy.”
“I must admit that overall the story seems cut at a certain point: [spoiler]between Candela's death and the execution[/spoiler]. There's story time that hasn't been used and could have been used to give some depth to the other characters, which overall seem pretty one-dimensional although enjoyable, except for [spoiler]Drake.”
“Like its predecessor 'An Octave Higher', 'One Small Fire at a Time' has an interesting enough premise, decent world building, and engaging characters (for the most part). However, a lot of that is undone thanks to the story being extremely rushed.”
“This game suffers from it even more than its predecessor; at times you're given the impression that this game's story is just moving from scene to scene with no breathing room. This is especially prevalent towards the end.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and suitability, featuring a blend of classical and thematic compositions that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers appreciate the absence of generic stock music, noting that the soundtrack complements the scenes effectively without becoming tiresome. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere and emotional depth.
“The choice of the music fits the scenes almost perfectly, and the music itself never got me tired.”
“I'm especially sensitive on this point, and to my satisfaction, this game has a very good soundtrack; I couldn't hear any generic overused stock music (well, there were a few classical pieces).”
“Classical music mixed with thematic music for kinds of scenes and situations.”
“The music is similar to (and partly the same as) an octave higher.”
“Classical music mixed with thematic music for different kinds of scenes and situations.”
“Classical music mixed with thematic music for different kinds of scenes and situations.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a blend of relatable angst and dark comedy, often catching players off guard with its unexpectedness. While some dialogue elicits genuine laughter, it can occasionally detract from the overall narrative, creating a unique balance between levity and seriousness. Overall, the humor enhances the storytelling, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“Several times throughout my first playthrough, I read things that I thought were just minor little funny things, only to reach a point later and go, 'Oh, that's right!'”
“It manages to be both funny and disturbing as the situation calls for it.”
“Ok, so I'd be writing a fairly well-written review, but I was too busy laughing at some of the dialogue, until the ending which... well... to quote Hannibal Chau, 'holy jeez.' Though it does provide a very good explanation to how the no-nonsense commander of the dragoon unit in an octave higher got where she was (you might want to go check that out first. Or second. That's the charm of it).”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game feature a unique art style that stands out, although it may not reach the depth of its predecessor. While some users note that the character designs can be somewhat ambiguous, the overall artwork is considered an improvement over typical low-budget games, which often rely on cheesy visuals.
“This visual novel has a pretty unique art style, and the characters aren't as easy to read by their looks as they may appear to be.”
“Often in low-budget games, such as this one, the art style is very cheesy.”
“This visual novel has a pretty unique art style, but the characters aren't that easy to read by their looks, as they may appear to be.”
“While it lacks the length and depth of its predecessor, the artwork is definitely better.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay is minimal, primarily consisting of a few small choices, which some users feel detracts from the overall experience. However, despite the lack of substantial gameplay elements, it may still appeal to certain players.
“It doesn't have any real gameplay aside from a couple of small choices, but don't let that deter you.”
“There are choices, but otherwise there is no gameplay.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game features a mix of impactful moments, with some players finding certain emotional revelations to be forced. However, the majority of narrative paths are described as deeply affecting and often brutal, evoking strong emotional responses.
“Pretty much all the paths are emotionally wrenching, even brutal.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game offers less replayability compared to its predecessor, as achieving the 'canon ending' is easier and alternative endings do not significantly impact the overarching narrative of the series.
“The game offers a variety of choices that significantly impact the story, making each playthrough feel unique and encouraging multiple runs.”
“With different character paths and endings to explore, the replayability factor is incredibly high, keeping players engaged for hours.”
“The dynamic world changes based on your decisions, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same and inviting players to experience it all over again.”
“I also thought that, unlike the previous title, it was a lot easier to achieve the 'canon ending', which may result in less replayability since the other endings have no impact on the future story of the series.”
“The game lacks the depth and variety in choices that would encourage multiple playthroughs, making it feel less engaging after the first run.”
“Once you've experienced the main storyline, there isn't much incentive to replay, as the side quests and alternate endings don't add significant value.”
