Sacred Fire
- October 18, 2021
- Poetic
- 7h median play time
Get on Steam"Sacred Fire is a narrative-driven role-playing game set in ancient Ireland. As a Celtic warrior, make strategic choices in dialogues and battles, manage your relationships, and confront your inner demons to survive. With its unique emotion-based combat system and poetic storytelling, Sacred Fire offers an immersive and intimate RPG experience."
Reviews
- The game features a captivating story with well-developed characters that draw players in and keep them engaged.
- The mechanics of the game, including the emotional and psychological aspects, add depth to the gameplay and make choices feel impactful.
- The art and music are beautifully crafted, enhancing the overall immersive experience of the game.
- The game is currently quite short, with only the first act available, which may leave players wanting more content.
- Character customization options are limited, which can detract from the player's ability to create a unique character.
- Some players have reported frustrating RNG mechanics that can lead to repeated failures in critical moments, impacting the flow of the game.
- story237 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story in "Sacred Fire" is widely praised for its engaging and immersive narrative, where player choices significantly impact the unfolding events and character development. Reviewers appreciate the emotional depth and psychological elements woven into the storytelling, making it feel personal and dynamic. While some express a desire for more freedom in decision-making and longer content, the overall consensus is that the game offers a rich, captivating experience that keeps players invested in the journey.
“The story feels incredibly dynamic thanks to the reactiveness to all the checks.”
“The choices feel real and impactful; failure mostly adds to the story and doesn't feel like a punishment.”
“The writing is very powerful and robust, with many branches and ways of approaching the story.”
“There are literary cliches (as in, the sentences themselves are cringy to read) and narrative cliches (weak storytelling) but what you're really getting out of this game is a person simulator.”
“Thus far, in the short amount of content, I have seen a couple of 'choices' actually be railroads, which is about the biggest red flag out there for an 'interactive' story.”
“You stumble from fleeing a Roman invasion across Hadrian's Wall (built in 122 AD) into what feels like a 12th-century medieval castle intrigue plot that is, without proper transition, out of place.”
- gameplay76 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Sacred Fire" is characterized by its innovative mechanics that blend psychological decision-making with traditional RPG elements, creating a unique experience that emphasizes emotional management and relationship dynamics. While some players find the mechanics initially confusing, they generally appreciate the depth and replayability they offer, alongside an engaging narrative. Overall, the game is praised for its immersive storytelling and the synergy between gameplay and narrative, though some users express a desire for further refinement and expansion of gameplay elements.
“The core gameplay loop is about micromanaging which psychological impulses you want to give into vs. which ones you want to expend energy to quell at any given moment.”
“A great blend of narrative game with RPG elements and light combat mechanics, backed by a really neat system of psychological decision making.”
“The gameplay is centered around micromanaging the emotional experiences of your character and having those experiences strengthen or weaken your ability to deal with the world around you.”
“My main concern is that, although I have now reached the end of Act 2 and find myself two-thirds into the full story, I am still unsure of how important certain mechanics are.”
“The combat mechanics are very confusing, even after the fifth chapter.”
“If you are looking for a game priced around £15 that gives you hours of gameplay right now, then wait for updates.”
- graphics46 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received praise for their beautiful and atmospheric visuals, with many reviewers highlighting the unique art style and attention to detail. While some noted that the graphics are not overly complex or intensive, they still contribute significantly to the immersive experience, making the game visually appealing despite being developed by a solo creator. Overall, the artwork is considered stunning and fitting for the game's narrative, enhancing the storytelling and character development.
“The graphics and the atmosphere are magnificent, and the concept and the world setting are brilliant.”
“The artwork is stunningly gorgeous, and what's available of the story so far is truly phenomenal.”
“What I can say is the graphics are stunning; I hope in the future they add a gallery or wallpapers to highlight how gorgeous the game and characters are.”
“Graphics need some polishing.”
“Don't go in expecting a graphics powerhouse (this is developed by one person).”
“The visuals look clean but could use a more elaborate approach.”
- music32 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and ability to enhance immersion, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere and storytelling. While the variety of tracks is limited, the existing soundtrack is described as engaging and fitting for the game's scenes, particularly during combat. Overall, players find the music to be a standout feature that complements the game's art and voice acting, creating a captivating experience.
“Everything from the storytelling to the soundtrack was done perfectly to keep your attention and allow yourself to enjoy the journey you are on.”
“The music, look and style are gorgeous, and it's nothing short of impressive what this small team managed to create, while still holding so much more potential.”
“As for bugs: there's the occasional music stutter between transitions, a few spelling/grammatical issues, and some sounds seem far louder than they need to be while voices can be fairly quiet.”
“Though limited in variety, the music fits the game.”
“The music fits the scenes well, with intense movie trailer music for battles, etc.”
- emotional20 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its deep emotional storytelling and innovative mechanics that integrate psychological principles into character interactions, allowing players to manage emotional states alongside traditional stats. This approach creates a unique gameplay experience where decisions are influenced by characters' feelings, ambitions, and traumas, fostering a strong emotional connection to the narrative. However, some players noted that the reliance on clichés towards the end detracted from the overall emotional impact.
“The developer is really familiar with psychological principles, especially how people express themselves based on their emotional state.”
“It gives a completely unique view on interactions between characters, because the main feature of the game is that among your usual 'strength' or 'intellect' points, they have their own feelings, ambitions, emotional traumas, and grudges towards each other, represented via personal attributes.”
“This is an incredible game full of heartfelt moments and real choices; it's a real treat to play something with so much character and heart in every action and scene.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its branching dialogue paths, multiple endings, and varied character interactions, allowing players to experience different outcomes and insights with each playthrough. While many players enjoy the mechanics that encourage replaying, some express a desire for a longer overall experience. Overall, the game's focus on story and choices significantly enhances its replay value.
“As with all such games, the end comes all too swiftly, but the play is very enjoyable and there is lots of replayability.”
“My only complaint on this part is that although the game has a lot of replayability, I still wish it was a bit longer.”
“As a final thought, the replay value is very high, as every single scene can lead you down different dialogue paths, unlock (or not) new insights into characters, and lead to successes and failures in battle.”
“It took me about 3 hours to finish the first act, and from what I understand, there are multiple endings, so there is definitely a lot of replayability.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its stunning visuals, engaging music, and effective voiceover acting, creating a deep and immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the magnificent graphics and brilliant world setting, noting that the atmosphere remains strong throughout, enhancing both the gameplay and storytelling. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as gorgeous and ever-present, contributing significantly to its entertainment value.
“The visuals are very fine and atmospheric.”
“The graphics and the atmosphere are magnificent, and the concept and world setting are brilliant.”
“Atmosphere, game mechanics, and music are engaging.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players.”
“Despite the potential, the game fails to create a compelling atmosphere that draws you in.”
“The world feels lifeless, with minimal environmental details that detract from the overall experience.”
- character development6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game excels in character development, offering players meaningful choices that influence relationships and outcomes, particularly in battles. While individual character designs are praised, there is room for improvement in the design of soldiers and slavers. Overall, the innovative integration of character development into gameplay mechanics and narrative enhances the emotional depth and player agency, making it a standout in the genre.
“I would recommend this game if you like text-based RPGs (or visual novels) with a strong emphasis on character development and impactful decisions.”
“So if you are into RPGs concentrating on character development, you are in for a real treat.”
“This is one of the most innovative games I have ever played. The developers' take on how to reflect character development in game mechanics and the narrative system gives a much greater feeling of tension and weight, while still allowing me the freedom to take risks with low-chance actions, knowing it won't ruin my playthrough. It's levels above any other game of this type I have ever played.”
“While in early access, there were not too many physical character design options available; it seems like on full release there will hopefully be more.”
“This is one of the most innovative games I have ever played. The developers' take on how to reflect character development in game mechanics and the narrative system gave so much more feeling of tension and weight, while still making me feel free to take the risk of a low-chance action because I know it won't ruin my playthrough. It's levels above any other game of this type I have ever played before.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its playful mechanics, such as the retry button for poor decisions and amusing character animations, which elicit laughter from players. Additionally, the game's appeal is enhanced by relatable moments, like children engaging with the game, adding to its lighthearted charm.
“It's funny to see my 4 kids line up in my office asking me to 'read the videogame book' lol.”
“Funny, when one can use the retry button for stupid decisions.”
“When any given character ducks down or falls, it would be nice to redraw a ducking character instead of just moving the standing character horizontally (it looks really silly and funny).”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding in the game to be a mixed experience; while combat rolls are engaging, rolling for conversation responses can feel tedious. The game is praised for its thoughtful design, offering meaningful interactions that keep players invested, rather than forcing them to grind excessively for story progression. Overall, it balances mechanics with narrative depth, making each choice feel significant.
“Rolling for combat makes sense, but rolling for answers in a conversation is tedious.”
“Every 'choice matters' game is too focused on game mechanics and grinding for stuff. You grind and grind until you get to the meat of the game story, where 1 or 2 choice conversations decide everything.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the optimization aspect, noting that reliance on allies whose performance is influenced by unpredictable RNG can lead to frustrating experiences, as it feels beyond their control.
“I understand that optimization can be beneficial, but it's incredibly frustrating when allies, whose performance I can't control, fall victim to a terrible RNG roll.”
“The optimization system feels broken; it often leads to situations where luck plays a bigger role than skill, which is really disappointing.”
“It's frustrating to invest time in optimizing my character only to see my allies fail due to random chance, making all that effort feel wasted.”
