Game: Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah
Genre: Action, RPG
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Denis Johan Tales
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $ 7.99 | UK £ 6.69 | EU € 7,99
Release Date: July 26th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Denis Johan Tales.
Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah: A Unique Action RPG
Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah attempts to break new ground in the action RPG genre with challenging gameplay, a rich story, and shifting mechanics. On paper, I appreciated the ambitious design, but ultimately, it wasn’t a game that resonated with me. However, fans of inventive, layered RPGs, especially those who are up for a challenge, may find a rewarding experience here.
An Intricate Lore Awaits
One thing Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah does well is to build an immersive world and backstory. The plot is imaginative: humanity’s endless quest for immortality has enraged Death, who now threatens to annihilate mankind in seven days. The only hope for survival is an artefact hidden atop an enormous, monster-filled tower. You will follow heroes Roy and Eria, then later by Knight Sir Argos and Mage Master Thornbolt, who all have their own backstories and parts to play in the story.
The game doesn’t just stop at its main storyline; it’s packed with a Codex filled with lore for players to dive into. For me, the story and world-building were the primary motivations to keep progressing, even when I found myself struggling with the gameplay.
Combat: Tactical But Sometimes Tedious
The game’s combat approach is unique. It features multiple levels where you control characters from a top-down view. The main goal is to survive to the level’s end, and you can do this by using a projectile that stuns enemies, followed by a touch to defeat them. As you progress, a “fire” meter fills, allowing you to enter a “touch-to-kill” mode that lets you simply walk through enemies for a limited time.
Each character’s attacks vary slightly. Roy and Eria’s projectiles are straightforward, while the mage requires charge-up time, and the knight has a long-range sword attack with one counter if fully charged. This gives each character a distinct feel, but aiming attacks accurately isn’t always easy. This difficulty can lead to frustrating outcomes, as a single touch from an enemy can stun you, leaving you vulnerable to follow-up attacks that restart the level.
The risk-reward balance sounds engaging in theory, but I quickly found it exhausting. I’d inch forward carefully, clearing enemies one by one, only to be caught by an unexpected trap or ambush that would send me back to the beginning. This design felt like an endless loop, testing patience more than skill, which wore thin after several rounds.
Varied Gameplay with Some Rough Edges
To the game’s credit, it doesn’t rely solely on combat. It mixes things up with puzzles, stealth sections, and wave-based survival scenarios. These variations kept the experience from feeling too repetitive, and I appreciated the attempts to diversify the gameplay. However, these sections often came with a “guess-what-I’m-thinking” design that left me wandering around, unclear on how to proceed.
An early example is a stealth level where you’re asked to sneak around and eliminate dog-like enemies in the dark. The concept was clear, but the execution felt clunky. I often had to stand in an exact spot to succeed, which was frustrating. I tried lowering the difficulty to “Feather Mode,” only to discover the game and then autopilot-completes the level, a choice I found odd. Though humorous at first, this option felt more like a shortcut than a genuine adjustment for casual players.
If you’re looking for a game that allows exploration at your own pace, Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah may prove challenging. The gameplay demands a high level of patience and a willingness to learn through trial and error. While the levels are replayable, with options to improve completion times, for me, finishing each level felt more like relief than accomplishment.
Visuals and Soundtrack
Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah boasts a familiar pixel art style but with a unique flair. The world feels well-crafted, with mystical libraries and a ghostly tower that stands out. I especially enjoyed the hippo-like warriors and other imaginative enemy designs, which gave the game a distinct look and identity.
The soundtrack was another highlight. With an impressive score, the music helped create a sense of atmosphere and immersion, enhancing each stage and easing some of my frustrations with the gameplay.
Conclusion: An Acquired Taste
In the end, Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah wasn’t for me. I found the game tedious and challenging in ways that detracted from the fun. Yet, it’s clear the developers put considerable effort into creating an original world and story backed by a strong soundtrack and imaginative visuals. This game will likely appeal to players who relish problem-solving, have the patience for repeated level attempts, and enjoy overcoming intricate challenges.
So, while I personally struggled with Fate of Fire: Kyvedy Guardiah, I can still see how it might resonate with other players, particularly those who thrive in challenging, unconventional games. It’s a game with heart and originality, and if you’re open to supporting indie developers and exploring new gameplay experiences, you might just find something special here.
Final Verdict: I Like It (with Caution)
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