Bound by Flame

Bound by flame is a fantasy action RPG. Playing it was the fun experience, but the game is far from impressive. I wouldn't even call it good. The story is pretty straightforward, almost whole of Vertiel is conquered by a Nercromancers called Ice Lords. You play as a members of Freeborn Blades, the mercenary groups which was hired by Red Scribes, the group of magic users who plans to perform ritual which can turn the tide of the war, but it didn't go as planned and as a result you gained pretty awesome powers, but on the other hand demon is trying to take over his body.

Gameplay rely mostly on slashing or burning hordes of undead and/or icy enemies. It is quite fun, although the game could be difficult at times. But I also have to mention that there are some problems with hitboxes, sometimes you are getting hit when opponents should miss. For most of the time it is just minor annoyance, but during last fight it could be really infuriating (it's not especially hard, but it is really long), also protagonist reacts really late in some instances (like getting up for example), it could lead to his dead. Also companions...you can give them orders, but they are dying quite often and they are pretty useless during the fights.

The fact that choosing to let demon have more power over you influences the gameplay is a very nice idea, although it could be utilized more. But it is still a nice touch when choices affect gameplay (end even the endings) this way, that idea definite deserves praise.

The characters we meet are nothing special, they are rather stereotypical: sarcastic sorceress, naive scholar, etc. And although there are some talking in game it's hard to build a real bond with them. To be honest I don't remember anything special about them, besides one thing about Mathras he is really old and few sarcastic remarks of Edwen. I think that it could be resolved by creating some companion's quests.

As for technical side of things, the game is absolutely playable on keyboard+mouse which is a really good thing (it is unrelated, but it's a little surprising that in this game you can't. jump). Sound and visuals are...OK for 2014 game, I guess. Nothing special, but they are not hideous or annoying.

All in all Bound by flame is a decent game. It is not very long and it's obvious that it was made with rather low budget, but playing it is pretty fun.