The game, from the very beginning, tries to bring a dark fantasy atmosphere, much like other souls-like games. While the creator is only one person, it is obvious that this person has put a lot of effort into making this world.
World and Story
The world is quite simple - humans are gone, demons and undead are in charge, and darkness is everywhere. But hope remains in the high mountains of Selender, where the last flame of hope still burns.
You are the last bearer of this hope, tasked with carrying this hope to different lands to bring balance to places overrun by darkness. While this is a simple concept, it is quite effective for this kind of game.
There are five different locations, each with their unique enemies, unique weapons, and unique stories told by NPCs and side quests. These are different kingdoms, each overrun by darkness in their own way.
Gameplay
The gameplay is quite simple - close combat, exploration, and character development are the main features here. You fight monsters in different places, collect gear, weapons, and items that can be used to fight stronger enemies.
There are many types of gear, ranging from melee to bow-type weapons. While the NPCs do give side quests, this is also a great way to add additional story to this ruined world.
The main loop is as follows:
- Explore new locations
- Fight monsters
- Get new gear and items
- Level up your character
- Go to the next location
It works, and the game is good overall, although it has some problems.
Combat functions, but the feedback from attacks feels limited. Hits connect, yet the impact of combat can feel somewhat floaty. Animations and enemy reactions do not always provide the strong physical feedback that makes action combat clunky.
Design and Presentation
It looks good artistically and has a great dark atmosphere. The world, the armor, and the monsters fit the dark fantasy genre.
The game has some inconsistencies at the start, although. Character choices at the start suggest different warrior types with unique armor, but in actual gameplay the differences are less noticeable than expected. This reduces the sense of identity between characters.
It looks great for the dark fantasy genre, and as an indie game, the style is ambitious and shows the developer’s dedication to making it.
Technical Issues
It has some technical issues and unfinished game mechanics.
The progress systems do not work as they should, and some parts, such as character progression and equipment management, do not work as they should. The enemy AI can retreat in the middle of battle, which is not great.
Overall Impression
It’s a game that has a lot of love and care put into it, and the design is great. The dark fantasy genre, the Bearer and the Last Flame concept, and the dark lands concept are great.
It’s a great dark fantasy game as an indie game, and it has the potential to be a full game with many locations, monsters, NPCs, and quests.
However, the mechanical and technical issues remain the problem. Further work is required on the mechanical and technical aspects before it can reach its full potential.