"A Solid 3D Platformer"
Blue Fire isn’t a very long experience. If you’re looking for a 3D platformer with some fun movement abilities, give this one a shot! My only qualm with it is navigation. This game reminds me of how 2D Legend of Zelda games set up their environments. There are several towns/settlements to visit that serve as hub areas. From these locations you can traverse several paths that are sprinkled with items and challenges. Eventually you’ll find dungeons that give a key ability needed to complete the dungeon and also allow you to explore previously unreachable areas.
Blue Fire lacks a map. This isn’t so bad since the game isn’t that big, but many locations blend in with each other. There aren’t enough environmental details to make important places stand out. If you’re not the type to thoroughly scan an environment you can absolutely miss something important. As a result, you’ll be running around in circles trying to figure out what you need to do. With some better environmental design this issue could have been avoided.
That is basically my only big complaint about Blue Fire. The movement is pretty nice and there’s plenty of ways the game will challenge your skill with the movement. There are combat mechanics too, although, the combat takes a backseat to the platforming. One thing I do like about the combat is that you can chain it into your movement options if you’re adept enough.
The narrative isn’t very deep here. While it stays fairly vague about its world, the well isn’t deep. It’s a straightforward plot that is easy to follow. The dialogue from some of the characters are fun, but there’s nothing to get attached to here. The gameplay speaks more than anything else in this game.
Definitely worth playing from beginning to end.