The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands video game, developed by Xigma Games, was recently released on iOS, Android, PC and Mac. The game represents an interesting take on the strategy genre, with an entirely new take on the concept, a cryptic atmosphere and very little explanation given to the player, which contributes to its appeal. At first glance, the game doesn't look very good, but like the Bonfire that attracts drifters, this title could potentially attract a rally.
Development and reception
This title is both developed and published by Xigma Games. They are an award winning studio that supports titles such as Rubek and Super Nano Jumpers. They released The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands for a variety of platforms mentioned earlier. What's interesting is that the basic mechanics of the game are such that very little adaptation is needed, at least from a player's point of view. On Google Play the game scored 4.1 stars on Steam, it received mixed reviews. However, the game is only free until 'Day 7' on Android, which is too short a period for you to fully appreciate its splendor. However, it was enough to experience its basic addicting gameplay and we liked it.
The history
The plot and gameplay of this game are not separate at all. The player is represented by a single entity in a game, a human, who lights a bonfire in the middle of nowhere. As the weather continues to worsen against you, the fire attracts 'lost souls' as they are called by the game's cryptic introductory message, which goes like this:
"When the big star falls, the sea will rise
The sleeping god will wake up
Only the ancient titan can defeat him
And send it back to the depths where it came from
Find a land and light the bonfire
For he will beckon lost souls
Seek the wisdom of the elders
And you will gain the strength of the Titans ”
The gameplay
Suffice it to say, this game really does create a weirdly addicting experience. As you light your fire and start building your colony, drifters from all around come to join you. You then configure them with different roles and tasks, such as collecting wood or monitoring. By the way, keeping your camp is very important because wolves and other beasts will attack at night when your workers are sleeping. The player-controlled character is the only one who never sleeps, oddly enough. However, if the cryptic prophecy is true, he aspires to become the Titan.
As your encampment grows, you evolve your methods, build iron weapons, employ more and more people, and get stronger. In this way, this game becomes a kind of Civ emulation, in real time with strange gameplay. Talking about other stages of the game would ruin your experience, but let's just say it's totally worth it.
Graphics and appearance
The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands uses a basic 2D environment, with minimalist models and animations. The game is sort of like old Japanese minimalist art or a comic book. The character models and everything you see looks like a cardboard cutout that moves, but you'll quickly appreciate this simplistic design as your city expands and the game gains traction. A "Pause" button has also been added for later stages of the game, when you have too many tasks to complete to help you in one instant.
Verdict
The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands will surprise you. Its gameplay is addictive, its action revolving in a minimalist environment, but with maximum performance. In fact, for a game that looks so simple, you'll be surprised how immersive and rewarding the experience can become. And, when paired with the fact that there's also an underlying motive behind a prophecy you're following and a story unfolding behind the scenes, then you'll have a great time playing a video game. We recommend that you try at least the first 7 days for free on Android, on Steam it costs around $ 10.
Atmosphere 8
Graphics 7
Gameplaz 7
