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CRITIK

Born of Bread

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Born of Bread
Item: Born of Bread
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableDec 5, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperWildArts Studio Inc.

Overview

Play as a flour golem who possesses a never-ending childlike wonder and a set of odd abilities. Team-up with a colorful cast of characters, explore the different regions of a wonderful world ripe with mysteries and engage in a fun and quirky turn-based combat system.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Born of Bread are quite diverse. Some critics, such as GameGrin, Oyungezer, Softpedia, Tech-Gaming, Worth Playing, and Pocket Tactics, appreciate the lighthearted and humorous nature of the story. They mention the charming characters, entertaining conflicts, and humorous dialogue that add to the overall enjoyment of the game. IGN Spain and Siliconera also highlight the comedic elements and the introduction of new elements and characters as the game progresses. These positive aspects of the story contribute to creating a whimsical and warm-hearted experience for players. On the other hand, several critics express more negative opinions about the story. Digitally Downloaded, RPG Fan, TheSixthAxis, and MeuPlayStation criticize the narrative for being generic, lacking personality, and lacking depth. They mention that the characters are bland, the plot points are not well-transitioned, and the overall storytelling feels stale. Finger Guns also mentions that the pacing of the story is brisk and that the world-building feels disjointed. These criticisms suggest that the story could have been more developed and engaging, with more plot development and character depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Born of Bread has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the lighthearted and humorous nature of the narrative, others find it lacking in depth and interesting characters. The positive aspects mentioned by critics include the charming dialogue, entertaining conflicts, and whimsical atmosphere. However, the negative aspects mentioned include generic storytelling, lack of character development, and disjointed pacing. It is clear that the story of Born of Bread has its merits, but it falls short in certain areas, leaving some critics wanting more from the plot and character development.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on the Story of Born of Bread: Some praise its humor and charm, while others criticize its generic plot and lack of depth. Positive aspects include charming characters and entertaining conflicts, but negative points mention bland characters and disjointed pacing. Overall, critics acknowledge the game's strengths but feel it falls short in character development and storytelling depth.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Born of Bread are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praised the turn-based combat system, with some mentioning unique abilities and mini-games that add engagement and entertainment value to the battles. GameGrin and Tech-Gaming specifically appreciated the quick and enjoyable combat mechanics, while IGN Spain and Pure Nintendo mentioned the forgiving and easily accessible nature of the combat system. The inclusion of timed button presses in combat, similar to Paper Mario, was also seen as a positive aspect by RPG Fan, Softpedia, and Siliconera. The modular progression system and exploration rewards were commended by Siliconera, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. However, there were also negative opinions regarding the gameplay. Digitally Downloaded criticized the unbalanced combat system, while Finger Guns and Checkpoint Gaming mentioned frustrating combat mechanics and camera issues that affected the overall experience. RPG Fan and Softpedia pointed out the lack of tutorials and explanations for mechanics, which hindered the understanding and enjoyment of the gameplay. CGMagazine and IGN Spain criticized the oversimplified combat and lack of strategic depth, while Checkpoint Gaming mentioned the repetitive nature of unlocking new paths through side quests. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Born of Bread offers a turn-based combat system inspired by Paper Mario, with some unique elements and engaging mechanics. The inclusion of mini-games, timed button presses, and modular progression system were seen as positive aspects that added depth and enjoyment to the gameplay. However, there were also criticisms regarding unbalanced combat, frustrating mechanics, lack of tutorials, and repetitive elements. While the game may appeal to younger players and those looking for a more relaxed RPG experience, hardcore fans of turn-based RPGs may find it lacking in depth and variety.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Born of Bread's gameplay. Positive feedback includes praise for its turn-based combat, unique abilities, and engaging mini-games. Some critics appreciated the quick combat mechanics and exploration rewards. However, there were criticisms of unbalanced combat, frustrating mechanics, and lack of tutorials. Overall, the game offers a Paper Mario-inspired combat system with both strengths and weaknesses, catering more to casual players than hardcore RPG fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Born of Bread are largely positive. Many critics praise the game for its charming and colorful art style, with various areas and characters that are visually appealing and memorable. The game's visuals are described as vibrant, cozy, and cartoon-like, reminiscent of the art style seen in Paper Mario. The character designs are often highlighted for their cuteness and distinctiveness, fitting well with the overall tone of the game. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded, GameGrin, Noisy Pixel, RPG Fan, Worth Playing, Finger Guns, GameSpew, Hobby Consolas, MeuPlayStation, and PlayStation Universe all express their admiration for the game's graphics and visual direction. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Born of Bread. Some critics mention issues with the camera, such as obstructing the screen or causing depth perception issues. The restrictive view and poor collision detection also make platforming frustrating for some players, as noted by TheSixthAxis. IGN Spain points out that the visual style can be inconsistent, with 3D environments and 2D characters that don't always match in style. Additionally, CGMagazine mentions a lack of polish in the visuals, with instances of the camera obstructing the screen and partners blinking in and out of existence. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Born of Bread has a visually appealing art style and graphics. The game's colorful and fantastic world, combined with its charming 2.5D art style and attention to detail in character models and animations, impresses many reviewers. The visuals are often praised for their vibrancy, diversity, and ability to create a natural and harmonious atmosphere. While there are some criticisms regarding camera issues and inconsistencies in the visual style, the majority of critics appreciate the game's Graphics and Visual Design, making it one of the game's strongest aspects.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics love Born of Bread's charming and colorful art style, reminiscent of Paper Mario, praising its vibrant visuals and cute character designs. Despite some camera and consistency issues, the majority admire the game's graphics for creating a fantastic and harmonious world, making it a standout feature.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Born of Bread are generally positive. Noisy Pixel describes the soundtrack as uplifting and serene in field areas, while RPG Fan praises the whimsical soundtrack that fits the game's cartoonish appearance. Finger Guns also mentions that the music is incredibly inspired and matches the aesthetic themes of the game, creating an enjoyable auditory experience. Worth Playing adds that the music in the game is quite good, with quality battle and exploration tunes that enhance the overall experience. Hobby Consolas mentions the charming soundtrack and unique battle commentary system that adds to the overall experience. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Born of Bread. Softpedia mentions that the battle sound effects are mediocre, and MeuPlayStation briefly mentions audio issues without providing much information about the overall sound design or music. CGMagazine suggests that the game could have used a more exciting level-up theme. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Born of Bread are positive aspects of the game. The soundtrack is praised for being fun, whimsical, and jaunty, adding to the adventure and emphasizing the game's enjoyable elements. The battle themes are particularly highlighted as catchy and memorable. The music is also mentioned to enhance the overall experience and create a cohesive universe. While there are some minor criticisms regarding sound effects and a lack of voice acting, the positive opinions outweigh the negative ones, indicating that the Sound Design and Music of Born of Bread are generally well-received by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Born of Bread's sound design and music for being uplifting, whimsical, and enjoyable, with catchy battle themes that enhance the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms like mediocre battle sound effects, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the fun and jaunty soundtrack that adds to the game's charm and adventure.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

47%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the Technical Performance on PC, there are mixed opinions among the critics. Noisy Pixel mentions that the game had issues with saving progress, leading to the loss of a few hours of gameplay. Tech-Gaming also experienced occasional game crashes, which can be frustrating. However, PlayStation Universe praises the smooth performance on PS5, with a rock-solid 60 frames per second and attractive visual effects. Overall, the Technical Performance on PC seems to have some issues, including save problems and crashes, but on PS5, the game runs smoothly and delivers a visually pleasing experience. On the Nintendo Switch, the Technical Performance of Born of Bread seems to be a major concern. Multiple critics, such as CGMagazine and GGRecon, mention various bugs and design choices that make the game annoying to play. Issues with triggering abilities, hard-locking, and lack of auto-save are reported. Nintendo Life encountered softlocks and bugs throughout the game, affecting the overall experience. IGN Spain mentions long loading times, bugs, and untranslated text. However, Pocket Tactics notes that the game runs smoothly on both PC and Nintendo Switch, with occasional loading times on the latter. Pure Nintendo also mentions bugs and glitches but states that they are not game-breaking. SpazioGames expects the minor bugs and technical issues encountered on the Nintendo Switch to be resolved with patches. Overall, the Technical Performance on the Nintendo Switch appears to be problematic, with multiple critics highlighting issues such as bugs, softlocks, and long loading times. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the Technical Performance of Born of Bread is mixed. While the game seems to run smoothly on PS5, with positive feedback from PlayStation Universe, the PC version has some technical issues, including crashes and save problems, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel and Tech-Gaming. On the Nintendo Switch, the Technical Performance is a major concern, with several critics reporting bugs, softlocks, and other issues that negatively impact the gameplay experience. It is worth noting that some critics mention the potential for these issues to be addressed through patches. However, the general sentiment suggests that the Technical Performance of Born of Bread is not consistent across all gaming platforms, with PS5 offering a more stable experience compared to PC and Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

technical performance

Born of Bread's Technical Performance varies across platforms. PS5 delivers smooth gameplay with 60fps, while PC faces save issues and crashes. On Nintendo Switch, bugs and design flaws hamper playability, with softlocks and long loading times reported. Critics have mixed views, acknowledging potential for improvement through patches. PS5 offers the best experience, while PC and Switch encounter technical challenges.

Replay Value

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

replay value

Description unavailable

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Born of Bread, a videogame that has garnered mixed reviews from critics, offers both positive and negative aspects. In terms of positives, several critics highlight the game's charming visuals, charismatic characters, and lighthearted humor. The colorful game world, likable characters, and witty dialogues are particularly praised by critics such as SpazioGames and Pure Nintendo. The game's music is also commended by Finger Guns and Pocket Tactics. Additionally, Born of Bread is often seen as a solid RPG experience, with Hobby Consolas and Noisy Pixel mentioning its appeal to fans of classic RPGs and newcomers to the genre. However, the game is not without its flaws. Many critics mention technical issues and bugs, which hinder the overall experience. IGN Spain and GGRecon both note the presence of these problems, while Worth Playing suggests that the game's technical issues and lack of polish make it difficult to recommend in its current state. Repetitive combat is another criticism mentioned by Softpedia and TheSixthAxis, which can limit enjoyment for some players. The game's story is also criticized for being basic and stale, as mentioned by Finger Guns and TheSixthAxis. Lack of convenience features, confusing level designs, and incomplete combat are additional negative aspects highlighted by RPG Fan and IGN Spain. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While some reviewers highly recommend Born of Bread, such as GameGrin and Oyungezer, others find it lacking in certain areas. The game's positives, such as its charm, humor, and engaging gameplay, are often acknowledged. However, the presence of technical issues, repetitive combat, and underdeveloped story prevent it from reaching its full potential. The game may appeal to fans of the genre, particularly those looking for a Paper Mario-like experience, but it may not satisfy those seeking a truly magical RPG adventure, as noted by RPG Fan. Ultimately, Born of Bread is a game that offers enjoyment and entertainment, but it falls short of being a standout title due to its flaws and limitations.

TL;DR

Born of Bread, a game with mixed reviews, charms players with its visuals, characters, and humor, earning praise from some critics. However, technical issues, repetitive combat, and a basic story hold it back. While some recommend it for RPG fans, others feel it falls short of its potential. Overall, Born of Bread offers enjoyment but struggles to stand out due to its flaws.

CRITIK

Reviews

48 reviews found

GameGrin

Dec 4, 2023