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Pyre

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

2017

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, RPG, Visual Novel, Sports, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableJul 25, 2017

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperSupergiant Games

Overview

A party-based RPG/visual novel/sports game hybrid wherein the player, dubbed the Reader for their literacy by the group of scavengers who discovers them, is sent in exile to a lawless wasteland called the Downside and has to lead their ever-growing party of misfits to locations wherein many similar parties compete in Rites in order to attain freedom and be absolved of their crimes.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Pyre received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, who praised its depth, character development, and unique world-building. Critics such as USgamer, GameCrate, and God is a Geek highlighted the captivating narrative, well-written characters, and emotional engagement that the story of Pyre offers. The game's setting in the Downside, a purgatorial realm where exiles compete in mystical competitions known as the Rites to earn their freedom, was commended for its originality and intriguing premise. The rich lore exploration, intricate storytelling, and the player's role in shaping the narrative were also lauded by reviewers like COGconnected and Polygon. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about the predictability of the story, pacing issues, and repetitive elements. PC Gamer and Multiplayer.it mentioned that the narrative of Pyre can feel stagnant or lose momentum after a certain point, making it less engaging for some players. Additionally, PCWorld and New Game Network criticized the game for telegraphing twists early on and the slow pacing that could make the lore-heavy exposition tedious for some. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story of Pyre remained positive, with many critics acknowledging its strengths in character development, world-building, and emotional impact. In conclusion, the general consensus among critics is that the story of Pyre is a standout feature of the game, with its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and rich lore earning praise from a majority of reviewers. The game's unique premise, emotional depth, and player-driven storytelling were highlighted as key strengths by critics such as DualShockers and Eurogamer Italy. While some critics pointed out minor flaws in pacing and predictability, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the positive, with the majority of reviewers appreciating the depth and complexity of the story in Pyre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praised Pyre for its captivating narrative, well-written characters, and unique world-building in the purgatorial realm of the Downside. While some noted issues with predictability and pacing, the majority lauded its depth, emotional impact, and player-driven storytelling, making it a standout feature of the game according to the general consensus.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Pyre has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many critics praise the strategic depth and unique blend of gameplay elements in Pyre. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Digital Chumps highlight the depth and variety of strategies available in the Rites, with each character bringing unique abilities that add layers of complexity to the gameplay. TheSixthAxis and Eurogamer Italy commend the strategic decision-making required in the Rites, which challenges players to think strategically and engage with the compelling narrative. The innovative core gameplay, combining action-RPG and sports elements, as mentioned by Digital Trends, is also appreciated for offering a fresh and engaging experience. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of the gameplay in Pyre. PCWorld and BaziCenter mention the repetitive gameplay loop in the Rites, with matches becoming predictable and lacking complexity over time. PC Gamer points out that controlling characters in the Rites is not as responsive as desired, impacting the overall gameplay experience. The struggle to balance gameplay with text-heavy elements, as noted by BaziCenter, can also lead to player fatigue and make them feel more like readers than active participants. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pyre offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that combines elements of sports games, RPGs, and visual novels. While the game excels in providing strategic depth, character abilities, and compelling narrative choices, some critics raise concerns about the repetitive nature of the gameplay and the balance between gameplay and storytelling. Despite these criticisms, Pyre is praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and the challenging yet rewarding nature of the Rites. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Game Revolution appreciate the depth and variety in character abilities and strategies, making Pyre a standout title in the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are divided on Pyre's gameplay, with praise for its strategic depth and unique blend of elements, but concerns about repetitiveness and responsiveness. The game combines action-RPG and sports elements, offering a fresh experience. While some find the gameplay loop predictable and lacking complexity, others commend the strategic decision-making and character abilities. Despite criticisms, Pyre stands out for its innovative mechanics and challenging gameplay in the Rites.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Pyre, highlighting its stunning and captivating art style. App Trigger commended the well-crafted visuals with bright and contrasting colors that create a visually appealing world, while CGMagazine and Digital Chumps praised the stunning character portraits and landscapes that immerse players in a colorful and beautiful fantasy world. DualShockers went as far as to say that Pyre's visuals bring its fantastical world to life, surpassing even Supergiant's previous titles, showcasing lush animations and incredible art style that make the game believable and tangible. The Digital Fix also noted the captivating aesthetic with a vibrant and varied landscape, emphasizing the visual treat that Pyre offers to players. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did mention minor issues with the visual design of Pyre. Digital Chumps pointed out interface issues and text readability concerns that slightly impacted the overall visual experience. Worth Playing mentioned the lack of variety in facial artwork for the cast as a potential area for improvement. These critiques, however, were minor in comparison to the overall praise for the game's visuals. The slight inconsistencies in character stills mentioned by App Trigger were also noted but did not detract significantly from the overall high quality of the graphics and visual design. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pyre excels in its graphics and visual design, offering a visually stunning and immersive experience for players. The game's unique art style, vibrant colors, detailed environments, and captivating character designs were widely praised, with critics like Eurogamer Italy highlighting the stunning artwork that contributes to a visually stunning game with exceptional character design. The blend of Eastern and Western influences in the art style, as noted by We Got This Covered, adds to the game's distinctive and marvellously vivid aesthetic. Pyre's visuals were described as jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, enthralling, and gorgeous by various critics, showcasing the high level of praise and admiration for the game's graphics and visual presentation. Overall, Pyre's graphics and visual design were a standout feature that contributed significantly to the game's appeal and immersive storytelling experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praise Pyre's graphics, highlighting stunning art style, vibrant colors, and captivating character designs. Minor critiques include interface issues and lack of facial artwork variety, but overall, the visuals are jaw-dropping and immersive, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and storytelling experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Pyre, highlighting it as a standout aspect of the game. Darren Korb's musical score was widely acclaimed for its ability to enhance the atmosphere and overall experience of the game. App Trigger noted that the music blended elements from Bastion and Transistor with folk-style music, creating a strong musical score that envelops players in Pyre's world. Critics such as Game Informer and Game Revolution emphasized how the music worked in harmony with the game's narration and art, creating a singular identity for Pyre. The eclectic and folky soundtrack was commended for complementing the gameplay and enhancing the overall atmosphere, as mentioned by CGMagazine. While the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Pyre was overwhelmingly positive, there were some minor criticisms raised by a few critics. RPGamer mentioned that while the soundtrack was fantastic, it was not as strong as previous Supergiant Games titles like Bastion and Transistor. Additionally, IGN Italia pointed out that while the soundtrack by Darren Korb was excellent, it may not be as memorable as some of his previous works. These critiques suggest that while the music in Pyre was highly regarded, it may not have reached the same level of impact as some of the composer's earlier compositions. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Pyre were exceptional, with the majority of reviewers praising the game's musical score and how it enhanced the overall experience. Critics such as GameSpot and Eurogamer Italy highlighted the captivating and diverse soundtrack that stayed with players long after the game. The seamless integration of music with gameplay, emotional depth, and thematic relevance were consistently mentioned as strengths of Pyre's sound design. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the memorability of the music compared to previous titles, the overwhelming positive reception from critics solidifies Pyre's sound design and music as a significant highlight of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Pyre's standout sound design and music, praising Darren Korb's score for enhancing the game's atmosphere. The eclectic soundtrack blended folk elements with previous works, creating a captivating experience. While some critics felt it didn't surpass Korb's earlier compositions, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the music's seamless integration with gameplay and emotional depth. Pyre's sound design and music are hailed as significant highlights of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Pyre has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. App Trigger appreciates the minimal yet effective approach to voice acting in the game, noting that characters mumbling their native tongue while text appears on the screen adds to the overall atmosphere. New Game Network highlights Logan Cunningham's performance as The Voice, praising his versatility and distinct portrayal compared to his previous roles in Supergiant Games' titles. Eurogamer Italy also commends the voice acting, specifically mentioning Cunningham's top-notch delivery. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limited voice acting in Pyre. TheSixthAxis points out the lack of substantial voice work in the game, with only brief voiced introductions for each Rite. This minimal approach may lead to a disconnect for players looking for more immersive character interactions. Additionally, BaziCenter notes that the characters speak in an unspecified language, which may hinder the overall engagement for those expecting fully voiced dialogues. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive view of the voice acting in Pyre. While there are criticisms regarding the minimalistic approach and lack of full voice acting for all characters, the standout performances, such as Logan Cunningham's portrayal of The Voice, are widely praised. The unique blend of mumbling in native tongues, fantasy languages, and English voice work adds depth to the game's narrative and world-building, enhancing the overall experience for players. Despite some minor drawbacks, the voice acting in Pyre is generally considered a strong aspect that contributes to the game's immersive storytelling and character development.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Pyre, with some praising the minimalistic approach and standout performances like Logan Cunningham's, while others criticize the limited voice work and lack of fully voiced dialogues. Overall, the voice acting adds depth to the game's narrative and world-building, despite some drawbacks.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics noted some positive aspects. App Trigger and IGN Italia highlighted smooth performance on the PS4 Pro, with no significant technical issues affecting gameplay. Hardcore Gamer also mentioned that the game was technically sound, with only a few instances of frame drops. These comments suggest that Pyre generally runs well on the PS4, providing a solid gaming experience for players on this platform. On the other hand, several critics pointed out negative aspects of the technical performance on the PS4. CGMagazine and PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned occasional frame hiccups and minor performance issues that, while present, did not significantly impact the overall experience. However, Digital Chumps and Push Square highlighted more significant problems such as frame drops during intense moments, interface issues, and framerate stutters, which detracted from the gameplay experience. This indicates that while some technical issues were manageable, others were more pronounced and could potentially affect player enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Pyre on various platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers like Hardcore Gamer and IGN Italia found the game to be technically solid with minimal issues, others such as Digital Chumps and Push Square noted more significant technical problems that impacted the overall experience. The need for a patch to address frame drops and interface issues, as suggested by App Trigger, CGMagazine, and Digital Chumps, indicates that there is room for improvement in optimizing the game's performance across different platforms. Despite these technical drawbacks, the general sentiment is that Pyre still offers an engaging gameplay experience, albeit with some technical hiccups that players may need to overlook to fully enjoy the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed feelings about Pyre's technical performance on the PS4. While some found it to run smoothly with minor issues, others noted significant problems like frame drops and interface issues that detracted from gameplay. Overall, there's a consensus that Pyre could use some optimization through patches to improve the gaming experience on different platforms. Despite these technical hiccups, Pyre still offers engaging gameplay that players may need to overlook to fully enjoy.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Pyre are generally positive, highlighting various aspects that contribute to the game's potential for multiple playthroughs. Critics like App Trigger, Destructoid, and Digital Chumps commend the branching plotlines, diverse strategies in Rites, and the ability to make important choices that impact the story. The inclusion of multiple endings, opportunities for exploration, and different squad arrangements also add to the replayability factor. The presence of a local versus mode, as noted by Game Informer and PlayStation Universe, provides an avenue for competitive play and adds another layer of engagement for players seeking to revisit the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns that could potentially limit the replay value of Pyre. Hardcore Gamer criticizes the minimal impact decisions and repetitive gameplay structure, suggesting that the lack of significant decisions may not inspire players to replay the game. IGN Italia mentions that the gameplay complexity and limited accessibility to a broader audience could hinder the game's appeal for multiple playthroughs. PC Gamer and PCWorld highlight the repetitive nature of the gameplay loop and the short length of the game as factors that may deter players from engaging in repeated experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Pyre offering substantial replay value, with its branching paths, diverse character interactions, and strategic depth being key factors in enticing players to explore the game multiple times. Critics like Game Revolution, GameSpew, and TheSixthAxis appreciate the game's ability to evolve in a cyclical fashion, providing incentives for players to make different choices and track their progress. While concerns about repetitive gameplay and limited online multiplayer options exist, the majority of critics acknowledge Pyre's strengths in offering a compelling and engaging experience that encourages replayability through its narrative depth and gameplay variety.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics largely praise Pyre for its strong replay value, citing branching plotlines, diverse strategies, and impactful choices that lead to multiple playthroughs. The game's multiple endings, exploration opportunities, and local versus mode add layers of engagement. Some critics raise concerns about repetitive gameplay and limited decision impact, but overall, Pyre is seen as a compelling and engaging experience with narrative depth and gameplay variety that encourages repeated play.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics, it is evident that Pyre received a significant amount of praise for various aspects of the game. Critics such as Easy Allies, Game Informer, and Game Revolution highlighted the unique blend of storytelling and gameplay that Pyre offers. The engaging narrative, captivating characters, and stunning visuals were consistently commended by reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and DualShockers. The game's art direction, music, and world-building were particularly lauded, with critics like Washington Post and GameSpot emphasizing the quality of the writing and strategic gameplay. The overall consensus among the majority of critics is that Pyre excels in delivering a memorable and immersive gaming experience, standing out as a standout title in the indie game landscape. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns and criticisms regarding certain aspects of Pyre. PC Gamer and PCWorld noted issues with the repetitive nature of the gameplay, particularly in the Rites, and the lack of evolution in combat mechanics. Similarly, Multiplayer.it and Twinfinite highlighted AI shortcomings, repetitiveness, and underdeveloped character progression as areas of improvement for the game. Technical issues, lack of online multiplayer, and pacing problems were also mentioned by reviewers like App Trigger and New Game Network as potential drawbacks that could impact the overall experience for players. Despite some criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics leans heavily towards a positive evaluation of Pyre. The game's strengths in storytelling, world-building, visuals, and music were widely recognized and celebrated. Critics like RPG Site and PlayStation LifeStyle went as far as calling Pyre a masterpiece and a Supergiant Games' best title yet. The majority of reviewers found Pyre to be a unique and engaging experience that offers a fresh take on the RPG genre, blending sports elements with a compelling narrative. While there were some areas for improvement highlighted by certain critics, the general sentiment is that Pyre is a standout game that is well Worth Playing for those looking for a thought-provoking and immersive gaming experience.

TL;DR

Critics widely praise Pyre for its unique blend of storytelling and gameplay, captivating characters, stunning visuals, and immersive world-building. While some reviewers noted issues like repetitive gameplay and AI shortcomings, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Many critics consider Pyre a masterpiece and a standout title in the indie game landscape, offering a fresh take on the RPG genre. Despite some flaws, Pyre delivers a memorable and engaging gaming experience worth playing for its compelling narrative and innovative approach.

CRITIK

Reviews

111 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Jul 27, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is one of the best games of the year, with a standout story, mechanics, and world.

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100

Game Revolution

PlayStation 4

Jul 27, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is praised as a game-changer, a strong contender for best indie game of the year, and potentially competing for Game of the Year, offering a unique and engaging experience.

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DualShockers

PlayStation 4

Jul 25, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is a unique and thought-provoking title with addicting gameplay, emotional depth, and exceptional presentation. It stands out as one of the most unique titles of the year, showcasing Supergiant Games' ability to craft memorable experiences.

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RPG Site

PlayStation 4

Jul 31, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Pyre is Supergiant's best title yet and highly recommends it, emphasizing that it shouldn't be missed.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Jul 31, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is an amazingly made game with engaging gameplay, interesting characters, beautiful graphics, and an engaging soundtrack. While it has some repetitive elements, the overall experience is enjoyable and worth the time, offering a perfect balance of challenge and engagement.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Jul 25, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is a fascinatingly unique concoction of ideas that stands out as a masterpiece. The game's originality, world building, interesting characters, outstanding artwork, and strong storytelling make it an excellent experience despite some technical issues.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Jul 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is an imaginative and fantastical adventure. It casts aside the trappings of an action RPG and offers a unique real-time tactical gameplay experience. The game's story, characters, art style, and music are all highlights. The combat mechanics may take time to grasp, and there is a noticeable jump in difficulty, but overall, Pyre is a highly enjoyable game.

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Slant Magazine

PlayStation 4

Jul 28, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is remarkably easy and enjoyable to play, with artful reflection on the nature of playing a game.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Jul 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Pyre is a superb game, well worth your time.