Ember
Jan 21, 2020 7 years ago
A passion project 10 years in the making, Ember is a homage to classic role-playing games (RPG). Enter the world of Ember as a resurrected “Lightbringer” summoned to protect the dying Embers as the world is on the brink of collapse. Beginning in the Deep Barrows, traverse vast environments divided between aboveground and underground realms – ranging from lush forests to dry deserts and dark abysses – to reach the City of Light. See how the story unfolds through encounters with strangers by making pivotal decisions about your own destiny.
What it’s like
Ember attempts to channel the spirit of early isometric RPGs like Fallout or Baldur’s Gate, placing you in a dying world where you must guide the Lightbringer through diverse biomes. The experience is defined by its charming, albeit simplistic, execution rather than mechanical complexity. While the narrative and leveling systems are straightforward, the game compensates with an absorbing sense of atmosphere and distinct visual flair that makes exploration genuinely engaging. It features a pausable real-time combat loop and various mini-games like alchemy and cooking, but these feel more like decorative elements than deep systems. The world-building is the strongest pillar, offering a cozy, tablet-optimized interface that prioritizes accessibility over depth. It serves as a gentle introduction to the genre for newcomers, providing a pleasant, low-stakes adventure where the joy lies in wandering the map and encountering whimsical creatures rather than mastering intricate strategies or complex storytelling.
Strong in Exploration / World
Keep in mind The game suffers from shallow mechanics and 'rough' combat that may frustrate players seeking strategic depth or challenge. Its tablet-centric design philosophy can make it feel overly simplistic or lacking in substance for veterans of the RPG genre.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from opencritic.com, gameknightly.com, metacritic.com, reddit.com, honestgamers.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 09, 201610 years ago |
| iOS | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 14, 201610 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Jan 21, 20207 years ago |
