DEEPENING FIRE

There has been no shortage of incredible action games in recent years. Some have come out and defied all expectations, and others have released to less acclaim than they had probably planned for. However, developers continue to create and innovate within the genre, and a new game called Deepening Fire is proof of that fact.

One of those innovative developers in VeryBigDog, who is responsible for the side-scrolling action game Deepening Fire. Along with their publisher, ETime Studio, they have created a game that takes all of the lessons learned from other games in the genre, while adding a few of its own tricks to keep things interesting.

If you’re looking for an action game with beautiful 2D art, a side-scrolling perspective, and deep combat mechanics, then Deepening Fire might just be what you’re looking for. If you’re itching to learn more, here is everything you need to know about Deepening Fire.

A World on the Brink of Destruction

Deepening Fire takes place in a world that has suffered through an age of violence and wrath. Family homes now lie in ruin, castles are deteriorating, and the walking corpses of those who fought in many vicious battles now roam freely. This isn’t Dark Souls, but it kind of feels like it!

This world is begging for a hero, but who could be strong enough to save it? You’ll take control of an armor-clad character known simply as “Knight”, and step up to the plate to attempt to be that hero. You’ll face all kinds of unspeakable horrors, but your resolve might just help you overcome them.

Non-Linear Exploration

As you progress through Deepening Fire’s story, you’ll slowly begin to see more and more of the damaged world Knight inhabits. These areas take the form of large, well-designed maps that are full of mystery as well as danger. Avoid falling into traps while you hunt for secret items.

With a sharp enough eye, you might even stumble onto a few hidden levels. These extra challenges offer you a chance to test your skills while possibly rewarding you handsomely for the effort. These rewards will usually come in the form of equipment, which is desperately needed to progress.

Character Customization and Combat

The core gameplay of Deepening Fire is of course the tight, gratifying combat. The game makes use of something it calls the “Firebrands System”. This system makes perfect blocks incredibly powerful, so learning the correct timing to achieve those results is crucial.

Pros

• An endearing yet unsettling art style
• Combat is fluid and impactful while remaining easy to pick up
• The story has plenty of twists and turns, multiple endings are a nice touch
• Multi-stage boss fights are a staple of the genre and are well-implemented here

Cons

• Some might find the graphics too simplistic
• Slight learning curve to mastering the combat mechanics