Pyre Reviews
Although I wasn't quite as attached to the characters as I had hoped, I did appreciate the medley of personalities and felt the world and its customs were admirably orchestrated within everyone's backstory. It might not be for everyone, but Pyre delivers on its fun gameplay in a way that beautifully illustrates the struggles of redemption and what it means to gain true freedom.
With a unique core game design and gorgeous presentation, 'Pyre' is our favorite Supergiant game yet.
Supergiant Games continue to burn brightly as an independent studio, with Pyre being their latest imaginative and fantastical adventure. It casts aside many of the trappings of an action RPG from Bastion and Transistor in favour of something more akin to a real time tactical game, wrapping its fast paced and often fraught battles up in a world and cast of characters that gradually draw you into its cyclical tale.
It feels disingenuous to even try and write words about Pyre, another Supergiant masterpiece. I don't feel that my prose can even begin to match the resplendent beauty that permeates this journey through the Downside. If only that I could stand there in front of the Scribesgate once more listening to the Lone Minstrel and the Gate Guardian sing the hymn as the Rites commence once more. For as amazing Pyre was, I'll just have to find myself exiled once more to find freedom in the flame.
Supergiant Games just gave us another gem: despite some verbose sections and the amount of text to read (that can be overwhelming at times), Pyre has a sophisticated art direction, a compelling and charming story, and an original and unique take on the RPG genre.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Pyre is an admirable attempt to create a new hybrid -- part sports, part RPG -- but only one of the game's halves is a true success. Surprisingly, that's the sports half. Pyre's world is an enticing one, it just isn't conveyed in the best way.
Pyre is a unique game that clearly targets a very narrow audience. A mix of different elements and dynamic rituals is very addictive, but as soon as there is practically nothing left on the field, except for battles, Pyre can get you bored. But trying a game is still worth it. Not so often you find something so unusual.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Pyre marks Supergiant Games' third consecutive masterpiece. A bizarre blend of genres creates an excitingly original title aided by incredible world building and one of the most consistently interesting casts of characters we've ever seen assembled. This is all further enhanced by some outstanding artwork. Framerate issues and the odd difficulty spike detract from the overall experience, but can't prevent this outing from achieving excellence.
After a bumpy start with its combat, Pyre lives up to its predecessors with its rich lore, stunning art design, and interactive narrative. With the choices that you carry out altering the story, Pyre's diverse cast of characters in such an imaginative world makes it one to return to after you beat it, possibly again and again.
Pyre's world is full of dynamic characters with unique motivations, darkly vibrant backdrops that look like paintings, and a soundtrack that you'll be humming for days, weeks, even months to come. It might be slow to start, but once it picks up it never looks back. The Rites are exciting and addictive, and you'll always want to play “just one more round.” Even when the game is over, you'll want to have at least one more round through the whole thing, just to see how things might turn out differently. Pyre is an admirable addition to both Supergiant's repertoire and any gamer's collection.
Pyre teaches you to fight tirelessly for your freedom, but to question the definition of that freedom as well. I like the sports-combat a little more each time I play. And Pyre fetishizes the tools of the writer's trade, but more importantly focuses on the art and dialogue of good storytelling.
If you only consider its narrative, art direction, music and lore, Pyre is absolulety gorgeous. But its "combat" mechanic just doesn't succeed in being totally fun.
Review in French | Read full review
Pyre has an interesting combat system, though it does become a tad repetitive. The beautiful visuals and audio more than make up for any shortcomings.
Almost every element ties into the game's overarching theme, which calls into question rules and tradition.
Pyre is a picturesque little masterpiece that impresses with its dense atmosphere as well as with its gameplay qualities.
Review in German | Read full review
Pyre is a fun, deep and strategic game with a gorgeous aesthetic. But it's the way the music and themes stick with you long after the credits roll that really makes it a worthwhile experience.
Pyre is an audiovisual delight, with a mesmerizing, painterly art-style which is further complemented by some excellent, tactical gameplay, too. Simply put, it's a magical symphony of the senses.
Pyre is a diamond in the rough. Its sense of adventure and novel Rites are ultimately held back from realizing their full potential by a campaign that feels drawn out, static teammates, and easy enemy AI. There's plenty to love here, and Pyre will most definitely worm its way into the hearts of many, but it doesn't quite top Bastion as Supergiants' crowning achievement.