Born of Bread, a striking new RPG developed by WildArts Studio that is being published by Dear Villagers, serves up a lovely-looking adventure on all major systems, including the PlayStation 5. Embodying the peculiar heroics of Loaf, a ‘sentient bread golem’, the game unfolds in a kingdom faced with chaos caused by mischievous demons released from an archaeological dig gone awry. While the official description of the game brims with superlatives, the bulk of the game’s charm lies in its unique narrative and quirky gameplay, coupled with a great visual style.
In terms of narrative, Born of Bread treads a path that feels familiar yet distinct. Loaf’s creation by a baker, his adoption as a son, and the ensuing clash with demons provide the kind of silly backdrop that is well suited for an adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The humorous undertones permeate the story, allowing players to explore a world where adults look down a little on younger characters, addressing serious issues in a lighthearted manner. The characters are mostly well-written, add depth to the story through their personalities and personal issues and challenges.
The gameplay mechanics seamlessly blend exploration and turn-based battles. The controls, which are easy to pick up, guide players through a mostly casual gaming experience with mild to moderate challenges. The ladle-wielding protagonist Loaf can uncover secrets, engage in light platforming, and interact with a charmingly oddball cast of characters. The game’s turn-based combat introduces a twist with an interactive system requiring button prompts for successful attacks. Boss fights raise the difficulty, but the game ensures players are adequately prepared and Born of Bread was never frustrating in that sense.
Born of Bread introduces a unique element to turn-based combat with a live-streaming feature where a dragon friend, Dub, streams battles to a fictional audience. Fulfilling chat requests in real-time adds a layer of strategy, providing rewards and making battles more engaging – while adding a very contemporary touch. The game’s flexibility allows players to adapt to the battle system, ensuring a balance between challenge and accessibility.
The visuals of Born of Bread contribute significantly to its appeal. The paper-like character sprites and vibrant environments create a charming aesthetic reminiscent of classic cartoons. But while the mixed 2D and 3D elements look great, they sometimes pose mild challenges in navigation and platforming. And although we saw a few visual glitches here and there, the overall visual delivery is excellent, and makes Born of Bread stand out from the crowd. The game’s soundtrack complements its visuals, featuring retro-style music during battles and more uplifting scores during exploration.
Born of Bread emerges as a feel-good RPG, perfect for players seeking a more casual experience. While its formulaic RPG elements may not break new ground, the game’s unique narrative, endearing characters, and interactive combat system provide a slice of gaming joy. Despite minor navigational issues and occasional bugs, Born of Bread stands out as a charming addition to the RPG genre, offering a genuinely delightful adventure that is recommended for players of all ages.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 