I don’t think Nintendo realizes what it’s created with the Paper Mario series. Not only has it provided a neat little twist on the role-playing genre, but it’s actually made it a little more fun, not to mention accessible. Not to say that Final Fantasy VII isn’t worth its weight in gold, but it’s a little easier for players of all ages – and skills – to partake in, and doesn’t overcomplicate with its battle system.
What’s more, as we wait for that awesome Thousand Year Door remake on Switch next year, it’s inspired a number of indie devs to try their hand at the formula. As if Bug Fables wasn’t enough, now we have Born of Bread, a charming little adventure featuring a doughboy that’s got nothing to do with Pillsbury.
It does have a few minor technical hiccups, but brushing those aside, what awaits is a charming little story that has no trouble rising to the occasion.
Bread At the Right Time
The game focuses on Loaf, an unexpected hero brought to life by a queen. And what timing too, as an evil race of beings are looking to ravage the land. When Loaf’s dad (long story) ends up mixed up in the mess, it’s up to Loaf to team up with friends and save the day, before the nasties leave everything, ahem, half-baked.
Born of Bread features a cast of noteworthy characters, and breezes right along with a nicely written script. And yes, there are puns galore, just like the ones you’ll find in this review. (What can we say, we like them hot.) It’s not a perfect tale, but one that will stick with you as you go from battle to battle.
Speaking of the battle system, it’s pretty well done, copying some of the aspects of Paper Mario into its own. There’s a neat targeting system, along with some attacks that are fun to watch. There’s also an audience factor that’s rather innovative, as following their requests can actually reward you further – a nice touch in this day and age.
There are times the level design can be a bit much, especially when you run into an invisible wall that isn’t supposed to be invisible. But you can still continue the story, thankfully, and the skill trees really open up the potential of your characters over the course of the game. There are also side quests to complete, which can grant you items that should prove useful.
Overall, WildArts Studio did a tremendous job making sure Born of Bread didn’t come out all moldy. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll like what’s being offered here.
A Good Looking Breadwinner
Along with a battle system that has a strong hook to it, Born of Bread will also win you over with its presentation.
Like Paper Mario, the game benefits from a beautiful hand-drawn art style for each of the characters. They look wonderful, and fit right in to the 3D environments surprisingly well. There are some fun surprises as well, including unexpected enemies that will throw you for the best kind of loop.
The music is charming as well, and the sound effects are as good as they come for a game such as this.
Again, the thing that may throw off some players here is the level design, and how some areas are a little too wide open, while others are somewhat inaccessible. It’s weird, but doesn’t interfere too much in the adventure as a whole.
Raising To the Occasion
While our time will no doubt be devoted to Thousand Year Door when it arrives in a few months, Born of Bread is a worthy role-playing adventure that you can feast on in the meantime. Its gameplay is sandwiched well within its presentation; its story and characters are great for all ages; and there’s enough to do to justify the meager price tag.
It could use with some touch-ups in later patches, but overall, Born of Bread is a smorgasbord of goodness. Feel free to add it to your library – it’s the yeast you can do.
GAMERHUB RATING: FOUR (out of FIVE) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to the team for providing us a review code!
