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Ember

iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2016

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Quick resume

Ember is a homage to classic role-playing games (RPG) that features a deep branching story, endless exploration across dynamic and living environments, a robust skill system, and an intricate crafting system.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Fighting, Puzzle

Pros

  • Engaging story and lore
  • Tactical combat with pause
  • Open world exploration
  • Flexible equipment-based skills
  • Good value for price

Cons

  • Limited character customization
  • Small party size
  • Clunky ui and controls
  • Some crashes reported
  • Short linear main quest

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can choose character roles freely and customize stats; open world with non-linear exploration"

  • Competence
    3

    "Combat involves tactical pause and skill use tied to equipment; some challenge on higher difficulties"

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on single player experience with no competitive or ranked modes"

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players report 20-40 hours playtime with some replayability; some find it addictive, others find it short"

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single player game with party AI; no multiplayer or cooperative play"

  • Creativity
    3

    "Crafting system and equipment-based skills allow some customization and experimentation"

  • Domination
    -5

    "No PvP or dominance mechanics; balanced party interactions"

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive fantasy world with story and exploration offers escape from real life"

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and interest, not obligation"

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with different equipment and crafting recipes to find optimal builds"

  • Exploration
    4

    "Open world with many explorable areas, hidden quests, and loot encourages discovery"

  • Expression
    2

    "Limited character customization but equipment appearance changes and crafting allow some expression"

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy setting with magic, mythical races, and an epic storyline"

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction"

  • Growth
    3

    "Leveling system and attribute point allocation support player development and learning"

  • Health
    -5

    "Standard sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health focus"

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active engagement; some downtime between battles but generally focused play"

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social or emotional relationships; party members have limited personality"

  • Leadership
    2

    "Player directs party actions and strategy but no leadership over other players"

  • Progression
    4

    "Character leveling, equipment upgrades, and crafting provide clear progression"

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally balanced challenge with tactical combat and immersive world for flow"

  • Sensation
    3

    "Pleasant graphics, music, and sound effects provide sensory enjoyment"

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on individual play"

  • Story
    3

    "Engaging narrative with lore, voiced dialogue, and side quests, though somewhat linear"

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat requires tactical pause and skill/equipment management; some strategic depth"

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some tension in harder fights but overall controlled and predictable gameplay"

  • Value
    4

    "Highly praised for content and quality relative to low price"

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves fighting monsters with weapons and magic; standard fantasy violence"

  • Survival
    1

    "Some resource management and health/energy restoration but low risk overall"

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    Last update: 06/03/2026