Info about Firework:

Official game description:
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About the Game
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**Firework** is a Chinese horror puzzle game. The story takes place in a remote mountain village. An accidental fire at a funeral forces the police to re-investigate a closed case of the massacre. Lin Lixun, rookie police, participates in the re-investigation by chance. As the investigation goes deeper, the past of the victims gradually emerges. However, the case becomes more bewildering. Is it a supernatural phenomenon, or an elaborated murder?
**Feature**
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*   Firework is an oriental horror puzzle game. The story takes place in a remote mountain village. An accidental fire at a funeral forces the police to re-investigate a closed case of the massacre. Lin Lixun, rookie police, participates in the re-investigation by chance. As the investigation goes deeper, the past of the victims gradually emerges. However, the case becomes more bewildering.  
*   You can experience the oriental environment of a Chinese village, and also feel the chill to the bone.  
*   There are many Easter eggs from a certain period time of in China which is an important part of memory for our generation.
*   The nostalgic watercolor style along with the bleak and strange atmosphere will recall the time in your childhood when you were watching a horror movie at night for the first time.  
*   This game pursues the veiled representation of oriental horror. There are no jump scares, no place to hide under and you can barely see any ghosts in this game, but you can feel the horror swirling around.
*   This is a thrilling and unknown exploration. You will follow the steps of the protagonist to uncover the truth under the tragedy.  
*   This is also a story with oriental mysticism and realism. It is grotesque, but it may happen somewhere in this world.  
*   The delicate narrative makes the suspense layers stack up. You might think you know the truth, but suddenly the mist will blur everything again.
*   Everyone plays a small role in the changing world, however, everyone is the hero of their own story.  
*   Every character in the game is important. You will get to know them, understand them, and share their joys and sorrows.
*   The puzzle design is in a sweet spot, it won't be too difficult, but it's also challenging.  
*   The game combines puzzles and stories together in a very effective way to make the story even more interesting.

Release date: 3 Feb, 2021

Categories: Visual Novel, Puzzle Solving, Psychological Horror, Investigative Gameplay, Single-player Story, Linear Progression, Mystery


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Captivating Story & Emotional Depth (weight 1): Players consistently praise the game's narrative as its strongest asset, describing it as deeply moving, thought-provoking, and often tear-jerking. The story is noted for its intricate plot, strong character development, and ability to leave a lasting emotional impact, often compared to watching a compelling movie or reading a profound novel.
- Accessible & Engaging Puzzles (weight 0.59): The game's puzzles are consistently described as simple, intuitive, and well-integrated with the plot. Their low difficulty ensures a smooth gameplay experience, preventing players from getting stuck and allowing them to focus on the rich narrative without interruption.
- Unique Chinese Horror & Atmosphere (weight 0.39): The game is lauded for its distinctive Chinese horror elements, which rely on psychological dread, cultural nuances, and unsettling atmosphere rather than cheap jump scares. Players appreciate the subtle yet effective horror, often finding it more moving than terrifying, and suitable for those typically averse to horror games.
- Critique of Feudal Superstition (weight 0.25): A significant theme identified by players is the game's powerful critique of feudal superstition and backward thinking. The narrative effectively portrays the tragic consequences of these societal issues, making them the true 'horror' of the game and prompting deep reflection.
- Exceptional Art & Sound Design (weight 0.23): Reviewers highlight the game's exquisite art style, creative visual presentation, and fitting music and sound effects. These elements are consistently praised for enhancing the narrative, creating a strong atmosphere, and contributing to the overall immersive experience.
- Impactful Ending & Music (weight 0.2): The game's ending is frequently cited for its emotional resonance, often bringing players to tears. The use of the song 'Farewell' is particularly praised as a masterful touch that elevates the narrative, providing a poignant and unforgettable conclusion that lingers long after playing.
- Memorable Character: Teacher Chen (weight 0.11): The character of Teacher Chen Qinghui stands out as particularly beloved and impactful. Players describe her as a beacon of warmth, kindness, and righteousness, whose story and quotes leave a profound and often tear-jerking impression, symbolizing hope amidst tragedy.

Common complaints:
- Weak Plot & Narrative Issues (weight 0.33): Many players found the plot to be illogical, clichéd, and predictable, with numerous unresolved questions and plot holes. Character motivations were often unclear, and the narrative pacing felt rushed in later stages, leading to a lack of emotional impact and overall dissatisfaction.
- Insufficient Horror Elements (weight 0.15): Despite being marketed as a horror game, many players found it not scary, relying on cheap jump scares or atmospheric sounds rather than genuine psychological horror. The horror elements were often concentrated in the early chapters and diminished significantly later on, leading to disappointment for those seeking a thrilling experience.
- Technical & Control Issues (weight 0.03): Players reported issues with controls, including bizarre keyboard mappings and lack of key remapping functionality. The game also suffered from occasional sticking, slow interactions, and rough graphics, detracting from the overall user experience.
- Contradictory Anti-Superstition Theme (weight 0.03): A significant number of players found the game's core theme of opposing feudal superstition to be undermined by the protagonist's supernatural abilities and the use of ghost elements to solve cases. This created an awkward and inconsistent narrative, making the anti-superstition message feel ridiculous.
- Uneven Pacing & Early Boredom (weight 0.02): The game's pacing was criticized for being slow and boring in the initial chapters, with repetitive scenes and dialogues. This made it difficult for some players to stay engaged, despite later chapters feeling rushed.
- Unappealing Art Style (weight 0.02): Some players found the art style to be uncomfortable, strange, or unappealing, particularly the character art. This subjective aesthetic preference impacted their overall enjoyment and immersion.

Gameplay feedback:
- Mild Chinese Horror (weight 0.29): The game features Chinese-style horror elements, but it is generally considered 'micro-horror' or 'light horror.' It relies more on atmosphere and psychological suggestion than jump scares or chase sequences, making it suitable for timid players.
- Story-Driven Visual Novel (weight 0.27): The game is primarily a linear, story-driven experience, often described as an interactive visual novel or movie. Puzzles are simple and serve to advance the narrative rather than provide significant challenge, allowing players to focus on the plot.
- Simple Puzzles & Gameplay (weight 0.27): Puzzles are consistently described as simple, easy, and beginner-friendly, with minimal difficulty. Gameplay is linear, mostly involving walking, clicking, and interacting with guided points, ensuring players rarely get stuck.
- Short Playtime (weight 0.24): The game is relatively short, with most players completing it in 3-4 hours. This concise duration contributes to a compact and focused narrative experience.
- Linear Progression & Achievements (weight 0.15): The game follows a strictly linear progression with a single storyline and no multiple choices. All achievements are easily obtained by simply completing the game in one sitting, often within the first playthrough.
- Themes of Feudal Superstition (weight 0.14): The game deeply explores themes of feudal superstition, human darkness, societal constraints, and the tragic consequences of outdated beliefs. It often contrasts these with modern scientific thinking and the pursuit of freedom.
- Protagonist's Psychic Abilities (weight 0.03): The protagonist possesses a unique 'spiritual ability' or 'psychic constitution' that allows communication with the deceased. This supernatural element drives the investigation and helps unravel the story's mysteries.

Performance notes:
- Steam Deck compatibility issues (weight 0.02): Players report mixed experiences on Steam Deck, with some needing specific compatibility layer adjustments and key remapping for fullscreen. Others found it fully compatible or experienced poor performance, describing it as a slideshow.
- Smooth performance, no bugs (weight 0): One player noted that the game runs smoothly without encountering any bugs, indicating a stable experience for some users.

Recommendations:
- Highly Recommended Experience (weight 0.25): The vast majority of players strongly recommend this game, praising its overall quality, story, and immersive experience. Many consider it a must-play, especially for those who appreciate narrative-driven games.
- Support for Developer & Sequels (weight 0.05): Many players express strong support for the developer and eagerly anticipate future works, including potential sequels. There's a clear desire for more games of this quality, particularly within the domestic Chinese market.
- Play in One Sitting for Immersion (weight 0.04): Several reviewers recommend playing the game through in a single session to fully immerse oneself in the story and enhance the overall experience.
- Buy on Sale Recommended (weight 0.04): While many recommend the game, a significant portion suggests purchasing it during a sale rather than at full price. This indicates that while the game is good, its value proposition is enhanced by discounts.
- Puzzles Lack Depth (weight 0.02): Players seeking complex or brain-teasing puzzles may be disappointed, as the game's puzzle elements are generally considered light or secondary to the story. Some even suggest removing puzzles entirely in future works.
- Ideal for Story & Visual Novel Fans (weight 0.02): The game is particularly well-suited for players who enjoy interactive stories, visual novels, and mystery genres. Its strength lies in its narrative, making it a strong recommendation for plot enthusiasts.

Other player notes:
- Ambiguous fate of Teacher Chen (weight 0.17): The character of Teacher Chen Qinghui resonated strongly with players, who expressed significant regret and speculation regarding her ambiguous ending. Many hoped she escaped to a new life, while others feared she was silenced for uncovering truths.
- Short but immersive experience (weight 0.16): The game is generally considered short, often completed in 3-4 hours, but players found it highly immersive. This length was seen as suitable by some, while others wished for a longer plot or more gameplay elements.
- Memorable quotes and ending song (weight 0.14): Several quotes, particularly 'My body will not rot in the soil; I will die in the sky like a bird,' and the ending song 'Farewell,' left a significant impact on players. These elements enhanced the game's emotional resonance and thematic depth.
- Played after or alongside other works (weight 0.14): Many players discovered or played this game in conjunction with other titles from the same developer, such as 'Sanfu' and 'Black Forest Town'. This indicates a loyal fanbase and a desire to experience the developer's full body of work.
- Emotional and regretful ending (weight 0.13): The game's conclusion left many players with a profound sense of sadness, regret, and unresolved feelings. The ending is often described as embodying a 'Bad Ending aesthetics' where issues are resolved but not truly overcome.
- Hope for future works (weight 0.11): Players expressed strong anticipation for future games from the developer, hoping for longer plots, more gameplay, and continued exploration of compelling themes. There's a clear desire for more content from this creator.
- Accessible for timid players (weight 0.11): Despite being a horror game, many players who typically avoid the genre found this game manageable, often playing with friends or watching streamers. Its 2D nature and focus on psychological horror made it less intimidating than traditional horror titles.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.26): Players felt satisfied primarily due to the game's compelling and emotionally deep story, often highlighted by its narrative pacing, rich characters, and profound themes. The artistic presentation, including art style, music, and atmospheric design, significantly contributed to this enjoyment. Additionally, accessible puzzles, smooth gameplay, and perceived value for money were frequently cited as sources of satisfaction.
- Sadness (weight 0.1): Sadness stemmed overwhelmingly from the game's tragic story and the unfortunate fates of its characters, particularly Teacher Chen. The emotional impact of the ending, often amplified by the song 'Farewell,' and the depiction of feudal oppression and societal issues, deeply moved players to tears and left a lasting sense of regret and helplessness.
- Admiration (weight 0.08): Admiration was driven by the game's exceptional overall quality, including its creative design, profound narrative depth, and vivid character portrayals. Players praised the game's unique approach to anti-feudalism, its artistic presentation (art, music, transitions), and its ability to deliver a powerful, thought-provoking message, often calling it a 'masterpiece' of Chinese horror.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Disappointment arose from unmet expectations regarding game length, puzzle difficulty, and the perceived lack of engaging gameplay or horror elements. Players also expressed dissatisfaction with plot predictability, logical inconsistencies, and unresolved narrative threads, feeling that the game's high praise was sometimes undeserved or that certain character fates were poorly handled.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement was generated by the game's engaging story, effective horror elements, and overall high quality, leading many to strongly recommend it. Players enjoyed the novel experience, creative scene transitions, and the impactful emotional journey, often expressing enthusiasm for the future of indie games and the developer's next works.
- Reflection (weight 0.04): Reflection was prompted by the game's lasting impact and its deep exploration of themes such as human nature, morality, feudalism, and societal issues. Players engaged in contemplation about the characters' struggles, the game's metaphors, and the broader implications of its critical realism, often finding the experience profoundly thought-provoking.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation was directed towards the game's deep themes, compelling narrative, and high artistic merit, including its unique storytelling and effective blend of horror and emotional depth. Players valued the developer's care, the meaningful puzzles, and the immersive quality, recognizing the game's significant contribution to its genre and cultural representation.
- Moved (weight 0.03): Players were deeply moved by the game's emotional story, particularly in its mid-to-late stages, and the profound character development. Specific scenes, the ending, and the accompanying music (especially 'Farewell') evoked strong emotional responses, often leading to tears and a lasting connection to the characters' struggles and sacrifices.
- Frustration (weight 0.03): Frustration stemmed from issues such as illogical plot points, simple or tedious puzzles, and perceived authorial intent regarding character fates. Players also experienced frustration with controls, UI issues, lack of gameplay freedom, and the game's perceived over-reliance on sentimentality or predictable narrative patterns, particularly the unresolved fate of Teacher Chen.
- Fear (weight 0.03): Fear was primarily caused by the game's horror elements, including jump scares, eerie sound effects, and the initial horror atmosphere, especially in the early chapters. The portrayal of human nature as more terrifying than supernatural elements also contributed to a chilling psychological horror experience for many players.
- Thoughtfulness (weight 0.02): Thoughtfulness arose from the game's exploration of complex social issues, human cruelty, and societal traps, prompting deep philosophical discussions and character analyses. Players reflected on themes of science versus superstition, freedom, and the profound nature of the horror, often gaining new insights into fate and human suffering.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise was often triggered by the game's unexpected emotional depth and its focus on social issues rather than traditional horror, especially for a genre many disliked. Plot twists, the unexpected warmth from a horror game, and the realization of a deeper, more tragic truth contributed to players being pleasantly or unexpectedly impacted by the narrative.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope was inspired by the game's underlying message of finding hope amidst tragedy and the desire for positive outcomes for characters, particularly Teacher Chen. Players expressed hope for the future of domestic single-player games, for societal improvement, and for the characters to ultimately break free from their oppressive circumstances.
- Awe (weight 0.02): Awe was evoked by the game's overall quality, often described as a 'masterpiece,' and its profound impact on players. The shocking ending, intricate plot, exquisite art, and the realization that reality's horrors can surpass fiction contributed to a sense of deep admiration and wonder for the game's narrative depth and presentation.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.01): Enjoyment came from the game's fun gameplay, engaging mystery story, and immersive atmosphere, often compared to an old movie. Players appreciated the simple yet touching narrative, creative mini-games, and the overall positive audio-visual experience, finding the game interesting and entertaining despite its horror elements.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger was primarily directed at the depiction of feudal superstition, injustice, and the destructive actions of certain characters within the story. Players felt anger towards the portrayal of ignorance leading to tragedy, perceived poor writing, and logical flaws, sometimes leading to a strong negative reaction to the game's overall quality.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement was driven by the game's captivating story, emotional impact, and the compelling sense of unraveling a mystery. Players felt deeply immersed in the narrative, characters, and the desire to uncover the truth, often leading them to play for extended periods and form a strong connection to the game's themes of truth and justice.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement stemmed from the game's deep themes, emotional impact, and intertwining plotlines, often leading to a profound sense of wonder at its quality and depth. Players were particularly amazed by the narrative techniques, innovative presentation, stunning transitions, and the unforgettable tragedy conveyed through the story.
- Empathy (weight 0.01): Empathy arose from the tragic fates and struggles of the characters, particularly Zhao Xiaojuan and Teacher Chen, and the game's depiction of human suffering and loneliness. Players felt a deep emotional connection, understanding the characters' motivations and wishing for better outcomes for them, often feeling sorry for their plights.
- Melancholy (weight 0.01): Melancholy was a lingering feeling after finishing the game, often associated with Teacher Chen's fate and the bittersweet, unresolved ending. Players experienced a wistful sense of regret and sorrow due to the tragic elements, unpredictable character fates, and the oppressive environment depicted, leaving an unforgettable, poignant impression.}