Pyre

a once-in-a-generation wonder; there's truly nothing else like it and that will alienate people, but if you pick up what Supergiant is putting down then it'll live in your heart until your heart stops beating

If youre a fan of SuperGiant games (bastion, transistor, hades 1/2) do yourself a favor and dont skip Pyre,
i did and i wish i played it sooner, it truly is a unique gem, though that uniquess was a double edged sword, the unique mix of VN and gameplay put off a ton of people, because be warned, youll be reading ALOT, think of this as the Ace attorney or Zero Escape series which have their gameplay sections but with a ton of reading, but thats also its greatest strenght, the characters are delightful and interesting, youll be playing more just to find out more about the characters and the story

Another warning though the gameplay its also quite unique, its like a weird version of basketball and Football, i didnt understand it at first and thats why i dropped it the first time

Besides that it has the usual supergiant quality seal of great artstyle, well polished gameplay and of course the music, with some amazing vocals that i liked so much i even added them for listening on my spotify playlist


TLDR: like previous supergiant games more than a game think of it as a " unique experience" , but be warned that its basically a VN with some segments in between of a made-up sport which its unlike anything youve ever played, still with the usual supergiant seal of quality

Having played this after Hades it feels very cozy, with the type of endearing characters and fantastic soundtrack that later games would make me expect. I love how Darren Korb's urge to play duets with Ashley Barret and then intertwine them in videogame narratives is a constant through the years. Voice acting is phenomenal, and I loved some of the ideas for making the world of The Downside stand out more.

Most of the time I didn't have issues with the sports game they introduce (in fact game feel is excellent) but, for a gameplay device that, as I understand, is meant to add spice to what is otherwise a visual novel, it feels very strange to have to deal with the typical "+5% jump distance" elements, which I often frown upon in other games. Just like in those, eventually they add very little to the mix. Did Pyre really need merchants, gathering plants, etc.?

In the end what I enjoyed the most was the story, the unusual way to deal with consequences and the perhaps almost tragic nature of what you are led to decide for the characters that you grow to love.

Pyre is one of those rare games that feels unlike anything else on Steam. It blends a visual-novel-style journey with a fantasy sport that plays like a tactical, real-time battle. You lead a group of outcasts through a strange purgatory, and every step of the story makes you feel like you’re traveling with a real team rather than moving pieces on a board.
The strongest part is the writing and worldbuilding. The game introduces its characters slowly, giving them space to breathe, argue, bond, and reveal who they are. Conversations are sharp, often funny, and sometimes surprisingly emotional, and the choices you make feel meaningful because they affect relationships and the path your group takes.
Gameplay revolves around the “Rites,” where you compete in magical contests that are part sport, part duel. It’s easy to understand—score by getting the orb into the enemy pyre—but the matches have a lot of strategy in positioning, timing, and team composition. Each character has a unique role, and learning how their abilities fit together is where the game becomes addictive.
What makes Pyre special is how it connects the matches to the story. Winning isn’t always the only thing that matters, because success can lead to decisions that cost you a teammate or change your future options. The game is willing to let you sit with consequences, and that creates tension you don’t usually get in games where the “correct” outcome is simply to win every time.
The art and presentation are top-tier. The visual style is bold and painterly, character designs are memorable, and the interface is clean without feeling sterile. It’s also one of those games where every screen looks intentional, like it belongs in the same universe and supports the mood.
Music is a standout, even by Supergiant’s already high standards. The soundtrack carries both the quiet travel moments and the intensity of the Rites, and it helps the game land its emotional beats without forcing them. The voice work is used sparingly, but when it appears it adds personality and weight.
Overall, Pyre is an easy recommendation if you enjoy story-driven games and you’re open to something experimental. It won’t click for everyone—especially if you want traditional combat or pure sports simulation—but if you give it time, it rewards you with a memorable cast, meaningful choices, and a gameplay loop that supports the narrative instead of distracting from it.

Listen to me: Pyre will become one of te most unique gaming experiences of your entire life. The way this game mutates over your playthrough, the systems it put into place, and the adaptative narrative where no matter what happens, the story goes on is something to be missed in today's titles (even indies).
Play this once on your life. You'll then see this medium radically differently. This games grows on you.

Way fun. Definitely play with a controller. It's a Supergiant hidden gem with all their hallmarks.

Every supergiant game is worth playing. beautiful games.