Review key was provided by 11Bit Studios
The Thaumaturge is a narrative-based RPG with a turn based combat system. With compatiability NVIDIA DLSS there are some beautiful graphics to accompany the dark and mysterious story.
Gameplay and Story
Step into the mystical world of early-century Warsaw in The Thaumaturge, where you assume the role of Wictor Szulski, a skilled practitioner of supernatural abilities. Thaumaturges possess a unique connection to energies and the ability to delve into people's minds, revealing their flaws in the form of salutor, or spirits.
Wictor's relationship with his father was strained, marked by an evident grudge. However, when his father unexpectedly passes away, Wictor finds himself drawn into a family gathering where the cause of death is not as straightforward as a heart attack. Now, wearing his detective cap, Wictor embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind his father's demise.
If the title caught your eye, you might sense a fusion of Baldur's Gate and Pokémon vibes in this game. Much like the narrative RPG Baldur's Gate, The Thaumaturge features top-down controls. Additionally, drawing inspiration from Pokémon, players can capture and tame mystical creatures to aid them in battles. While the stylistic differences between the games are apparent, the combination of narrative depth and creature interaction creates a unique and engaging experience.
As you dive into the story, you'll come across characters with their own set of flaws, represented by eerie entities known as salutors. Picture them as dark spirits embodying the imperfections of individuals. For instance, the first salutor you encounter is linked to someone consumed by rage and with a killer instinct, combining into a rather menacing spirit that was causing havoc in the village.
To capture a salutor, you must first take on the shadows guarding it. Once you've defeated these shadows, you gain the ability to subdue and harness the salutor's power for use in battles. It's a thrilling process of overcoming challenges and adding unique spirits to your arsenal.
Thaumaturges also possess the extraordinary skill of sensing energies, a crucial ability that becomes your ally in the quest to uncover the truth behind your father's demise. Throughout the game, you'll employ this special perception as part of your detective work. When activated, it reveals a red glow around significant items, allowing you to connect them to specific individuals based on the unique energy they emit. It's a powerful tool that adds an extra layer of intrigue and strategy to your investigative journey.
Unlike many games where you're locked into a single character without much room for personalization, The Thaumaturge breaks the mold. While it may not offer an extensive customization experience, you do have the flexibility to switch up Wictor's appearance. Feel free to explore different outfits and hairstyles, all while maintaining the essence of the main character. It adds a touch of individuality to your gameplay, allowing you to make Wictor uniquely your own.
Graphics and Audio
Thanks to the support from NVIDIA's latest drivers, The Thaumaturge offers an immersive visual experience, especially when running with DLSS 3. The graphics are truly impressive, showcasing stunning details, particularly in the crisp textures of the city when viewed from the top-down perspective.
However, it's worth noting that there are occasional quirks in character animations, especially during conversations or when transitioning between interactions. Background characters might be caught in somewhat awkward and robotic actions, like chopping wood, which can briefly break the immersion.
The voice actors deliver their performances with accents might feel a bit forced, but with time, you eventually get used to it.
Feedback
The Thaumaturge predominantly focuses on dialogue-driven gameplay, with a significant portion of its playtime dedicated to conversational settings. While some conversations may feel less consequential, potentially contributing to a sense of padded runtime, the game compensates with an engaging combat system.
Interestingly, the combat system emerges as a highlight, prompting a desire for more frequent battles. However, the pacing occasionally leaves players craving action, as certain missions may conclude without any combat encounters. This discrepancy between the dialogue-heavy segments and the combat-oriented gameplay elements highlights a balance that some players may find uneven..
Verdict
The Thaumaturge distinguishes itself as a narrative-focused RPG, making it clear that combat enthusiasts might not find it their ideal game. However, the intriguing concept of capturing dark spirits to fight alongside you adds a unique and compelling layer to the gameplay. The design of the salutors, in particular, serves as a captivating element that initially drew interest. For those with a penchant for dark and noir detective games, The Thaumaturge offers a blend of mystery and supernatural elements, providing a distinctive and flavorful experience. If you're intrigued by the idea of combining narrative depth with a touch of the supernatural, this game might just be the right blend of intrigue and spice for your gaming preferences.
The Thaumaturge is available now for PC via Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
