March 5th 2024.
In the ever-evolving world of video games, it's always interesting to see new and unique concepts emerge. One such game that has caught our attention is The Thaumaturge, a 20th century magic RPG set in the bustling city of Warsaw in the early 1900s. With its blend of supernatural creatures inspired by Japanese yōkai and classic RPG elements, this game stands out as one of the most original of the year.
As the gaming industry moves towards bigger and more expensive titles, there's a question looming over the future of AA games – those that are not quite indie but also not on the scale of blockbuster hits. In the past, every major publisher used to make these kinds of games, but now it seems to be all or nothing. However, in recent years, indie developers have stepped up to fill the gap, blurring the lines between indie and AA games. The Thaumaturge falls somewhere in between, with a higher budget than traditional indie titles and ambitious goals, although it's clear that the Polish developers, Fool's Theory, may have taken on more than they could handle in some aspects.
As a fan of old school computer RPGs, we can't help but think that the success of Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 may have influenced the direction of The Thaumaturge. However, it's important to note that while this game is by no means on the same level of quality as Baldur's Gate 3, it's still refreshing to see the RPG genre thriving, especially with such a unique and intriguing setting.
The title of the game, while memorable, may not have been the wisest choice, as it can be a challenge to spell and search for on the internet. For those curious, a thaumaturge is someone who practices magic or performs miracles. In this game, you play as Wiktor Szulski, a thaumaturge who has the ability to see and interact with supernatural beings called salutors. These creatures are similar to Japanese yōkai, but with a Polish twist.
The game is set in 1905 in Warsaw, a city that was then under Russian rule but on the brink of revolution. It's a fascinating and unique backdrop for a video game, but unfortunately, the immersion is broken by the American voiceovers and poorly translated script. It's a shame because the story itself is compelling, as Wiktor returns to his hometown after 15 years to investigate the death of his father and the decline of his powers.
Wiktor's role in the game is that of a supernatural detective, with one of his primary abilities being psychometry – the ability to gather information from objects and people through touch. While this may seem exciting and spooky, in reality, it involves clicking on glowing objects one by one until all the information in the area is collected. As with most detective games, there isn't much actual detective work involved, although some titles like Return Of The Obra Dinn and The Case Of The Golden Idol have managed to make it work. In The Thaumaturge, it often feels like busywork as you track down a salutor and try to remove the character trait that is attracting them to a particular person, such as pride or recklessness. You can use your salutors and dialogue choices to influence the outcome, but the game is inconsistent in when these powers can be used. Often, it seems like you should be able to resolve a situation without having to resort to combat or using your salutors to avoid making poor dialogue choices.
Speaking of combat, it is turn-based and reminiscent of the Persona series. There are various abilities and status effects that can be used against different enemies, but outside of boss fights, it's not very challenging. You can also switch between salutors quickly, making the combat feel like an afterthought. Additionally, most of the enemies you face are regular-looking humans, which can be disappointing for a game with such a unique supernatural premise.
Despite its flaws, The Thaumaturge has its moments. However, the most captivating aspect of the game is its historical setting and exploration of nationhood and identity in a country under Russian rule. The tension between different ethnic groups and social classes is well portrayed, and it's clear that this was the developer's main focus.
Unfortunately, the game falls short as a complete experience. The combat is too easy, and the detective gameplay requires no real skill or deduction. The poorly translated dialogue and distracting voiceovers also take away from the game's potential. However, the game does have its merits, and it's worth noting that the characters, while lacking in polish, do have depth and complexity. The most enjoyable parts of the game are the exploration of Warsaw and its political climate, where you can feel the tension building as the city teeters on the edge of revolution.
In summary, The Thaumaturge has a lot of potential, but it falls short in its execution. The historical setting and portrayal of Warsaw are highly compelling, but the combat and detective elements fail to engage. It's a shame that the game couldn't live up to its ambitious premise, but it's still worth checking out for fans of RPGs and historical settings.
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