A Retro-Futuristic Twist
Steampunk is a popular subgenre of sci-fi that blends retro-futuristic technology with a Victorian or 19th-century aesthetic. The term dates back to the 1960s but was popularised in the 1980s as a spin on the cyberpunk genre in comics. It has a huge following in the cosplay, comic book, and novel arenas.
In gaming, we have, of course, seen famous titles like Dishonored and BioShock Infinite play with this genre to brilliant effect. Now, we have a new addition to that library with Sovereign Syndicate, a game that pushes storytelling and world-building to a new level.
Plus, you get to play as a gin-drinking minotaur. What could be better?
An Isometric RPG of Depth and Consequence
Sovereign Syndicate is a steampunk game set in an alternative Victorian London. It is an isometric RPG, and the story at times reminds of Disco Elysium; not necessarily in terms of the actual narrative, but in the way it is presented and the overarching stories that can be uncovered.
The narrative follows the perspectives of three different characters. The first is Atticus, the aforementioned gin-drinking minotaur who, at the start of the game, is nursing a hangover before being tasked with aiding a stranger. Atticus is also a magician and a bit of a charming rogue.
Next, we are introduced to Miss Clara Reed, a sex worker in the city. She has plans to leave this lifestyle and escape London for a better life, but she soon finds herself involved in tracking down a serial killer targeting other sex workers. Sound familiar?
Lastly, there is a dwarf named Teddy, an engineer and monster hunter. He is accompanied by a little robot he built called Otto. Teddy is the most upbeat and funny of the trio, and his storyline carries a less sombre tone.
Narrative Over Action
Sovereign Syndicate is all about the story, and you play through these different narratives that only truly converge towards the end. If you hate reading, you are not going to have a good time here, because the experience revolves entirely around reading text and making dialogue choices. I thought the narrative and the world-building were brilliant and engaging all the way through. It is fascinating to see how it all unfolds, and frankly, Sovereign Syndicate absolutely begs for a sequel.
The gameplay focuses more on exploration and quest-hunting than fast-paced action. Yet, instead of rolling dice like in a traditional D&D-style game, you use tarot cards. Each character has their own personality and traits tied to specific numbers. The tarot cards are divided into four suits, such as wands or swords, that correspond to the minor arcana. During the game, you will have to pass skill checks relating to physical actions or dialogue choices. You draw a card just as you would roll a die; if your character’s stat is higher than the card drawn, you pass the skill check. It makes a lot more sense in practice than how I am describing it, and it feels highly intuitive to play.
Evolving Traits
Your character’s traits evolve as you progress through the game. For example, if you consistently act with humour, it affects how your character develops going forward. On the flip side, if you act deviously, your character evolves in a completely different way. Exploration is genuinely fun, and the game actively encourages you to explore and engage with your surroundings rather than just blindly following a set path. It can feel a little rough around the edges in places, but overall, the gameplay is solid.
I loved the visual design, particularly the depiction of this alternative London. Its atmosphere and architecture encapsulate the world excellently; you can almost smell the city. The character design is also great, featuring a strong range of unique artistic choices. I wasn’t entirely sold on the fixed isometric camera at first, but I did get used to it after a while.
The sound design, however, was my least favourite element, particularly the score. It felt a bit underwhelming and repetitive. Furthermore, the game features no voice work, which is a shame when comparing it to a heavyweight like Disco Elysium.
A Compelling Choice for RPG Enthusiasts
Ultimately, Sovereign Syndicate is a very good narrative experience, filled with three great characters navigating an interesting and varied steampunk London. It is a slight shame their stories don’t overlap a bit earlier, but it is a pleasure spending time with them regardless. Some players will find the lack of combat and the heavy reliance on reading a bit too much, however, the use of tarot cards is a fantastic addition, and although it seems complicated at first, it soon makes perfect sense.
If you are a fan of RPGs that build fascinating new worlds with interesting characters, then Sovereign Syndicate is the right choice for you.
Important Links
No Dice, Just Destiny – Sovereign Syndicate Launches On Xbox And PlayStation – https://www.thexboxhub.com/no-dice-just-destiny-sovereign-syndicate-launches-on-xbox-and-playstation/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/sovereign-syndicate/9pd54kr80fpw
