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The Thaumaturge Review

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Ra-ra-Rasputin, Lover of the Russian queen, there was a cat that really was gone,” sang the 1970s funk group Boney M. 

Rasputin remains a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue. His reputation as a mystical healer and advisor to the Russian royal family, along with his resilience in the face of multiple assassination attempts, has cemented his place in history and popular culture.

But in the game The Thaumaturge, Rasputin appears as an NPC in an imaginative adventure that blends real-world events with supernatural elements at the turn of the 20th century.

The Thaumaturge Review 1
Deep and layed

Set in Poland around 1905, you play as Wiktor, a Thaumaturge – an individual with the ability to bind and control astral entities. When we first encounter Wiktor, he’s in dire straits, on the verge of death, and delirious as he arrives in a Polish village. He encounters the enigmatic Rasputin, who helps him regain his strength and serves as a guide through the game’s initial mechanics. Following the news of his father’s passing, Wiktor returns to Warsaw, drawn into a complex and engaging mystery.

The game’s narrative is richly layered, blending real-world historical context with elements of fantasy and mythology. The locations are intriguing, and the environmental storytelling is nothing but superb, with details and clues scattered throughout the world. However, while the sheer amount of information might initially feel overwhelming, the game gradually immerses you in its unique setting, coming across as very reminiscent of The Witcher series, where supernatural forces intertwine with the lives of ordinary people.

The gameplay is a deliberate and thoughtful experience, combining investigative elements with turn-based combat and RPG progression. You essentially play as a detective, traveling between locations, gathering clues, and interacting with characters to unravel the central mystery. The exploration is rewarding, and the historical setting adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue.

The Thaumaturge Review 2
What skills are you using?

A skill tree allows you to allocate points to different attributes: Heart, Mind, Deed, and Word. Each attribute enhances specific aspects of gameplay, such as combat prowess, investigative abilities, or dialogue options. For example, some clues require a certain level of Deed to unlock, while increasing your Word skill unlocks additional dialogue choices. While there’s no traditional inventory system, the branching questlines and diverse dialogue options create a sense of agency and replayability.

Combat utilises a turn-based system where you face opponents in strategic encounters. You have various attacks at your disposal, but the most distinctive element is the ability to bind and summon demons. As a Thaumaturge, you can collect these demons throughout the game, each with unique abilities and strengths. This adds a layer of strategic depth, as you must choose the right demon to counter your opponent’s tactics; think of something vaguely similar to the Pokémon series and you’ll be close. The combat system is well-designed and offers a satisfying challenge for those who enjoy turn-based battles.

The game features well-crafted cutscenes that introduce key plot points and characters. The visual design effectively alternates between the real world and the supernatural realm, creating a distinct atmosphere for each. The character models and environments are detailed and well-rendered, though occasional pop-in and minor graphical glitches can be distracting.

The soundtrack is excellent too, with some good voice acting that adds depth and personality to the characters.

The Thaumaturge Review 3
A refreshing, worthwhile adventure

The Thaumaturge is quite refreshing, fairly unique as it blends detective work, RPG elements, and supernatural themes in a richly realised historical setting. The gameplay is engaging, the story is compelling, and the world is a joy to explore.

Minor technical issues and a potentially overwhelming amount of information will be seen as minor drawbacks, but on the whole The Thaumaturge is a worthwhile adventure for those seeking something original.


The Thaumaturge Summons a World of Mystery and Moral Dilemmas on Xbox and PlayStation – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-thaumaturge-summons-a-world-of-mystery-and-moral-dilemmas-on-xbox-and-playstation/

Buy the Thaumaturge on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/the-thaumaturge/9mzzzchz26nk


SUMMARY

Pros:
  • Original gameplay mechanics and setting
  • Story and world-building
  • Decent combat
Cons:
  • Occasional performance issues
Info:
  • Massive thanks for the free copy of the game, 11 bit studios
  • Formats - Xbox Series X|S (review), PS5, PC
  • Not Available on Game Pass Day One
  • Release date | Price - 4 December 2024 | £29.74
Gareth Brierley
Gareth Brierleyhttp://www.garethbrierley.co.uk
I am an actor and a writer. I act quite a bit on stage, a little bit on tv and never on tuesdays. I have had some of my writing published and have written for TV and stage. I have been playing games since they begun and don't seem to be getting any better.
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<b>Pros:</b> <ul> <li>Original gameplay mechanics and setting</li> <li>Story and world-building</li> <li>Decent combat</li> </ul> <b>Cons:</b> <ul> <li>Occasional performance issues</li> </ul> <b>Info:</b> <ul> <li>Massive thanks for the free copy of the game, 11 bit studios</li> <li>Formats - Xbox Series X|S (review), PS5, PC <li>Not Available on Game Pass Day One <li>Release date | Price - 4 December 2024 | £29.74</li> </ul>The Thaumaturge Review
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