This is a well crafted stealth/puzzle game that manages to hit some high notes in the storyline too
This is a story that spans many months as a brother and sister start to get to know each other after a horror tragedy. A terrible fate seems to be in store for little Hugo who has been separated from his sister for their entire life till the inquisition burns their house down. Thanks to his sister Amicia and some very angry rats they manage to escape only to start down a very terrible path as the horror of the black plague awaits around every corner.
Seems fitting that this was one of the first games I played in the year of the rat. They are one of the main antagonists after all since the black plague ends up being shown physically in this world as a almost never ending wave of rats. Lucky they hate the light and it’s up to Amicia to light the way via alchemy concoctions she can make along the way. By picking up just about every growly object in the world. By the end she will have quite a few ways to deal with rats and humans.
Yes the inquisition ends up being a real threat although using the rats to your advantage is a key focus combat wise. All the main character has is a sling yet it becomes very deadly by the time the credits roll. While this game is primarily a stealth game I really feel like every area is set up like a puzzle. Gotta figure out exactly what you need to do to succeed. While it opens up a bit more later all the environments are small self contained areas so you won’t really get a chance to do anything the game doesn’t want you to do. Each section has an answer and it’s up to the player to figure it out. Simple yet effective since the overall narrative can keep you interested in what might happen next.
Figuring out how to escape and cure Hugo afterwards is a compelling storyline that made me want to keep playing. So It does a solid job of building up the two main characters and the supporting cast. You’ll likely want to see them win although they certainly do some dumb things as the stakes start to get higher. Extra options are also available depending on who might be with you during each chapter that gives the player an extra advantage in battle. Having someone else around to distract or take out enemies changes up how you deal with each situation. Thinking about it the gameplay never really changes up to much other than giving out a new ability that’ll then be used to solve an issue that might be blocking your way.
The greatest change of pace is whenever the game gives you a moment to breathe. Taking the time to just explore an area without any enemies is rare so it’s great to see when it does pop up. Additionally this game has boss battles. It even relies on the classic trope of hitting them 3 times to win. For a game that relies on stealth that might sound really bad but it works well. You have a dodge and by the end you'll have access to quite the overpowered ability. Don’t want to spoil it but it’s pretty fun once you do unlock it.
Overall this is a solid stealth game that never makes you feel like you messed up thanks to bad placement of enemies. Every section is laid out well and I was always able to succeed after a few attempts. At the same time it doesn’t really stand out other than the unique take on a horrible time in the history books. Honestly wasn’t prepared for how this one ends. It really does end in the most video gamey way. Kind of takes away from the serious story they were trying to tell. Still if any of this sounds compelling to you then you should check this game out. It is worth playing