Chants of Sennaar, developed by Rundisc and published by Focus Entertainment, invites players into a world where the power of language takes center stage. The game’s rather unique premise revolves around the protagonist, a traveler, tasked with deciphering ancient languages to bridge the communication gap between disparate communities in the in-game world that is “the Tower”. This linguistic challenge is at the heart of the gameplay, providing a unique and engaging experience – we checked it out after its multiplatform launch.
As players venture through the vividly depicted environments, they encounter a multitude of languages, each represented by distinct glyphs. Through careful observation, interaction with characters, and astute puzzle-solving, players gradually unravel the meanings behind these symbols. This process is an immersive and rewarding one, as deciphering each glyph not only expands the player’s linguistic prowess but also deepens their understanding of the game world – certainly one of the more innovative ways of world-building we’ve seen.
Chants of Sennaar distinguishes itself by presenting a diverse array of languages spoken by various groups inhabiting the Tower. These communities have lost the ability to communicate with one another, leading to a fractured and imbalanced society. The player’s role in reuniting these factions through language acquisition adds a compelling layer to the narrative, though the emphasis is mostly on puzzle-solving.
Puzzles in Chants of Sennaar, while not entirely unique in concept, are well-executed and enjoyable. Players encounter challenges such as sliding block puzzles and water flow puzzles, which require thoughtful consideration. Additionally, the incorporation of an inventory system, albeit rudimentary, adds an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay. The occasional need for backtracking and revisiting conversations or notes is a testament to the game’s intellectual demands, providing a gratifying sense of accomplishment upon resolution – with some echoes of classic adventure gaming thrown in as well.
The triumph of Chants of Sennaar lies in its language-based gameplay, which transforms unintelligible glyphs into meaningful phrases. Witnessing lines of text evolve from cryptic symbols to coherent sentences is a testament to the game’s clever design. The absence of excessive hand-holding encourages players to rely on their own deductive skills, resulting in a highly satisfying experience once things start to click.
Visually, Chants of Sennaar boasts a distinctive and captivating art style. Each scene resembles a vividly illustrated comic book cel, showcasing vibrant colors and bold shadowing. This artistic choice contributes to the game’s immersive atmosphere, complemented by a soundtrack that effectively enhances the overall experience. The music dynamically shifts between moments of tranquility and tension, further immersing players in the ebb and flow of the world and your discoveries.
But while Chants of Sennaar excels in many aspects, it does present some minor challenges. The inclusion of stealth sections may be divisive for some players, though they are forgiving and do not overly hinder progress – but at the same time this makes it feel like they don’t add much. Additionally, the labyrinthine nature of the Tower’s levels can lead to occasional disorientation, requiring careful navigation and attention to detail so as to not get lost.
In summary, Chants of Sennaar offers a unique and intellectually stimulating gaming experience centered around language translation and puzzle-solving. Its visually distinct world, coupled with the intricate narrative that is there for players to uncover, creates an engaging atmosphere. While it may pose occasional challenges, particularly with stealth sections and level navigation, the overall journey is a rewarding one. For those eager to embark on a linguistic adventure, Chants of Sennaar offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Score: 8.1/10
Press Play Media 