The Thaumaturge review (PC)

In the expansive and heavily populated realm of RPGs, where big franchises often dominate the landscape, The Thaumaturge emerges as a beacon of originality and intrigue that we had been looking forward to for a while. Developed by Fool’s Theory and published by 11 bit studios, this isometric adventure tells a captivating tale set against the backdrop of 1905 Warsaw, a city teeming with political tension, mystical entities, and profound human drama. It’s coming out later this year on consoles, but the PC version just launched.

At its core, The Thaumaturge follows the journey of Wiktor Szulski, a practitioner of thaumaturgy, which is a unique blend of supernatural and investigative prowess. Drawn back to the tumultuous streets of his homeland by familial obligations, Wiktor’s quest to uncover the truth behind his father’s death unravels a tapestry of morally ambiguous choices and ethereal encounters. The narrative unfolds gradually, immersing players in a world where every decision carries weight and consequence.

One of the game’s standout features is its turn-based combat system, which injects strategic depth into encounters with a diverse array of foes. Armed with both human attacks and psychic strikes delivered by otherworldly beings, players must master the art of tactical warfare to overcome challenges. However, while combat is engaging, it occasionally falls victim to repetition, with encounters feeling more formulaic in the latter stages of the game – it’s the narrative that does the heavy lifting at that point.

Beyond combat, The Thaumaturge excels in its exploration mechanics and especially in its social interactions. As players navigate the streets of Warsaw, they’re greeted with well-crafted environments that breathe life into the historical setting. From bustling marketplaces to shadowy alleyways, every corner of the city feels alive and full of atmosphere. Moreover, the game’s dialogue system offers meaningful choices that shape the narrative trajectory, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences while also adding replay value to the game.

Visually, The Thaumaturge shines with its detailed environments and character designs, capturing the essence of early 20th-century Europe. In a way, the city of Warsaw serves as a character in its own right, its cobblestone streets and architecture evoking a sense of bygone grandeur. However, occasional technical hiccups, such as texture pop-in and glitchy movement, can detract slightly from the overall immersion and deserve some attention from the developers post-launch.

In terms of audio, The Thaumaturge delivers a captivating soundtrack that complements the game’s atmosphere. From haunting melodies to stirring orchestral arrangements, the music sets the tone for each encounter, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments.

In conclusion, The Thaumaturge stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in video games – and it’s rare to see such a good example in the turn-based RPG landscape. Despite its occasional flaws, including repetitive combat and technical issues, its rich narrative, immersive world, and compelling gameplay mechanics make it a worthy addition to any RPG enthusiast’s library. Whether unraveling mysteries or engaging in political intrigue, players will find themselves drawn into the world of 1905 Warsaw, where the line between reality and the supernatural has a tendency to blur.

Score: 8.0/10