Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream, landing on PlayStation 5 via Nordcurrent Labs, is an elegantly crafted isometric stealth adventure that places emotional storytelling at its core. Developed by River End Games, it follows protagonist Hanna through the atmospheric streets of a fictional early-1900s Nordic city in pursuit of her missing brother Herman. Beneath its stylish presentation lies a game of careful pacing and layered tension – mostly executed with poise, but occasionally weighed down by its own systems.
At its heart, Eriksholm presents a heartfelt narrative of family and trust. Hanna’s quest is driven by determination and emotional nuance, and the game’s decision to let dialogue and environmental storytelling take the lead gives it period charm, though some may crave sharper character writing. The episodic structure adds variety – switching to different playable characters, each wielding unique (stealth abilities) – though these shifts sometimes feel more tactical than narrative, pulling a bit of focus away from the central mystery. Still, the narrative beats work well enough to keep you invested until the final scene.
Gameplay is all about “pure stealth,” and the city’s elegantly designed levels reward patience and strategy. You’ll duck behind crates, time patrol paths, and use distractions to slip past guards. The three characters – each with distinct tools – encourage experimentation, and the freedom of approach is welcome. Yet the AI can occasionally feel too lenient, with enemies failing to react to obvious clues or operating in overly predictable loops – undermining moments that should feel tense and unsteady for the sake of a smoothly flowing narrative.
Controls and user interface are clean and efficient, but the camera can become a mild obstacle. Fixed isometric angles makes for a stylish look, but occasional occlusion issues can make stealth planning trickier than it needs to be. A few sections feel overly long as a result of this visual friction and the sometimes-slow pacing, with environmental puzzles that occasionally blur stealth with backtracking more than necessary.
There’s little doubt that Eriksholm is a visual treat. With delicate linework, period architecture, and muted color schemes, it paints a Nordic city full of personality. Sound design elevates the experience: ambient bustle, creaking shutters, and staccato guard chatter are all finely tuned to enhance the stealth. Occasional repetition in the soundtrack and ambient loops is noticeable, but never breaks the spell.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is strongest when it trusts itself – when it allows you to stalk shadows, manipulate distractions, and feel that satisfying click of a well-executed plan. The thrill of sneaking past a guard or slipping into a forbidden balcony ranks among the most engaging moments in recent stealth games. Sadly, these highlights are interspersed with occasional pacing drags, character-switching that sometimes undermines the narrative, and stealth systems that occasionally feel a hair too forgiving or visually compromised.
Ultimately though, Eriksholm is a stealth experience that thrives on atmosphere and intention. It avoids gimmicks and grand spectacle in favor of a quiet, methodical approach. While some mechanical and narrative polish would have been welcome, River End’s finesse shines through. For those who appreciate tactical patience, historical mood, and a story grounded in human connection, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream offers a thoughtful and often moving playthrough beneath its frost-touched rooftops.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 