In the tumultuous streets of 20th-century Warsaw, a young thaumaturge named Wiktor Szulski returns to his family’s mystical legacy, only to find himself drawn into a world of morally ambiguous choices and otherworldly powers. As a full-fledged RPG, The Thaumaturge challenges players to shape their own story, develop their character, and master a unique turn-based combat system that blends human attacks with the mystical abilities of ethereal entities known as salutors. But the city of Warsaw is a complex tapestry of conflicting interests, and Wiktor’s quest will lead him to confront the darkest desires of those around him. With its richly detailed world, heavily researched to recreate the early 20th-century Warsaw, The Thaumaturge is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, where the supernatural and the mundane coexist in a world of crime and luxury.
Should I play The Thaumaturge in 2024?
The good
- Riveting Storyline: The game weaves an intriguing narrative rich in Slavic mythology and historical detail, set in the unique backdrop of 1905 Warsaw.
- Immersive World: Detailed historical elements and beautiful art design pull players into a wonderfully crafted world. The game’s atmosphere is highly praised.
- Character Depth: Characters feel like real people, with impactful choices that genuinely shape the narrative and outcomes.
- Visual and Audio Design: The game’s graphics and soundtrack effectively immerse you in its universe, creating an atmospheric experience.
- Accessible Gameplay: Easy-to-learn turn-based card-like combat system and ultrawide support make it highly accessible, even allowing for one-handed play.
- Polish Dub: A recommendation for the Polish dub over the English one shows thoughtful localization efforts.
The bad
- Performance Issues: Some players report severe stuttering and performance problems, especially in larger city areas or during battles.
- Combat Simplicity: The combat system, while original, can be too easy and repetitive, lacking significant challenge for experienced players.
- Guidance System: The in-game guidance system can be hit-or-miss, leading to occasional frustrations.
- Endgame Pacing: The story’s pacing speeds up towards the end, and some endings may feel rushed or unsatisfying.
Verdict
Should you still buy or play this game in 2024? Based on the reviews that you read, give your verdict in a fun editorial answer.
Absolutely! 🎩✨ “The Thaumaturge” is a spellbinding adventure that takes you on a journey through a meticulously crafted world rich in history and myth. The engaging story, detailed world-building, and immersive atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games. The performance hitches and simplistic combat are minor flaws when compared to the overall experience. So, dive into 1905 Warsaw and let yourself be enchanted. And hey, maybe tweak the settings a bit to smooth out those stutters. 😉
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In-game Screenshot
Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG
