The Thaumaturge review: When Slavic Folklore Meets a Fucked-Up Fantasy RPG
Lads and lasses, gather 'round because I've stumbled upon a game that's as enigmatic as a witch's brew and twice as intoxicating. "The Thaumaturge" pitches itself as this dark fantasy RPG cocktail mixed with a shot of historical drama, a splash of supernatural detective work, and a twist of Slavic folklore that'll either have you chanting spells or screaming for mercy.
A Dive into the Supernatural Shitstorm
When Fool's Theory and 11 bit studios first teased this game, I'll be honest, my eyes rolled so hard I saw my brain. Another supernatural yarn, I thought, probably filled with the same old dreary detective dribble we've seen a dozen times over. But slap my ass and call me a convert because getting a closer look at this game had me eating my cynical words.
Set in the heart of a Warsaw that's as real as my chances of becoming sober, this game drops you in 1905, a time when Poland was more of a concept than a country, thanks to its lovely neighbors, Russia, Germany, and Austria, deciding they wanted a piece of the pie. You're cast as Wiktor, a paranormal PI who's battling more than just a hangover. His spiritual sickness, stemming from a faltering connection with his Salutor, has him chasing after none other than Grigori Rasputin for a cure. Because who else would you go to for spiritual healing if not the mad monk himself?
A Witcher's Sense Meets Persona's Demons
Wiktor's journey is a blend of isometric investigations pulled straight from a page of the Divinity: Original Sin playbook and turn-based battles that make you feel like you're controlling a demonic Pokémon roster. Except, instead of pocket monsters, you're dealing with Salutors - spirits born from human flaws, because apparently, we're all walking, talking defect catalogs.
Unleashing Hell with a Side of Politics
What really grinds my gears, in a good way, is how "The Thaumaturge" isn't just about bashing in the skulls of otherworldly creatures. It's steeped in the political brew of a Warsaw teetering on the edge, with each investigative step and monster mashing moment intertwined with the city's historical tensions.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Demons
And let's talk about these Salutors. You've got your first spectral sidekick, Upyr, a creature so charming he could make a vampire blush. These beings are your bread and butter, aiding in combat and, occasionally, making your ethical compass spin like a top. Choose wisely, though, because hoarding people's bad juju might just come back to bite you in the ass.
A Feast for the Eyes and Fists
Visually, the game's like walking through a gothic painting - if that painting occasionally glitched out thanks to a plethora of bugs that add an unintended layer of "What the fuck?" to your playthrough. But, bugs aside, the combat system is a dance of death that's as strategic as it is satisfying, letting you and your spectral pals throw down in style.
Final Verdict: A Fucking Rollercoaster of the Arcane and Absurd
"The Thaumaturge" is like that one party you go to expecting nothing but end up leaving with stories you'll tell for years. It's a twisted love letter to Slavic folklore, wrapped in a detective RPG that's as ambitious as it is flawed. With a world rich in lore, combat that keeps you on your toes, and a story that's as convoluted as my last relationship, it's a game that dares you to dive deep into its dark heart.
So, would I recommend saddling up and diving headfirst into the mystical shitshow that is "The Thaumaturge"? Absolutely. Just maybe keep a guide handy, because this game doesn't just challenge your skill - it challenges your sanity.
Rating: A solid 8/10 - Because who needs sanity when you've got Salutors and historical political drama to keep you company?
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.