This was the 2022 GOTY for me. So incredible in how it just got better as the story moved on. It was so quirky yet so impactful. A true piece of art. A detective story with spiritual impact.
@@erko78 If you care about the gameplay of a game like this it's not for you. This is more like Disco Elysium in that the game is all about conversation and story
I watched the Obsidian stream yesterday and the amount of passion Josh Sawyer and his team have for this is incredible. There is so much detail and research that went into this little work of art. Absolutely beautiful, also love that it was heavily inspired by Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose
I loved everything about this game when it was announced, but I never knew that connection to that movie (which I also love). Very excited to check this out.
I have been wanting a physical book version of Pentiment. I reached out to Obsidian and got an interesting response;) I'm only in Act II. Get to know those characters by pulling them up with Y. Access the journal. Soak your bones within the story. Chef's kiss.
I am so happy that weirder experiences like Pentiment is being made from established studio's like Obsidian and it seemingly paid off as well cant wait to get into it tomorrow
Was concrete genie? Wait no. Was Kings Bird, one of my game of the years? Wait no. Next time think before posting. We don't hold up idiots here we call them out. If you are going to furiously mentally jerk off in the comments, no one is going to help you clean up.
I agree with your sentiment that while you didn't like this game, the fact that games like these exists because of gamepass is a blessing. I hope MS pushes for more experimental content.
You misunderstand, this doesn't exsist because of GP. GP just allows you to play something different for a small sub. GP doesn't benefit any devs, don't be fooled
@@jcbass8847 What do you mean? Microsoft pays the devs/publishers to allow their games on GP. I'm guessing it's a fixed amount, but, for a small studio with a niche game, that's probably a blessing. They don't have to worry that the game won't sell and thus not make a profit.
@@cskiller86 exactly. Their whole strategy currently is picking studios that have proven to be very talented, funding them, and then getting out of there way as long as the games are on gamepass. This takes stress off the studio and allows them to take greater creative risks. The studios aren’t being forced by producers to add or remove things, and they don’t have to worry about shutting their doors if a game they poured their hearts and souls into doesn’t sell well. I don’t trust any corporations, and I do think that eventually this publishing approach will end and this creative freedom developers have will be strangled when that happens. However, it is still a very good pro-consumer and pro-developer choice for Microsoft to do what it is doing now, and we will still get who knows how many great, unique, well funded games will come out in these golden years. I am very excited to see what the next 5 to 10 years of game releases will look like!
I will give the game a shot it sounds like it's for me, I just like Obsidian and will give any of their projects a shot just being a fan of how their studio works
Outer worlds had a bland story (oh no big evil corporations!!), bland exploration and you got showered with so many consumeables you never ended up using because the game was so easy
I absolutely love that this king of game can be made, going to get it for my dad who normally has no interest in video games but is a big time history buff.
This was a spectacular review. Your coverage is so detailed and covers gamepass buyers than normal purchasers, as well as if you are a gamer who can deal with long periods of downtime and a barren presentation hit everyone and made it clear where you sat. I always know what I will get from your coverage and that is a great idea of where I will stand.
This game is beautiful and as a medievalist, the background is extremely familiar, the callouts well known, the artwork is all recognised. The books are readable, the marginalia superb, time setting familiar. I love this. I'm only at the start but I love it.
Big Head is an old joke in Obsidian. The option is there in Pillars of Eternity too. Great review. This sounds like exactly the sort of thing I would enjoy so I'm def playing this when I'm free
When I saw this game for the first time I knew it wouldn't be my cup of tea. I hope others enjoy it though. We need more games that are not traditional and shakes things up sometimes
I absolutely love this game. I love the slow burn, everything just coming together piece by piece. Wonderful release. I hope we can get more titles this experimental.
Thanks for watching and sharing! Also Witcher 3 Next Gen upgrade date announced www.acgamer.net/post/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-next-gen-update-announced-for-dec-14th www.patreon.com/AngryCentaurGaming
"Interesting Premise That Is Not for Me", pretty well sums up the majority of your reviews, I don't watch to get your opinion. I watch to find out WHY you hold it. I don't take notice of numeric scoring system, your final verdict, is trinary, Buy=2, Wait for Sale=1, Never Touch=0, and almost as bad as Steam's binary scoring system. Keep making your reviews your way, I find the over the top verbage annoying, but TLDR isn't in my nature. I watch for the PC focus, and explanations of why you have an opinion. I'll probably disagree with you more than agree, but you give me the reasoning why? Skill Up is slightly nearer to my bias, but it's explaining your reasons, that matters to me.
As someone studying a master's in history, this is EXACTLY for me! I love games that let you immerse slowly into the world, and the art style really helps. I wouldn't mind if I have to go through the glossary, since I have a good amount of knowledge of Reformation Europe to understand. Thank you for the constructive review!
It took me a couple tries to get into this, but man am I glad I gave it a little bit more time. It's a profound experience. The historical accuracy is top-notch but so too is the presentation which includes additional context regarding real people and places via the select button (on Xbox). It deals with significant historical events - namely, the words and works of Martin Luther that went onto become the basis of the Protestant Reformation. Most interestingly, it deals with them on a relativelt small scale with the setting of rural village overseen by a Catholic Abbot lord acting as the setting in which the events unfold. The people seem real and deal with heart wrenching difficulties that were commonplace at the time. Children die young, nearly entire families are loss to disease, there isn't enough food and the "social safety net" is no more than the charity of the local baker. The main character, Andreas, feels as real as any character I've met in fiction. He strives for renown, faces crippling hardship and is left empty after finally attaining his life's dream. No spoilers here, but the conversation he has in his dreams in Act 2 moved me to tears. It was the most beautifully sad exchange I've encountered in a videogame (and maybe fiction as a whole). As a game, the dialogue system and consequences for your actions are well done, but it is not best viewed through that lens. I look at Pentament more like an interactive book. If you like to read, have interest in the 1500s, religion, Christianity, history or just well told stories, then this may be for you. Just know that it is rather slow moving. With that said, I loved it.
You know what, some people already bored and fatigue for an unreal AAA 3D human adventure. It didn't change since back then even with ultra fancy super realistic graphics. We need something unique
I don't know if it's because I did calligraphy for years or what but I like that quill to vellum sound. Looks like a cool game, unfortunately I just don't have the time at the moment, but it's nice to see something that's not a "online service" or some half finished garbage from the major developers. Anyway cheers, and thanks for the review!
Love when games like this release that are a bit weird. It's getting 10s from some outlets and other reviewers aren't really liking it. It's become impossible to have healthy discourse about AAA games, but games like this are perfect for actually talking about what's good and bad about it and how some people just like different types of things. I'm excited to check it out.
Sounds fascinating. My worry with a game like this would be that everything ultimately rides on the conclusion. Failure to solve will result in an unsatisfying experience, but if you make the murderer too obvious it will be equally unsatisfying. Probably it is better to break the game up in smaller parts where you can validate your findings to that point, for example the recent Case of the Golden Idol.
@bird of the abyss though, even a real detective doesn't ultimately know if they are right or wrong, but instead makes a call based on the evidence available to them
I personally really enjoyed the conclusions- especially how it weaves kind of the entire background of the story together. Also weirdly educational? I loved it.
Great review as always ACG, I do have a few questions though. How long did it take for you to beat this game, did you get all the endings and is your beard the source of your power?
Love the fact your promoting indie developers and also games being made without the “overall crowd pleasing” attitude. This is what gaming is really about, something for everyone. Your review convinced me that I probably won’t play this game (despite having gamepass) as I am something of a completionist. I am however like you stoked that this sort of thing is hitting the gaming market and so being supported by the likes of gamepass. Excellent work as ever my friend. All the best
Taken from a preview. If i remember iirc, Josh Sawyer wanted to make a game like Pentiment since the early 90s, after playing Darklands. No voice acting because you meet people from all of Europe and they would have to speak with accents, impossible with the budget.
I love the art and the core ideas but it's not something I'd play. I'd give it a quick go and never touch it again. However, your review is so detailed it almost persuaded me as it is something I would have played and become fully immersed in many years ago.
Great review, I appreciate your respectful approach to criticizing a game that did not resonate with you. My only issue in general is why there seems to be a need for people to apologize for liking such games by emphasizing that it's not for everyone. Is there any game out there that is appealing to all gamers?
So far I really enjoy it. It's so original and well made. Even the way different fonts are used is so freaking cool. But games like these are not for everyone. Weirdly enough I could never get into one of the highest scored games of all times, Disco Elysium.
It's depressingly rare to hear an opinion like "I'm glad this game exists but it wasn't personally for me". Makes a change from "I didn't like it so everyone who does was obviously paid to say so"
This is that Obsidian game, right? I'm interested but cautious. I'm honestly sad that they lost Chris Avellone. His cooperation with people like Feargus Urquhart and Josh Sawyer gave us some of the best role-playing games of all time. This honestly just doesn't feel like it can compete with their last titles. Pillars of Eternity and Outer Worlds. This feels more like a tablet game or visual novel. Interesting sure, but just not what I wanted from them, you know? I don't even really like murder mysteries that much. Sherlock Holmes is interesting because it's like a superpower for him.
Pentiment isn't for everybody and that's perfectly fine. I applaud Obsidian for taking such a big risk by making a game like this. It's obvious that a lot of love and passion went into it. A person can at least appreciate the creativity, even though it may not be his or her cup of tea so to speak. Thanks once again Karak for another honest, unbiased and detailed review!
If you like this setting and story, you might enjoy the Matthew Shardlake series of books by C.J. Sansom. Set slightly after Pentiment but with some similar vibes.
I disagree. Voice acting can take me out of the story, whereas without it, I can imagine what they sound like. Bad voice acting particularly would ruin the game.
We don’t get enough detective/investigation games. When we do, the investigation gameplay is always weak. I can’t wait to try this. Hopefully it’s what I’m looking for in a murder mystery
"It has a big head mode" this was my one question. I was so confused why the characters were changing and thought it was some weird artistic vision and I'd be going from "normal head" to "big brain time" and back.
Been playing for about an hour or so and already I've found my self really surprised at some of the historical accuracy. These guys knew about some of the middle ages church controversies, and they knew how people thought about them and talked about them. Very impressive, to me anyway. This game also deals with religion in a way that I'm not sure I've ever seen a game deal with it. It portrays the average Christian in the 1500s in what seems to me to be very accurate. You're quite right that this is a pinpoint niche kind of game and so far, I seem to fit that niche. Great video!
First review I saw that shines light on some the negatives, love the honest review acg. Gonna play this on switch, I love history, hope my attention span is going to survive this haha
This is totally the type of game that would be absolutely buried with all of the other games coming out, but thanks to gamepass, people like me will be able to try it simply out of curiosity. Love the review! I'll check it out even if it's not my normal type of game.
@@ACGreviews I think if it was mixed a bit differently maybe I wouldn't mind. It seems mixed to sound like that's their replacement to a voice and yeah not really a sound I want to hear for the hours I'm playing this.
Not a history buff at all, so at first I was a bit put off by it, also the art style. But after two hours or so of having played it I can't drop it. The story is getting very interesting, I love the dialogue and the options in there, plenty of depth there. Art style has grown on me too. I can't wait to see what they do for Avowed.
I haven't played this game yet, don't have gamepass and was of the mind that I might bounce off of it for much the same reasons you've very respectfully laid out for a game you didn't quite gel with. I'll wait for a deep deep sale but can appreciate that there's a quality game here, for maybe a very specific person, that until I eventually take the plunge with, may or may not be me. Appreciate this review.,
More in line with a visual novel with a twist like Danganronpa. Not the easiest to get into either; something like Steins Gate might be a better precursor to get you used to the habit.
Thank you, this video helped me make my choice. Even though I was ready to buy this game, I would definitely not be able to withstand that sound effect for the talking portions of this game.
I have a full time job and other hobbies. I uninstalled the game before leaving the hotel or whatever it is where you wake up. Dialogue was so slow, uninteresting and I just didn’t feel like dedicating more time to something so slow (I found it super tedious to advance the dialogue) I like to read so maybe if they publish a book with the story I’ll read it.
Can´t wait to check it out. If you want another medieval generational crime mystery, an unforgettable experience for me was Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth. It´s a slow burn, and I savoured every second of it. It was free on Epic a few months ago, might be again. Grab it.
While I agree with a few of your points, I found this game so damn immersive! I went in completely blind and I was so curious to see what this game was about, so the slow start worked in the game's favour. I had no idea what the premise was, even after some time had passed, but the game never felt dull in the process. Then the story progresses, mechanics start appearing and you get that "ahaaaa" moment, and to me it's satisfying starting to figure things out slowly. (Maybe less so in more playthroughs though) I have only completed a part of the game (don't even know what's to come) but it kept me invested from the start. And I loved the art style!
If you are saying Pentiment is not your personal taste. Then cool. There's no accounting for taste. That's just how it is. The slow burn and length wasn't for people without a long attention span where things need to happen every 15 minutes obviously. But it's an objectively good game. Perhaps even an objectively excellent game. I think it's great personally. Different strokes.
I don’t know man. I respect the creativity. I’m a gameplay first gamer though. I think stories are better in shows and books than video games. Just my opinion
Stories are absolutely better in shows and books. This is my main problem with games and why I'm so picky. So many games don't last for me because the narrative and development are so weak by comparison.
I think storytelling should be shaped by the medium being used, and Obsidian are masters at branching narratives, which is a style of storytelling best suited to games. If you are telling a story while I'm holding a controller, give me some control. That's why I dislike linear narratives in games (last of us, god of war etc.)
I liked this much more than you did. As a fan of The Name of the Rose and the Pillars of the Earth, the slow burn nature is no issue for me, I just love immersing myself in the place and time as I just enjoy historical fiction. I think if you are a history fan or a fan of those two mentioned novels (or even the game based on Pillars of the Earth), then you will dig this.
I adore Pillars of the Earth. Watched the tv show with my parents thinking I would find it utterly boring but it's still to this day one of my fav stories told in any media
Really cool idea... but man, this game YEARNS for voice acting. I just couldn't get through the slog of the first few hours although I have no doubt it would've been a breeze if it was voice acted.
You know what's more exciting then playing this game? Reading a actual book. Yeah I said it a actual book. If this game wasn't on Game pass no one would have bought this game except for a select few of people. Maybe this book game would have been more interesting if it had some unique voice acting behind the dialogue of the story just to bring it to life but we couldn't even get that in 2022 from a first party developer. 😒
Writing, for me is one of the most, if not the most aspect in any game. Personally, the most anticipated game of this year. Going to buy this even if on GamePass to show Xbox that these kinds of games are a worth taking risks on.
I know they’re very different, but I get a Kingdom Come: Deliverance vibe from this. Mostly in terms of where I absolutely see the appeal and quality, but can tell it’s definitely not for me. Props to Obsidian for trying something new!
Thank you for reviewing this! I was curious and this was a very helpful review. Also, excellent observation about Gamepass making quirky games possible.👏
I 100% love that this incredibly... Impossibly boring game came out. I usually love slow boil, intrigue, branching narrative, conversation heavy, story heavy beasts. I think perhaps it was the setting? The god narrative was definitely a lot. Idk, but I had to stop playing. I thought my brain would rot and fall out my head from the boredom and inanity of the subject matter. I couldn't give a fraction of a sh*t about any of it. I didn't care much about the main character, and I didn't care about the world, so beyond that, there really is nothing. I am just saying my personal experience with the game. Like I said, as a concept, I'm super happy to see this get released. I know there are people who loved it, but it was my anti-game.
If this game was voiced acted, it would be one of the best games of the year. I’m not sure if that was a choice by the developers but I swear this would be one of my favorite games of all times if it had. I get the fact that you use much of your imagination to figure out reach characters voices but still it was sorely missed.
Only thing is is that the dialogue takes a while to get through even reading rapidly (I'm a very fast reader). If it was voice acted I'd think it almost tedious
This is one of those games that falls firmly into the category of "I'm really glad it exists but I will never play it.". In another world where I had more free time I for sure would, but that is not the world I live in. I have adult money, every console and a high powered gaming PC... along with literally hundreds of games that I own that I have yet to play and really want to. This game would go right into the back log and piled on top of for forever. So, I am glad it exists because they are doing something really risky and innovative and I think they should be rewarded for that... but sadly I will never play it.
everyone saying this is the best thing ever a total masterpiece.....that can't be true....not for a video game all it takes is one good review and everyone just start echoing each other. I appreciate your honest level headed review it means a lot in these awful times of disingenuous views and opinions. i will try it to see if it does anything for me.
Love you, watch all your vids but here's my problem with reviews on the net.. People just can't have a opinion without voicing thier personal feeling and say "this games great" or it's not.. NO games for everyone, but I personally think this will be a game that millions of players WILL love.. This game seems to make you learn or fail, and be have to pay attention to understand it instead of holding your hand.. My last thing is to say GOWR is MUST buy (even though I've bought it) when it's the same as 2018 with more bloat and little innovation on the series for 70.. But this innovative game, with 40+ hrs of gameplay and much replay value is a "have to think it over" for 20$ is quite.. Disheartening..
Well written ones do the same thing so for sure. And in any game with very very slow parts in a very very niche world will be explained in detailed ways to give the viewer an idea where they fit.
As long as it's better than the Telltale games I'm in. I tried three of them and they all were very disappointing and even pointless since your "choices" literally changed nothing to the story. Like one line of dialogue changed. If this tells an interesting story and your choices actually guide the story somewhat, it'll make the replay value and fun factor worth the slow start.
From what I've seen, the choices actually have differences in the path you travel to get to the end, at the very least, rather than just pseudo-choices that only delay the inevitable.
Written Reading game ~ is something i am never fine with.. I come & choose to play Game coz i dont want to either read books or watch movies just play games.. when games make like reading simulator its head scratching.
Right now I wish Microsoft would have made 70,000 Pentiment sized games instead of buying Call of Duty. You'd probably see at least a few thousand amazing new game concepts come out of a mass push for Indie concept games.
This was the 2022 GOTY for me. So incredible in how it just got better as the story moved on. It was so quirky yet so impactful. A true piece of art. A detective story with spiritual impact.
Honestly looks boring as hell gameplay wise. What made it GOTY for you? Genuinely curious and perhaps I’ll try it one day.
@@erko78 If you care about the gameplay of a game like this it's not for you. This is more like Disco Elysium in that the game is all about conversation and story
I watched the Obsidian stream yesterday and the amount of passion Josh Sawyer and his team have for this is incredible. There is so much detail and research that went into this little work of art. Absolutely beautiful, also love that it was heavily inspired by Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose
Couldn't agree more!
I loved everything about this game when it was announced, but I never knew that connection to that movie (which I also love). Very excited to check this out.
@Jared Helder The movie with Sean Connery is based on the Book with the same name written by Umberto Eco. Highly recommend it.
One of my favourite books, gotta check this one out. Good thing it's on Game Pass.
I have been wanting a physical book version of Pentiment. I reached out to Obsidian and got an interesting response;) I'm only in Act II. Get to know those characters by pulling them up with Y. Access the journal. Soak your bones within the story. Chef's kiss.
I am so happy that weirder experiences like Pentiment is being made from established studio's like Obsidian and it seemingly paid off as well cant wait to get into it tomorrow
Love me some Obsidian.
Was concrete genie? Wait no.
Was Kings Bird, one of my game of the years? Wait no.
Next time think before posting. We don't hold up idiots here we call them out. If you are going to furiously mentally jerk off in the comments, no one is going to help you clean up.
@@ACGreviews This is why I love you. Not only smashing an idiot but bringing examples. Please never stop.
wonder if xbox players will call this a 'next page please' simulator or something like that.
Yes , Layadi Bhai.. Aaj to even i will try this and Somerville
Respect for Obsidian to create this game, in a world where taking creative risks as a pretty big studio, isn't common.
I agree with your sentiment that while you didn't like this game, the fact that games like these exists because of gamepass is a blessing. I hope MS pushes for more experimental content.
sentiment agreed with pentiment! poooof
This is only gonna get a good review from critics who wanna seem sophisticated. Lol
You misunderstand, this doesn't exsist because of GP. GP just allows you to play something different for a small sub. GP doesn't benefit any devs, don't be fooled
@@jcbass8847 What do you mean? Microsoft pays the devs/publishers to allow their games on GP. I'm guessing it's a fixed amount, but, for a small studio with a niche game, that's probably a blessing. They don't have to worry that the game won't sell and thus not make a profit.
@@cskiller86 exactly. Their whole strategy currently is picking studios that have proven to be very talented, funding them, and then getting out of there way as long as the games are on gamepass. This takes stress off the studio and allows them to take greater creative risks. The studios aren’t being forced by producers to add or remove things, and they don’t have to worry about shutting their doors if a game they poured their hearts and souls into doesn’t sell well. I don’t trust any corporations, and I do think that eventually this publishing approach will end and this creative freedom developers have will be strangled when that happens. However, it is still a very good pro-consumer and pro-developer choice for Microsoft to do what it is doing now, and we will still get who knows how many great, unique, well funded games will come out in these golden years. I am very excited to see what the next 5 to 10 years of game releases will look like!
I will give the game a shot it sounds like it's for me, I just like Obsidian and will give any of their projects a shot just being a fan of how their studio works
Agreed might as well try it
I liked Obsidian untill Outer Worlds. Then i realised it was mediocre at best, because Chris Avellone left. Dev team is as good as the devs in it.
@@fartloudYT Opinions can differ greatly; I thoroughly enjoyed The Outer Worlds.
Outer worlds had a bland story (oh no big evil corporations!!), bland exploration and you got showered with so many consumeables you never ended up using because the game was so easy
Yeah, Obsidian is Microsoft's best acquisition from my perspective. Outer Worlds was fantastic, and they continue to create innovative games.
I absolutely love that this king of game can be made, going to get it for my dad who normally has no interest in video games but is a big time history buff.
"That Is Not for Me" mad respect. everyone has their own gerne, a tea for their taste.
Great review. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a reviewer endorse a game so heavily that they obviously bounced off of pretty hard
This was a spectacular review. Your coverage is so detailed and covers gamepass buyers than normal purchasers, as well as if you are a gamer who can deal with long periods of downtime and a barren presentation hit everyone and made it clear where you sat.
I always know what I will get from your coverage and that is a great idea of where I will stand.
Yes this.
This game is beautiful and as a medievalist, the background is extremely familiar, the callouts well known, the artwork is all recognised. The books are readable, the marginalia superb, time setting familiar. I love this. I'm only at the start but I love it.
The fact this strange game even exists is worth supporting.
Big Head is an old joke in Obsidian. The option is there in Pillars of Eternity too. Great review. This sounds like exactly the sort of thing I would enjoy so I'm def playing this when I'm free
Thanks Josh.
When I saw this game for the first time I knew it wouldn't be my cup of tea. I hope others enjoy it though. We need more games that are not traditional and shakes things up sometimes
I absolutely love this game. I love the slow burn, everything just coming together piece by piece. Wonderful release. I hope we can get more titles this experimental.
“What the hellness” should be a new factor in all your reviews!! 😂❤
Thanks for watching and sharing! Also Witcher 3 Next Gen upgrade date announced www.acgamer.net/post/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-next-gen-update-announced-for-dec-14th
www.patreon.com/AngryCentaurGaming
"Interesting Premise That Is Not for Me", pretty well sums up the majority of your reviews, I don't watch to get your opinion. I watch to find out WHY you hold it.
I don't take notice of numeric scoring system, your final verdict, is trinary, Buy=2, Wait for Sale=1, Never Touch=0, and almost as bad as Steam's binary scoring system.
Keep making your reviews your way, I find the over the top verbage annoying, but TLDR isn't in my nature. I watch for the PC focus, and explanations of why you have an opinion.
I'll probably disagree with you more than agree, but you give me the reasoning why? Skill Up is slightly nearer to my bias, but it's explaining your reasons, that matters to me.
As someone studying a master's in history, this is EXACTLY for me! I love games that let you immerse slowly into the world, and the art style really helps. I wouldn't mind if I have to go through the glossary, since I have a good amount of knowledge of Reformation Europe to understand. Thank you for the constructive review!
It took me a couple tries to get into this, but man am I glad I gave it a little bit more time.
It's a profound experience.
The historical accuracy is top-notch but so too is the presentation which includes additional context regarding real people and places via the select button (on Xbox).
It deals with significant historical events - namely, the words and works of Martin Luther that went onto become the basis of the Protestant Reformation.
Most interestingly, it deals with them on a relativelt small scale with the setting of rural village overseen by a Catholic Abbot lord acting as the setting in which the events unfold.
The people seem real and deal with heart wrenching difficulties that were commonplace at the time. Children die young, nearly entire families are loss to disease, there isn't enough food and the "social safety net" is no more than the charity of the local baker.
The main character, Andreas, feels as real as any character I've met in fiction. He strives for renown, faces crippling hardship and is left empty after finally attaining his life's dream.
No spoilers here, but the conversation he has in his dreams in Act 2 moved me to tears. It was the most beautifully sad exchange I've encountered in a videogame (and maybe fiction as a whole).
As a game, the dialogue system and consequences for your actions are well done, but it is not best viewed through that lens.
I look at Pentament more like an interactive book.
If you like to read, have interest in the 1500s, religion, Christianity, history or just well told stories, then this may be for you. Just know that it is rather slow moving.
With that said, I loved it.
You know what, some people already bored and fatigue for an unreal AAA 3D human adventure. It didn't change since back then even with ultra fancy super realistic graphics.
We need something unique
I don't know if it's because I did calligraphy for years or what but I like that quill to vellum sound. Looks like a cool game, unfortunately I just don't have the time at the moment, but it's nice to see something that's not a "online service" or some half finished garbage from the major developers. Anyway cheers, and thanks for the review!
Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose + Ace Attorney + Obsidian great narrative = SIGN ME UP!
Love when games like this release that are a bit weird. It's getting 10s from some outlets and other reviewers aren't really liking it. It's become impossible to have healthy discourse about AAA games, but games like this are perfect for actually talking about what's good and bad about it and how some people just like different types of things. I'm excited to check it out.
Sounds fascinating. My worry with a game like this would be that everything ultimately rides on the conclusion. Failure to solve will result in an unsatisfying experience, but if you make the murderer too obvious it will be equally unsatisfying. Probably it is better to break the game up in smaller parts where you can validate your findings to that point, for example the recent Case of the Golden Idol.
Ya this one doesn't every really tell you if you are right or wrong
@bird of the abyss though, even a real detective doesn't ultimately know if they are right or wrong, but instead makes a call based on the evidence available to them
There's a lot of replay value as every choice or non choice affects the outcome, and there are many possible outcomes.
I personally really enjoyed the conclusions- especially how it weaves kind of the entire background of the story together. Also weirdly educational? I loved it.
Everything about this game is hitting with me. One of the most beautiful art styles in a game since Wind Waker.
I love the scratching sound ❤
I like Sawyer as a lead designer, but I wasn't expecting much of this one. Even if it was a passion project of his.
Just not the sort of game for me.
Just try it dude,doesn't hurt to atleast play it
Great review as always ACG, I do have a few questions though. How long did it take for you to beat this game, did you get all the endings and is your beard the source of your power?
Your reviews are always a pleasure to watch. But it's the respect you give to little indie games like this one that really make your channel the best.
Very interesting idea. Nice to see creative stuff like this - even if it’s not for everyone.
Gunna give it a go because of gamepass, I prob would never buy it
Love the fact your promoting indie developers and also games being made without the “overall crowd pleasing” attitude. This is what gaming is really about, something for everyone. Your review convinced me that I probably won’t play this game (despite having gamepass) as I am something of a completionist. I am however like you stoked that this sort of thing is hitting the gaming market and so being supported by the likes of gamepass. Excellent work as ever my friend. All the best
This is certainly unique, even if it's not my jam the industry needs more weirder passion projects, so I hope it does well.
Indeed, we need weird stuff like this. It's one of the ways the industry might stumble on cool new mechanics and ideas.
Taken from a preview. If i remember iirc, Josh Sawyer wanted to make a game like Pentiment since the early 90s, after playing Darklands. No voice acting because you meet people from all of Europe and they would have to speak with accents, impossible with the budget.
After A plague tale requiem I think it's perfect time to cancel GP.
Great review as always.
I appreciate that
I love the art and the core ideas but it's not something I'd play. I'd give it a quick go and never touch it again.
However, your review is so detailed it almost persuaded me as it is something I would have played and become fully immersed in many years ago.
Fair enough!Ya its a niche title
Great review, I appreciate your respectful approach to criticizing a game that did not resonate with you. My only issue in general is why there seems to be a need for people to apologize for liking such games by emphasizing that it's not for everyone. Is there any game out there that is appealing to all gamers?
So far I really enjoy it. It's so original and well made. Even the way different fonts are used is so freaking cool.
But games like these are not for everyone. Weirdly enough I could never get into one of the highest scored games of all times, Disco Elysium.
It's depressingly rare to hear an opinion like "I'm glad this game exists but it wasn't personally for me". Makes a change from "I didn't like it so everyone who does was obviously paid to say so"
This is that Obsidian game, right? I'm interested but cautious. I'm honestly sad that they lost Chris Avellone. His cooperation with people like Feargus Urquhart and Josh Sawyer gave us some of the best role-playing games of all time. This honestly just doesn't feel like it can compete with their last titles. Pillars of Eternity and Outer Worlds. This feels more like a tablet game or visual novel. Interesting sure, but just not what I wanted from them, you know? I don't even really like murder mysteries that much. Sherlock Holmes is interesting because it's like a superpower for him.
Pentiment isn't for everybody and that's perfectly fine. I applaud Obsidian for taking such a big risk by making a game like this. It's obvious that a lot of love and passion went into it. A person can at least appreciate the creativity, even though it may not be his or her cup of tea so to speak. Thanks once again Karak for another honest, unbiased and detailed review!
If you like this setting and story, you might enjoy the Matthew Shardlake series of books by C.J. Sansom. Set slightly after Pentiment but with some similar vibes.
I respect people at least trying to present something new.
This game needs voice acting. When they made Disco Elysium fully voiced, it elevated it to a whole new level.
I disagree. Voice acting can take me out of the story, whereas without it, I can imagine what they sound like. Bad voice acting particularly would ruin the game.
We don’t get enough detective/investigation games. When we do, the investigation gameplay is always weak. I can’t wait to try this. Hopefully it’s what I’m looking for in a murder mystery
"It has a big head mode" this was my one question. I was so confused why the characters were changing and thought it was some weird artistic vision and I'd be going from "normal head" to "big brain time" and back.
Been playing for about an hour or so and already I've found my self really surprised at some of the historical accuracy. These guys knew about some of the middle ages church controversies, and they knew how people thought about them and talked about them. Very impressive, to me anyway. This game also deals with religion in a way that I'm not sure I've ever seen a game deal with it. It portrays the average Christian in the 1500s in what seems to me to be very accurate.
You're quite right that this is a pinpoint niche kind of game and so far, I seem to fit that niche.
Great video!
Good review, for the first time I think I can see what this is now. I suspect I will enjoy it more than you did, but we shall see. Yay for Game Pass.
First review I saw that shines light on some the negatives, love the honest review acg. Gonna play this on switch, I love history, hope my attention span is going to survive this haha
This is totally the type of game that would be absolutely buried with all of the other games coming out, but thanks to gamepass, people like me will be able to try it simply out of curiosity. Love the review! I'll check it out even if it's not my normal type of game.
Yeah that writing ink on parchment sound is going to be lowered in the volume mixer for this game immediately.
Its pretty rough lol
@@ACGreviews I think if it was mixed a bit differently maybe I wouldn't mind. It seems mixed to sound like that's their replacement to a voice and yeah not really a sound I want to hear for the hours I'm playing this.
Not a history buff at all, so at first I was a bit put off by it, also the art style. But after two hours or so of having played it I can't drop it. The story is getting very interesting, I love the dialogue and the options in there, plenty of depth there. Art style has grown on me too. I can't wait to see what they do for Avowed.
Looking forward to your Calisto Protocol review Karak 😀
I haven't played this game yet, don't have gamepass and was of the mind that I might bounce off of it for much the same reasons you've very respectfully laid out for a game you didn't quite gel with. I'll wait for a deep deep sale but can appreciate that there's a quality game here, for maybe a very specific person, that until I eventually take the plunge with, may or may not be me. Appreciate this review.,
More in line with a visual novel with a twist like Danganronpa. Not the easiest to get into either; something like Steins Gate might be a better precursor to get you used to the habit.
Looks right up my alley. Like Kingdom Come Deliverance meets Disco Elysium
Thank you, this video helped me make my choice. Even though I was ready to buy this game, I would definitely not be able to withstand that sound effect for the talking portions of this game.
It looks interesting. The concept is also novel. Might check it out.
I have a full time job and other hobbies. I uninstalled the game before leaving the hotel or whatever it is where you wake up.
Dialogue was so slow, uninteresting and I just didn’t feel like dedicating more time to something so slow (I found it super tedious to advance the dialogue)
I like to read so maybe if they publish a book with the story I’ll read it.
This looks like my idea of a nightmare! I wouldn't even try it free on Game Pass, however kudos to the developers for trying something different.
Can´t wait to check it out. If you want another medieval generational crime mystery, an unforgettable experience for me was Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth.
It´s a slow burn, and I savoured every second of it.
It was free on Epic a few months ago, might be again.
Grab it.
It's already only 20$, how much of a sale would it be worth it?
Big head mode?
Say no more; im in!
While I agree with a few of your points, I found this game so damn immersive!
I went in completely blind and I was so curious to see what this game was about, so the slow start worked in the game's favour. I had no idea what the premise was, even after some time had passed, but the game never felt dull in the process.
Then the story progresses, mechanics start appearing and you get that "ahaaaa" moment, and to me it's satisfying starting to figure things out slowly. (Maybe less so in more playthroughs though)
I have only completed a part of the game (don't even know what's to come) but it kept me invested from the start. And I loved the art style!
Thats awesome!
Thanks!
If you are saying Pentiment is not your personal taste. Then cool. There's no accounting for taste. That's just how it is. The slow burn and length wasn't for people without a long attention span where things need to happen every 15 minutes obviously. But it's an objectively good game. Perhaps even an objectively excellent game. I think it's great personally. Different strokes.
Thanks for your honesty, this game is for me
I don’t know man. I respect the creativity. I’m a gameplay first gamer though. I think stories are better in shows and books than video games. Just my opinion
Stories are absolutely better in shows and books. This is my main problem with games and why I'm so picky. So many games don't last for me because the narrative and development are so weak by comparison.
I think storytelling should be shaped by the medium being used, and Obsidian are masters at branching narratives, which is a style of storytelling best suited to games. If you are telling a story while I'm holding a controller, give me some control. That's why I dislike linear narratives in games (last of us, god of war etc.)
@@fotografick I'm the same way, if I have no control over the story I probably won't play it.
I liked this much more than you did. As a fan of The Name of the Rose and the Pillars of the Earth, the slow burn nature is no issue for me, I just love immersing myself in the place and time as I just enjoy historical fiction. I think if you are a history fan or a fan of those two mentioned novels (or even the game based on Pillars of the Earth), then you will dig this.
I adore Pillars of the Earth. Watched the tv show with my parents thinking I would find it utterly boring but it's still to this day one of my fav stories told in any media
Just like nipple clamps and pineapple on Pizza this game isn't for everyone.
Really cool idea... but man, this game YEARNS for voice acting. I just couldn't get through the slog of the first few hours although I have no doubt it would've been a breeze if it was voice acted.
You know what's more exciting then playing this game? Reading a actual book. Yeah I said it a actual book. If this game wasn't on Game pass no one would have bought this game except for a select few of people. Maybe this book game would have been more interesting if it had some unique voice acting behind the dialogue of the story just to bring it to life but we couldn't even get that in 2022 from a first party developer. 😒
Writing, for me is one of the most, if not the most aspect in any game. Personally, the most anticipated game of this year. Going to buy this even if on GamePass to show Xbox that these kinds of games are a worth taking risks on.
I know they’re very different, but I get a Kingdom Come: Deliverance vibe from this. Mostly in terms of where I absolutely see the appeal and quality, but can tell it’s definitely not for me. Props to Obsidian for trying something new!
Oh lawd. Here we go!
I have lost all faith in Obsidion, and this game won't change that.
Thank you for reviewing this! I was curious and this was a very helpful review. Also, excellent observation about Gamepass making quirky games possible.👏
You bet
It's been fantastic for me so far.
I 100% love that this incredibly... Impossibly boring game came out. I usually love slow boil, intrigue, branching narrative, conversation heavy, story heavy beasts. I think perhaps it was the setting? The god narrative was definitely a lot. Idk, but I had to stop playing. I thought my brain would rot and fall out my head from the boredom and inanity of the subject matter. I couldn't give a fraction of a sh*t about any of it. I didn't care much about the main character, and I didn't care about the world, so beyond that, there really is nothing.
I am just saying my personal experience with the game. Like I said, as a concept, I'm super happy to see this get released. I know there are people who loved it, but it was my anti-game.
I played this game for a total of 9 hours yesterday. I absolutely loved it.
Great review Karak! Keep it up.
Good review, and this very much seems like a game for me. Thanks!
I'm really loving this game, I think if you grew up or have playing point and click game with great story's you will enjoy this.
If this game was voiced acted, it would be one of the best games of the year. I’m not sure if that was a choice by the developers but I swear this would be one of my favorite games of all times if it had. I get the fact that you use much of your imagination to figure out reach characters voices but still it was sorely missed.
Only thing is is that the dialogue takes a while to get through even reading rapidly (I'm a very fast reader).
If it was voice acted I'd think it almost tedious
This is one of those games that falls firmly into the category of "I'm really glad it exists but I will never play it.". In another world where I had more free time I for sure would, but that is not the world I live in. I have adult money, every console and a high powered gaming PC... along with literally hundreds of games that I own that I have yet to play and really want to. This game would go right into the back log and piled on top of for forever. So, I am glad it exists because they are doing something really risky and innovative and I think they should be rewarded for that... but sadly I will never play it.
This is one of those games that makes you proud of your hobby.
I'm going to give this game a shot since it's free on Game Pass lol. Thank God for Game Pass!
May there always be games like this. Otherwise gaming parallels Movies/TV producing only generic uninspired content.
Just knockin' 'em out my man. One by one! 💪💪
Always!
So they basically made a point-and-click adventure game this time round?
Tried it out last night, so refreshing, took me back to when pc games had that variety in style
everyone saying this is the best thing ever a total masterpiece.....that can't be true....not for a video game all it takes is one good review and everyone just start echoing each other. I appreciate your honest level headed review it means a lot in these awful times of disingenuous views and opinions. i will try it to see if it does anything for me.
English isn't my native word but somehow Karik always helps me understand if he likes or hates something and why I might disagree with his thoughts.
BOOM thanks!
Love the Lingua Ignota shirt at 8:39
Love you, watch all your vids but here's my problem with reviews on the net.. People just can't have a opinion without voicing thier personal feeling and say "this games great" or it's not.. NO games for everyone, but I personally think this will be a game that millions of players WILL love.. This game seems to make you learn or fail, and be have to pay attention to understand it instead of holding your hand..
My last thing is to say GOWR is MUST buy (even though I've bought it) when it's the same as 2018 with more bloat and little innovation on the series for 70.. But this innovative game, with 40+ hrs of gameplay and much replay value is a "have to think it over" for 20$ is quite.. Disheartening..
Well written ones do the same thing so for sure. And in any game with very very slow parts in a very very niche world will be explained in detailed ways to give the viewer an idea where they fit.
As long as it's better than the Telltale games I'm in. I tried three of them and they all were very disappointing and even pointless since your "choices" literally changed nothing to the story. Like one line of dialogue changed.
If this tells an interesting story and your choices actually guide the story somewhat, it'll make the replay value and fun factor worth the slow start.
It tells a story that will be interesting to those looking directly for it
From what I've seen, the choices actually have differences in the path you travel to get to the end, at the very least, rather than just pseudo-choices that only delay the inevitable.
Written Reading game ~ is something i am never fine with.. I come & choose to play Game coz i dont want to either read books or watch movies just play games.. when games make like reading simulator its head scratching.
This may be the game that convinces me to finally give cloud play a chance of my phone. I couldn't see myself playing this on a console.
Right now I wish Microsoft would have made 70,000 Pentiment sized games instead of buying Call of Duty.
You'd probably see at least a few thousand amazing new game concepts come out of a mass push for Indie concept games.