Step into the Medieval World of Pentiment: A Delightful Puzzle Solver Adventure Game! 🍜🍜🍜

Attention all adventure game enthusiasts! Today, we're excited to bring you a review of Pentiment, the latest adventure game from Obsidian Entertainment, published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 15, 2022, this game is available on Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S platforms. So pull up your sleeves and dawn your inner Nancy Drew in this medieval themed murder mystery puzzle solver.

The game's story centers around Andreas Maler, an illuminator serving his apprenticeship at Kiersau Abbey, located outside the small Upper Bavarian town of Tassing. The plot is inspired by late medieval manuscripts, early print, and woodcuts at the transition from late medieval to early modern art. The game's art style captures the essence of the period perfectly and is a visual delight to behold.

The gameplay is designed to be immersive and engaging. Players take on the role of Andreas, exploring the Abbey and its surroundings, interacting with characters and solving puzzles along the way. The puzzles are cleverly designed, and while not overly challenging, they do require some thinking to solve. The game's controls are intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.

The music in Pentiment is composed and performed by Alkemie Early Music Ensemble, and it perfectly captures the essence of the medieval period. The music is either strictly historical or historically inspired, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the game. The song "Ein Traum" by Lingua Ignota is also featured in the game, adding to the overall immersive experience.

The visuals in Pentiment are stunning, with every detail meticulously crafted to create an immersive experience for the player. The game's art style is unique, and the mix of late medieval manuscripts and early print creates a world that feels authentic and lived-in. The game's lighting and color palettes are also masterfully done, adding to the overall ambiance of the game.

Accessibility-wise, Pentiment is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. The controls are easy to learn, and the puzzles are challenging but not overly difficult. The game also features a hint system that can be used to help players who may be stuck on a puzzle or unsure of what to do next.

The choice and consequences system in Pentiment is another standout feature of the game. As players progress through the story, they are presented with choices that can have significant consequences on the outcome of the game. These choices are not always clear-cut, and players must carefully consider the options presented to them.

What sets Pentiment apart from other games with a choice and consequence system is that the consequences of the player's choices are not always immediately apparent. The impact of a choice may not become apparent until much later in the game, adding an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay. This system adds to the game's replayability factor, as players can make different choices and experience different outcomes on subsequent playthroughs.

The choice and consequence system also ties into the game's themes of morality and the human condition. As players make choices throughout the game, they are forced to confront the consequences of those choices and the impact they have on themselves and those around them. This adds an extra layer of depth to the game's narrative and encourages players to think about their actions and the consequences they may have.

Overall, the choice and consequences system in Pentiment is well-executed and adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the gameplay. It ties in nicely with the game's themes and adds to the overall immersive experience. Players who enjoy games with a choice and consequence system will undoubtedly appreciate the depth and complexity that Pentiment brings to the table. You'll undoubtedly find yourself playing for hours, and the replay value at least for another swing around for a change of scenery is palpable.

In conclusion, Pentiment is a solid adventure game that captures the essence of the medieval period perfectly. The gameplay is engaging, the puzzles are cleverly designed, and the visuals and music are stunning. While it may not be the most challenging game out there, it's an enjoyable experience that adventure game enthusiasts will surely love. We give Pentiment a Marmot score of 3 out of 5 steaming bowls of ramen. So grab a bowl of ramen, settle in, and let Pentiment take you on a journey back in time. Don't mind the burning monks after the jump!