The Thaumaturge: A Hidden Gem of Compelling Choices and Great Writing
This is a dark RPG set in an alternate 1905 Warsaw that will challenge you to make difficult decisions.
The Thaumaturge is ambitious, captivating, and somewhat flawed.
Welcome to an alternate 1905 Warsaw, a city where soldiers eye your warm boots and you play as a tired-looking guy who chats with himself. It may not have the immediate appeal of a fantasy realm like Baldur’s Gate 3’s Faerun, but once you start digging, you’ll discover a treasure trove of great writing and compelling choices. The Thaumaturge, developed by Fool’s Theory, takes you on a journey filled with mystery, magic, and moral dilemmas.
Introduction to the Thaumaturge
The game begins with a tutorial that introduces Wiktor Szulski, our prideful protagonist. Wiktor is a Thaumaturge, a mage who uses ancient rites to control spectral entities and cryptids known as salutors. But don’t let his bad attitude fool you, the only people he truly cares about are his beloved sister and his new pal Rasputin (Yes, that Rasputin). As the tutorial takes you through a small village, you’ll learn and master Wiktor’s skills in a low-pressure environment before embarking on a grand adventure in Warsaw.
Unveiling a World of Intrigue
Whenever a game bombards me with proper nouns and mechanics, there’s always a risk of confusion. Thankfully, Fool’s Theory does an excellent job of introducing concepts naturally, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game world effortlessly. As I ventured through the game, I found myself eager to talk to more people, uncover additional conclusions, and solve enticing quests. The Thaumaturge keeps you hooked, urging you to find one more clue, talk to one more person, and delve deeper into its intriguing story.
The Powers of a Thaumaturge
Using Wiktor’s Thaumaturge powers is a fundamental part of the game. Certain items leave a Trace, which acts as a marker and helps you gather evidence throughout the game. For example, during the tutorial, I discovered a year-old bloodstain on a scorched floor. With just a glance, I could deduce how the person died, identify the murder weapon, and even understand their emotional state at the time. These mysteries are vital to track because in this universe, bad vibes are not simply an unpleasant experience; they are downright deadly. Immoral behavior draws in salutors, menacing the innocent populace.
A Paranormal Polish Delight
The Thaumaturge universe bears similarities to another paranormal Polish franchise, The Witcher. Both depict mundane life interwoven with monsters and magic. In The Thaumaturge, I found myself solving the mystery of an inn full of people gone mad, only to discover an evil phantom lurking beneath the surface. I couldn’t help but imagine Geralt of Rivia and Wiktor coming together, sharing stories and commiserating about the trials of being monster hunters.
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Commanding Spectral Beasts
In this universe, Thaumaturges must bind salutors to keep them grounded. However, Wiktor’s ambition sets him apart from your average Thaumaturge. Like a haggard Ash Ketchum, he wants to “catch them all.” Throughout the game, I ended up commanding an array of visually striking salutors. It all began with the Upyr, a demonic creature from Slavic mythology that resembles a floating skeleton wrapped in heavy furs. Watching the Upyr silently hover behind enemies, its pitted sword at the ready, brought me immense satisfaction. As the game progressed, I gained additional salutors, each fulfilling unique roles in battle, from inflicting insanity and chaos to delivering bone-shattering blows.
A Combat System with a Twist
Now, The Thaumaturge shifts gears into a more traditional RPG combat style, reminiscent of the Yakuza games. Initially, Wiktor relies on his fists, allowing for quick attacks or slower but devastating blows. However, as I bound more salutors to my will, I gained the ability to switch them into battle. Whether it was the weird little bird-like Lelek inflicting insanity or the chained bone-beast Bukavac that inflicted stacking damage, I had an arsenal of varied combat strategies at my disposal.
Unraveling Mysteries as a Detective
Wiktor’s journey isn’t solely about magic and combat; he must also serve as a detective. Gathering evidence and drawing conclusions unlock new conversation options, shaping the story and its outcomes. While brute force can be tempting, seeking out all possible evidence provides cleaner solutions. Some discoveries are locked behind Thaumaturge schools, which I could unlock through leveling up. The Thaumaturge forces me to make choices, each with its own drawbacks, ensuring the weight of my decisions is always felt.
Battling Personal Demons
Beyond his Thaumaturge abilities, Wiktor struggles with a personal “flaw,” a glaring failing that risks drawing in salutors and causing chaos. One such flaw is pride, marking conversation options where Wiktor’s ego comes into play. I faced moments where a lady asked me to tie her shoe so she could engage in a private conversation. I could either oblige like a gentleman or snap at her for treating me like a lackey. Wiktor’s flaws and the flaws of others in the game inspire discontent, violence, and the arrival of more salutors, challenging both his values and the values of those around him.
Warsaw: A City of Contrasts
Warsaw is a thriving character in its own right—a place of contrasts and conflicts. Fliers encouraging workers to unite and organize for labor unions are juxtaposed with warnings about evil Thaumaturges and the threats they bring. The city is under the control of the Russian tsar but is filled with diverse inhabitants. Jewish merchants trade with Polish townspeople, while tension simmers under the watchful eyes of Russian soldiers. Crime thrives in the shadows, while the rich enjoy extravagant ballrooms and banquets. As an outsider, Wiktor views the city with contempt, and it treats him with suspicion.
Tackling Real-World Issues with Maturity
The Thaumaturge doesn’t shy away from addressing real-world issues, and the developers openly acknowledge it. They aim to tell mature stories that invite reflection, especially as they draw inspiration from the past. The game doesn’t gloss over the not-so-pleasant attitudes and views that were prevalent but are considered unacceptable today. Instead, it confronts them head-on, encouraging players to consider the historical context and engage with the narrative from a thoughtful perspective.
A Dash of Jank, but Still Worth It
As you’d expect from an ambitious game developed by a smaller studio, The Thaumaturge does have some jank. I encountered issues where my saves were corrupted by an update, and I had to restart the game multiple times due to memory issues. Certain cutscenes felt rushed and imprecise, with characters clipping through terrain or displaying awkward animations. While these minor flaws did irritate me at times, they never managed to break the overall immersive experience.
Conclusion: A Game of Weighty Choices
Despite its technical shortcomings, The Thaumaturge beautifully blends its supernatural story with its historical setting. As an outsider, Wiktor’s choices become an integral part of the game’s narrative. Backing the unions or falling into the grasp of pride has consequences, shaping the outcome of the game’s branching paths. With an average playtime of 25 hours, I’m already eager to embark on a second run and witness how my decisions influence the story. However, I can’t shake the feeling that no matter how hard I try, something is bound to go terribly wrong.
The Thaumaturge was released on March 4 on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. This review is based on the Windows PC version of the game using a pre-release download code provided by 11 bit studios.
Q&A:
Q: Are there different difficulty options in The Thaumaturge?
A: Yes, The Thaumaturge offers multiple difficulty options to cater to different player preferences and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG player looking for a challenge or someone who prefers a more relaxed experience, the game has you covered.
Q: Can I play The Thaumaturge without playing other Fool’s Theory games?
A: Absolutely! The Thaumaturge is a stand-alone game and does not require any prior knowledge or experience with other Fool’s Theory titles. It’s a great starting point for those new to the developer’s work.
Q: Does The Thaumaturge feature multiple endings?
A: Yes, The Thaumaturge boasts multiple endings, allowing players to shape the outcome of the story through their choices and actions. Each decision carries weight, making each playthrough a unique experience.
Q: Are there any plans for DLC or additional content for The Thaumaturge?
A: While there haven’t been any official announcements regarding DLC or additional content for The Thaumaturge at this time, the developers have expressed their commitment to supporting the game post-launch. Stay tuned for updates and potential future expansions.
Q: Can I expect regular updates and bug fixes for The Thaumaturge?
A: The development team behind The Thaumaturge has shown dedication to addressing bugs and providing regular updates to improve the overall player experience. Be sure to keep your game updated and follow Fool’s Theory’s social media channels for the latest news and patches.
References:
- Fantasy Realm like Baldur’s Gate 3’s Faerun
- The Witcher Universe
- Yakuza Games
- Thaumaturge – Wikipedia
- Upyr – Wikipedia
Don’t keep this hidden gem to yourself! Share your adventures in The Thaumaturge with your friends and let them uncover the fascinating world Fool’s Theory has created.✨🎮
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