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The concept of manipulating time has always intrigued game developers. While saving and loading a game could be considered a form of time manipulation, recent games have taken it a step further, incorporating time loops as a core gameplay mechanic. This allows for unique narrative opportunities and player agency, exemplified by games like Outer Wilds, Returnal, Deathloop, and Twelve Minutes. These games, spanning various genres from open-world exploration to cinematic adventures, use time loops to challenge players and offer replayability. And now, a new contender joins this innovative genre: The Forgotten City.

A Roman Enigma: The Golden Rule

Developed by Modern Storyteller, The Forgotten City began as a critically acclaimed mod for Skyrim. Now a standalone title built on Unreal Engine 4, it transports players to a Roman city under a perilous curse: “The Golden Rule.” This rule dictates that if one person sins, everyone suffers. Golden statues scattered throughout the city come to life and execute all citizens if a single crime is committed. The player’s goal is to break this curse.

A view of the Roman city in The Forgotten City

Similar to Outer Wilds, The Forgotten City employs a time loop structure, giving players a fresh start with each cycle. However, it provides clearer guidance through traditional quests. The key to solving the mystery lies in interacting with the city’s diverse inhabitants, each with their unique perspective on the Golden Rule and the strictures imposed by Magistrate Sentius. The city simmers with underlying power struggles, quickly revealing that the player is not the only one uneasy about this precarious situation.

The Power of Memory and Deduction

Crucially, the protagonist retains their memories and collected items across time loops. This allows players to cleverly manipulate events. For example, stealing a crucial item might trigger the Golden Rule, but the item remains in the player’s inventory in the next loop, allowing them to use it without consequence.

Exploring the city in The Forgotten City

The Forgotten City excels in its puzzle design, encouraging players to think outside the box. Knowing a character plans to harm another, the player might not directly intervene but instead subtly manipulate events to prevent the crime, using knowledge gained from previous loops.

The game’s main objective revolves around answering three core questions: who breaks the Golden Rule, what connects the city’s inhabitants, and how can the curse be reversed? By piecing together clues and understanding the city’s origins, players gradually uncover the mastermind behind the events.

While the game features a linear structure, it cleverly streamlines repeated tasks. A character at the beginning of each loop offers to complete previously finished tasks, saving time and contributing to the overarching narrative.

Combat and Narrative Conflicts

Unfortunately, The Forgotten City‘s combat feels tacked on and uninspired. Resembling a simplified version of Skyrim‘s archery combat, it involves facing off against golden statues with limited attack options. The AI is simplistic, and the combat sequences feel unnecessarily drawn out.

Fighting golden statues in The Forgotten City

The narrative, while ambitious in its exploration of free will, human nature, and morality, suffers from inconsistencies. While using Greek mythology to examine themes of power, prejudice, and societal biases, some plot points lack clarity and depth.

The protagonist in The Forgotten City

The game’s climax also presents a narrative challenge. The final confrontation, rather than offering a satisfying intellectual resolution, explicitly spells out the intended themes, potentially undermining the player’s sense of discovery. Additionally, while promoting the ideal of individual liberty, the game doesn’t necessarily introduce groundbreaking philosophical concepts. Instead, it relies on familiar ideas, potentially diminishing its impact.

Conclusion: A Compelling Experience with Flaws

Despite its shortcomings, The Forgotten City offers a compelling time-looping mystery. Its intricate puzzle design and intriguing narrative premise make it a worthwhile experience. However, the lackluster combat and some narrative inconsistencies prevent it from reaching its full potential. The game’s success lies in its ability to engage players in a thought-provoking journey through time, exploring complex themes within its unique Roman setting.