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For fans of Western RPGs, Josh Sawyer is a familiar name. His narrative prowess has made him a legend, not just in gaming, but in storytelling as a whole. Alongside Chris Avellone and Tim Cain, he formed a triumvirate at Black Isle and later Obsidian Entertainment, contributing to classics like Icewind Dale, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, and the iconic Fallout 2 and New Vegas.

However, with Tim Cain’s somewhat disappointing return in The Outer Worlds and Chris Avellone’s middling work on Dying Light 2 and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, some wondered if these legendary developers’ approaches had become dated. So, when Obsidian announced Pentiment, a purely narrative-driven adventure game with no traditional RPG mechanics, it was met with both anticipation and apprehension.

These fears proved unfounded. Pentiment garnered immense praise from critics and players alike. After nearly 30 hours experiencing its entirety, it’s clear Pentiment is not only one of the best games of 2022, but one of the best-written games of the last decade. Join us as we journey back to medieval Europe and uncover the mysteries of Tassing in this captivating title.

Andreas Maler in Pentiment

A Medieval Manuscript Brought to Life

Pentiment‘s most striking feature is its unique art style. Despite its serious subject matter, the game eschews traditional storytelling. Instead, players experience a medieval European manuscript, complete with period-accurate fonts and illustrations.

This illuminated manuscript style is meticulously maintained throughout, with flat frames, bold and delicate lines, and a harmonious, vibrant color palette. This whimsical, yet believable, aesthetic perfectly complements the game’s setting. Obsidian, particularly Art Director Hannah Kennedy, expertly translates this historical style into a modern gaming context. Characters possess expressive, fluid animations that, while simple, effectively convey their emotions and reactions.

Pentiment's unique art styleThis makes even static dialogue scenes engaging, while more dynamic moments, like dancing or fighting, remain visually appealing. One memorable example is Andreas waking from a dream to find himself jostled by revelers on a boat, culminating in a comical tumble. The vibrant art and humorous animation make this scene a delight, showcasing Pentiment‘s artistic strengths.

The visual design extends beyond the artwork itself to the user interface and overall experience. Pentiment is dialogue-heavy but almost entirely devoid of voice acting, fitting its literary presentation. However, the writing itself is captivating, utilizing various fonts to represent different social classes. Peasants speak in scrawled text, scholars and the middle class in neat script, and clergy in elegant, formal lettering.

Pentiment's use of fontsThis nuanced approach not only helps players understand the characters but adds a layer of intrigue to the mystery. Certain characters’ dialogue might be smudged, erased, or faded, hinting at hidden identities. When a character’s true nature is revealed, their font changes dramatically, adding to the narrative’s depth.

Dialogue in PentimentWhile voice acting is absent, the sound design is another highlight. From bleating sheep and the clang of the blacksmith’s hammer to the hushed reverence of the abbey, the ambient sounds, combined with medieval music, create a vivid and immersive atmosphere. The audio never overpowers the visual presentation, maintaining fidelity to the manuscript aesthetic.

A surprisingly compelling element of the sound design is the subtle scratching of a quill as dialogue appears. This seemingly minor detail enhances the reading experience, perfectly synchronized with the on-screen text. The sounds of writing, erasing, and page-turning create a relaxing, almost ASMR-like experience.

Pentiment's sound designThis harmonious blend of visuals and sound brings Pentiment‘s pages to life.

A Painter Turned Detective

Players embody Andreas Maler, a skilled artist honing his craft after university. He resides in Tassing, Bavaria, creating illuminated manuscripts for Kiersau Abbey. While Andreas has a backstory, players can customize aspects of his past, including his university studies, known languages, and travels. These choices unlock unique narrative paths.

Players further shape Andreas through dialogue choices. He can be witty and charming, or arrogant and aloof, influencing his relationships within Tassing.

Andreas Maler's character developmentThese choices impact the story, but more importantly, they allow players to gather clues and information to solve the game’s central mystery: a murder that spans 25 years and multiple generations.

The game’s time constraints add a layer of complexity. Players must choose which leads to pursue each day. For example, deciding between assisting the abbot or a shepherd means sacrificing the other task, as time progresses and locks off unavailable options. This mechanic encourages careful consideration and analysis of the narrative.

Time management in Pentiment‘s compelling narrative, unique presentation, and engaging gameplay create an unforgettable experience.

A Historical Tapestry

Unexpectedly, Pentiment offers educational value. Its setting is grounded in historical reality, referencing real organizations, locations, and figures. Clicking on highlighted names reveals detailed annotations, enriching the player’s understanding of the period. A detailed in-game map further explores the architecture and layout of medieval locations. This wealth of historical information transforms the game into a truly enriching experience.

Historical accuracy in PentimentSimilar annotations are available for in-game characters, but Pentiment‘s smooth storytelling rarely necessitates their use. This demonstrates Obsidian’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy.

Annotations in Pentiment

Pentiment is a rare achievement, seamlessly blending compelling narrative, innovative art direction, and historical depth. It’s a must-play for anyone seeking a unique and thought-provoking gaming experience.