PGC NEWS

The debut episode of Big Bad Wolf’s narrative adventure, The Council, showed promise despite some common first-game flaws. Its unique setting and intriguing gameplay hinted at a compelling experience. Episode 2, Hide and Seek, continues the story, further developing the mysteries of the island and its inhabitants while still struggling with some of the pacing issues of its predecessor.

The Council – Episode 2: Hide and Seek picks up immediately after the first episode’s cliffhanger, with Louis de Richet meeting the enigmatic Lord Mortimer. The narrative expands with the introduction of Manuel Godoy, a powerful figure in the Spanish government, and the revelation of a looming crisis threatening Spain’s fate. This political intrigue fuels the conflict and tension between Godoy and other world leaders present on the island.

Unraveling the Council’s Secrets

The true nature of “The Council” begins to unfold, revealing its connection to the Council of Nine from Greek mythology, presided over by Zeus, and the infamous Pandora’s Box. This mythological parallel hints at the motivations of The Golden Order, a secretive society within the game, and their goals for this gathering.

The Council – Episode 2: Hide and Seek

The episode opens with the news of Elizabeth Adams’s murder, adding another layer of mystery. If players chose to engage romantically with Elizabeth in the previous episode, Louis becomes a prime suspect. However, the investigation feels somewhat perfunctory, serving more as a backdrop to Louis’s search for his missing mother.

A Balancing Act of Gameplay and Story

The core gameplay of Hide and Seek centers around Louis exploring Mortimer’s office. This segment, initially appearing as a simple code-breaking puzzle, is cleverly designed with clues hidden within the environment, specifically the years depicted in paintings and their underlying themes. Players with a developed “Logic” skill can deduce the code, but traditional deduction based on the provided clues is also a viable path to the solution. Further insights into the overarching narrative can be gleaned from exploring Mortimer’s lineage and family history, offering valuable context to the unfolding events.

The Council – Episode 2: Hide and Seek

Lingering Technical and Gameplay Concerns

The technical issues present in the first episode, such as amateurish camera work, rough cutscenes, and uneven voice acting, persist in Hide and Seek. The episodic nature of the game makes addressing these issues retroactively challenging. More concerning is the game’s skill system. With three main classes and nearly 20 supporting skills influencing dialogue choices, the rapid unlocking of two entire skill trees by the halfway point raises concerns about long-term balance and player agency. The abundance of consumable items further adds to this imbalance, potentially trivializing certain encounters.

The Council – Episode 2: Hide and Seek

Conclusion: Intrigue Outweighs Imperfections

Despite its technical and gameplay shortcomings, The Council – Episode 2: Hide and Seek delivers a compelling narrative with deepening mysteries and engaging character interactions. The mythological parallels and political intrigue add layers of complexity, making it a worthwhile continuation for players invested in the story. While the pacing issues and potential skill imbalance remain concerns, the intriguing storyline and unique gameplay mechanics keep The Council an interesting narrative adventure to watch unfold.