There are various time machines, such as books, plays/TV shows, and as in this case, video games, that enable audiences to immerse themselves in historical moments in human history.. The Thaumaturge serves as a gateway to a turbulent period in an Eastern country that unfortunately brings to mind very present-day territory invasion events. While not its central theme, the narrative provides glimpses into life in Warsaw, Poland during the 20th century.
In the first-person narrative of “The Thaumaturge,” we follow Wiktor Szulski, a man ensnared by the grip of pride, as he grapples with supernatural elements. These less positive characteristics of personal traits are classified as “Flaws” that draw the attention of supernatural entities known as “Salutors,” who seek to amplify negative traits to dangerous levels. Hailing from a lineage of thaumaturges, individuals with the ability to perceive and banish these entities from human hosts, Wiktor navigates the legacy of his family’s unique gift.
Our protagonist, grappling with a troubled past marred by a fractured relationship with his father, who forced him to leave home at a tender age, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He retraces his childhood roots, revisiting the very place where he came of age amidst the pages of his life story. Throughout the narrative, his brash demeanor finds explanation and validation in his exceptional abilities, setting him apart from his peers. Each Thaumaturge is only capable of wielding the presence of a single Salutor, with the risk of losing their grip on sanity. Yet, Wiktor stands as a remarkable exception, capable of wielding control over multiple entities that aid him, even amidst the tumult of combat scenarios within the storyline. Moreover, given the interactive nature of the title, various responses are tailored to accommodate the player’s individual perceptions to a certain extent.
As the story unfolds, the opportunity arises to reconnect with past acquaintances of Wiktor, who have undergone notable changes over the years since their last encounter. Despite his reserved nature, it’s evident the warmth he holds for his sister and the bond he shares with Gregori Rasputin, the self-proclaimed holy man and influential political figure from the twilight of the imperial era. Employing his healing gift of hypnosis, Rasputin aids Wiktor in navigating the influx of new entities, thereby establishing himself as a crucial ally within the plot.
The ambiance of “The Thaumaturge” masterfully encapsulates the era it depicts, capitalizing on an atmosphere thick with suspense and the anticipated tension of supernatural encounters. Indeed, it’s this immersive quality that held my interest not only in the conclusion of the main storyline but also in its secondary missions. Despite the abundance of text, some of which may seem tangential to the primary objective, players are tasked with gathering clues, reminiscent of the investigative prowess of Sherlock Holmes, to uncover the truth behind the unfolding events. Whether probing a murder, unraveling the schemes of nefarious groups, or delving into the “flaws” and correlating personality traits that attract the attention of “Salutors,” players are armed with the necessary information to choose their preferred course of action at any given moment. While the narrative remains linear, devoid of multiple outcomes as seen in titles like Sherlock Holmes, players must comb through the map for clues aided by Wiktor’s unique abilities, though the game itself ultimately guides the resolution of presented challenges. Thus, it falls solely upon the player to respond according to their inclinations, armed with foreknowledge of the case’s conclusion.
Regarding combat mechanics, it offers a relatively straightforward turn-based system complemented by its striking graphical design, featuring nightmarish renditions of both enemy models and attack styles of each “Salutor.” Certain enemies may exhibit buffs that can be countered with specific attacks from various “Salutors.” Generally, the gameplay doesn’t pose significant challenges, even on higher difficulty settings. However, there are instances where the difficulty spikes considerably, particularly during encounters with bosses, creating disproportionate challenges.
It’s noteworthy that the significance of “Salutors” extends beyond combat to map exploration. Players may encounter clues inaccessible without reaching a certain level of Thaumaturgy dimension. The skill tree, categorized into four distinct paths—”Heart,” “Mind,” “Deed,” and “Word”—is intricately connected to each Salutor. To enhance abilities and elevate the level of one’s specific dimension, players must allocate experience points acquired from both combat and exploration of the map.
The Thaumaturge adeptly presents a captivating narrative that unfolds gradually, offering rich historical context complemented by striking graphics. However, occasional performance and graphical issues, including NPCs overlapping and repetitive face and model designs, can occasionally detract from the immersion. Despite these shortcomings, addressing these rough edges could transform this title into a significant milestone within its genre.
