82
MONSTER
A 16th-century narrative adventure set in Upper Bavaria, following Andreas Maler, a journeyman artist working in the bygone scriptorium of Kiersau Abbey during a time of great social unrest. While finishing his masterpiece, Andreas inadvertently becomes entangled in a series of murders that take place over 25 years. Peasants, thieves, craftsmen, monks, nuns, nobles, and even saints must be investigated and interrogated to expose the truth.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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94
A bold narrative triumph, Pentiment weaves a layered medieval murder mystery through 16th-century Bavaria, exploring faith and history with moral complexity—though its slow pacing and unresolved ending mar an otherwise immersive experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
94
Positive Reviews (80-100)
95%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
5%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
A bold narrative triumph, Pentiment weaves a layered medieval murder mystery through 16th-century Bavaria, exploring faith and history with moral complexity—though its slow pacing and unresolved ending mar an otherwise immersive experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
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79
Praise for Pentiment's immersive storytelling and dialogue-driven choices clashes with criticism of its sluggish pace, repetitive tasks, and minimal interactivity, leaving fans of narrative adventures divided over its bold yet restrictive approach to gameplay.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
48%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
51%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Praise for Pentiment's immersive storytelling and dialogue-driven choices clashes with criticism of its sluggish pace, repetitive tasks, and minimal interactivity, leaving fans of narrative adventures divided over its bold yet restrictive approach to gameplay.
Graphics and Visual Design
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93
Critics hailed Pentiment's 16th-century manuscript art as a standout, blending medieval woodcuts and illuminated texts for an immersive, historically rich experience—despite minor critiques on animation and niche appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
93
Positive Reviews (80-100)
93%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
7%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics hailed Pentiment's 16th-century manuscript art as a standout, blending medieval woodcuts and illuminated texts for an immersive, historically rich experience—despite minor critiques on animation and niche appeal.
Music and Sound Design
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80
Pentiment's sound design is praised for its atmospheric immersion and historical authenticity, with period-accurate music and ambient details like quill scratches elevating its medieval setting, but critics argue its minimalism, lack of voice acting, and sparse soundtrack feel underdeveloped, though many view the restraint as a deliberate choice to enhance its text-driven, artistic vision.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
54%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
46%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Pentiment's sound design is praised for its atmospheric immersion and historical authenticity, with period-accurate music and ambient details like quill scratches elevating its medieval setting, but critics argue its minimalism, lack of voice acting, and sparse soundtrack feel underdeveloped, though many view the restraint as a deliberate choice to enhance its text-driven, artistic vision.
Voice Acting
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64
Pentiment’s text-based dialogue is a bold, divisive design choice: critics praise its thematic brilliance, using fonts to mirror medieval aesthetics and character depth, while others call it dry or limiting, highlighting trade-offs between immersion and vocal variety. The approach anchors the game’s artful identity but polarizes players seeking traditional audio cues.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
64
Positive Reviews (80-100)
17%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
77%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Pentiment’s text-based dialogue is a bold, divisive design choice: critics praise its thematic brilliance, using fonts to mirror medieval aesthetics and character depth, while others call it dry or limiting, highlighting trade-offs between immersion and vocal variety. The approach anchors the game’s artful identity but polarizes players seeking traditional audio cues.
Technical Performance
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79
Pentiment shines technically across platforms, with Xbox Series X and PC praised for stability and polish, while PS5 and Switch offer smooth experiences despite minor hiccups like crashes, controls, or load times—overall a reliable, narrative-driven triumph with manageable flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
41%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
59%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Pentiment shines technically across platforms, with Xbox Series X and PC praised for stability and polish, while PS5 and Switch offer smooth experiences despite minor hiccups like crashes, controls, or load times—overall a reliable, narrative-driven triumph with manageable flaws.
Replay Value
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82
Pentiment delivers a branching narrative rich in player agency and emotional stakes, but technical flaws, slow pacing, and limited replay incentives temper its appeal, leaving it a divisive yet compelling tale for story-driven gamers.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
59%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
38%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Pentiment delivers a branching narrative rich in player agency and emotional stakes, but technical flaws, slow pacing, and limited replay incentives temper its appeal, leaving it a divisive yet compelling tale for story-driven gamers.
Overall Verdict
82
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
88%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
12%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Pentiment is a narrative masterpiece lauded for its rich storytelling, medieval immersion, and profound themes, yet plagued by slow pacing, simplistic mechanics, and repetitive dialogue that hinder accessibility. Despite flaws, it’s hailed as a bold, artistic triumph for fans of historical fiction and character-driven adventures.
82
MONSTER
Reviews
168 reviews found100
Nintendo Life
Feb 27, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is highly recommended as a unique and impressive game that combines a rich historical setting with an engaging murder mystery.
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100
SomosXbox
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is a standout title that combines a compelling narrative, unique visual design, and engaging gameplay, making it a must-play for any gamer.
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100
CD-Action
Nov 16, 2022
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Pentiment is described as one of the smartest and most engaging adventure games in history, worthy of attention and remembrance for decades.
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100
TheGamer
Nov 14, 2022
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Pentiment is an exceptional game that combines a compelling narrative, unique visual design, and engaging gameplay, leaving a lasting impact on players. It is highly recommended for its artistic achievement and emotional depth.
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100
Hey Poor Player
Nov 22, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is highly praised for its engaging story, unique visual style, and the depth of player choice, earning a perfect score.
100
But Why Tho?
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is a special work of art that consistently engages players and leaves a lasting impression.
100
Gamer.no
Nov 14, 2022
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Pentiment is hailed as one of the best games ever played by the reviewer, praised for its storytelling, character depth, and unique presentation. It stands out as a remarkable narrative experience.
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100
XboxAddict
Nov 15, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is hailed as one of the best games of the year, praised for its narrative depth, historical context, and character development. It may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate story-driven experiences will find it exceptional.
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100
Screen Rant
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is a milestone for narrative-based games and a high bar for competitors. It's a reinvention of narrative gaming that asks thought-provoking questions. While it may not be for everyone, it's a captivating and subjective experience worth playing.
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100
Gfinity
Nov 14, 2022
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Pentiment is a compelling narrative-driven game that excels in storytelling, character development, and immersive design, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.
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