79
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
Expand for full analysis
95
Critics rave about Pentiment's gripping murder mystery plot, exploration of societal issues, and strong female characters. While some note a slow start, overall praise for the game's engaging narrative, historical accuracy, and player choices is unanimous. Pentiment stands out as a thought-provoking, immersive experience in the narrative-driven genre.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
95
Positive (80-100)
98%
Mixed (50-79)
3%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics rave about Pentiment's gripping murder mystery plot, exploration of societal issues, and strong female characters. While some note a slow start, overall praise for the game's engaging narrative, historical accuracy, and player choices is unanimous. Pentiment stands out as a thought-provoking, immersive experience in the narrative-driven genre.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
81
Pentiment impresses critics with its choice-driven narrative, dialogue options, and RPG elements, offering an immersive gameplay experience. While some find the gameplay repetitive and text-heavy, the majority applaud its engaging storytelling, branching narratives, and character-driven gameplay. Overall, Pentiment shines as a narrative-rich game that challenges players to make strategic decisions in an intriguing world.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
81
Positive (80-100)
45%
Mixed (50-79)
53%
Negative (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Pentiment impresses critics with its choice-driven narrative, dialogue options, and RPG elements, offering an immersive gameplay experience. While some find the gameplay repetitive and text-heavy, the majority applaud its engaging storytelling, branching narratives, and character-driven gameplay. Overall, Pentiment shines as a narrative-rich game that challenges players to make strategic decisions in an intriguing world.
Graphics and Visual Design
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92
Critics loved Pentiment's graphics inspired by medieval art, praising its unique style, attention to detail, and historical authenticity. Some noted issues with pacing and font readability but overall, the visuals were mesmerizing, distinctive, and enhanced the immersive gameplay experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
92
Positive (80-100)
87%
Mixed (50-79)
13%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics loved Pentiment's graphics inspired by medieval art, praising its unique style, attention to detail, and historical authenticity. Some noted issues with pacing and font readability but overall, the visuals were mesmerizing, distinctive, and enhanced the immersive gameplay experience.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
80
Critics praise Pentiment's authentic sound design and music, with standout historical compositions and immersive ambience immersing players in the Middle Ages. Some critics criticize the lack of engaging audio and background music, but overall, the minimalist approach effectively conveys emotions and enhances the game's authenticity and emotional engagement.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
80
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics praise Pentiment's authentic sound design and music, with standout historical compositions and immersive ambience immersing players in the Middle Ages. Some critics criticize the lack of engaging audio and background music, but overall, the minimalist approach effectively conveys emotions and enhances the game's authenticity and emotional engagement.
Voice Acting
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44
Critics were divided on Pentiment's lack of voice acting. Some praised its creative use of fonts and sounds to convey tone, while others felt the absence of voiceovers made the experience feel dry and less immersive. Despite innovative storytelling techniques, the overall consensus was that the game missed an opportunity to deepen emotional connection with players through voice acting.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
44
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
100%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics were divided on Pentiment's lack of voice acting. Some praised its creative use of fonts and sounds to convey tone, while others felt the absence of voiceovers made the experience feel dry and less immersive. Despite innovative storytelling techniques, the overall consensus was that the game missed an opportunity to deepen emotional connection with players through voice acting.
Technical Performance
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76
Pentiment shines on Xbox Series X with smooth gameplay, but faces technical issues on Xbox One like navigation challenges. PC experience varies, with some minor annoyances but overall stable performance. Each platform offers unique pros and cons, affecting gameplay experience accordingly.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
76
Positive (80-100)
17%
Mixed (50-79)
83%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Pentiment shines on Xbox Series X with smooth gameplay, but faces technical issues on Xbox One like navigation challenges. PC experience varies, with some minor annoyances but overall stable performance. Each platform offers unique pros and cons, affecting gameplay experience accordingly.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
85
Critics rave about Pentiment's replay value, praising its deep narrative, impactful player decisions, and multiple story paths. While some mention concerns like potential redundancies in gameplay and limited save options, the consensus is that the game's branching narrative and diverse outcomes make it highly replayable, offering players a chance to explore different perspectives and choices with lasting effects.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
85
Positive (80-100)
61%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics rave about Pentiment's replay value, praising its deep narrative, impactful player decisions, and multiple story paths. While some mention concerns like potential redundancies in gameplay and limited save options, the consensus is that the game's branching narrative and diverse outcomes make it highly replayable, offering players a chance to explore different perspectives and choices with lasting effects.
Overall Verdict
79
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
79
Positive (80-100)
88%
Mixed (50-79)
12%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics rave about Pentiment, praising its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and immersive experience. While some point out flaws like pacing issues and repetitive dialogue, the game is widely hailed as a masterpiece that excels in storytelling and historical immersion. Pentiment is recommended for fans of narrative adventures and historical fiction, offering a captivating and impactful gaming experience.
79
MONSTER
Reviews
165 reviews found100
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
TheXboxHub
Nov 28, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is a superb game that marks an important step forward for its genre.
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100
IGN
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is a captivating adventure game with a rich and complex story, excellent art style, and immersive sound design. The gameplay is minimalistic but effective, and the dialogue and character writing are exceptional. The game offers some replay value. Overall, it is a love letter to Medieval history fans.
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100
Dexerto
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is addictive and offers an incredible amount of depth, resembling a great novel that players won't be able to put down.
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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
WellPlayed
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Obsidian's Pentiment is a masterpiece that offers a fascinating and passionate rendition of medieval life with extraordinary circumstances, providing a dense and imaginative historical narrative that surpasses expectations in the gaming medium.
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100
GamesHub
Nov 18, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is a sophisticated and immersive historical fiction game with a compelling murder mystery plot. The focus on conversation and investigation provides an engaging gameplay experience. Overall, the game receives a score of 8 out of 10.
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96
Impulsegamer
Nov 15, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is one of the best games of 2022 that anyone could play, with a rich story, authentic characters, and impressive aesthetics.
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95
CGMagazine
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is a unique and special game that may not appeal to everyone, but its focus on its time period and world, combined with a great murder mystery, make it stand out.
95
GameWatcher
Nov 14, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Pentiment is Obsidian Entertainment's best game to date, with a confident and refined understanding of choice in video games. It offers a slow and methodical experience that immerses players in a time and place.
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