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MONSTER

Pentiment

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Pentiment
Item: Pentiment
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, RPG, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableNov 14, 2022

PlatformXbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperObsidian Entertainment

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the story of Pentiment, highlighting its compelling narrative, intricate murder mystery plot, and exploration of societal issues. AusGamers commended the game for its focus on the injustices faced by women and the frustrations of its female characters, setting a strong foundation for an engaging storyline. CGMagazine and Game Informer both lauded the game for its well-constructed narrative, with CGMagazine specifically mentioning the murder mystery unfolding over 25 years and being influenced by player choices. Guardian appreciated the empathy and historical accuracy in capturing the Renaissance Bavaria setting, while GameWatcher highlighted the player's role as an artist investigating a murder in a 16th-century Alpine town. While the overall sentiment towards the story of Pentiment was overwhelmingly positive, a few critics pointed out some potential drawbacks. GameSpew mentioned a slow start to the game, indicating that the story becomes more engaging as the murder mystery plot unfolds. Additionally, Digital Trends highlighted the impact of the player's choices but did not delve into specific details about any potential shortcomings in the narrative. These minor criticisms did not detract significantly from the overall high praise for the game's storytelling. In conclusion, the critics' consensus on the story of Pentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of reviewers commending its depth, complexity, and engaging narrative. The game's exploration of themes such as murder mystery, ethical dilemmas, societal struggles, and historical accuracy resonated well with the critics. Critics like But Why Tho? and PCMag emphasized the thought-provoking discussions and meticulously crafted branching narrative, showcasing the game's strengths in storytelling. Pentiment's ability to immerse players in a richly detailed world filled with moral dilemmas and impactful choices was a common point of praise among the critics, solidifying its reputation as a standout title in the narrative-driven genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Pentiment has garnered praise from several critics for its choice-driven narrative elements, dialogue options, and RPG character creation. AusGamers highlights the influence of conversations and mystery-solving through various forms of communication, while GameSpew appreciates the rewarding experience offered by puzzles and meaningful choices. Additionally, New Game Network commends the open-ended and consequence-based gameplay experience, emphasizing the real consequences of player choices. These aspects contribute positively to the immersive and engaging gameplay experience of Pentiment, allowing players to craft their own theories and motives while exploring the rich narrative landscape. However, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Pentiment. ZTGD criticizes the moment-to-moment gameplay as boring, with repetitive tasks like walking back and forth and text conversations, which may hinder the overall player experience. Power Unlimited mentions that the gameplay mainly consists of reading, which might not appeal to all players and could potentially limit the game's accessibility. These aspects could lead to a lack of variety and engagement for certain players, impacting the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Pentiment leans towards the positive side, with a focus on choice-based mechanics, dialogue interactions, and investigation elements. The game's emphasis on meaningful decision-making, exploration, and consequences of player choices resonates well with reviewers such as CGMagazine, Game Informer, and TheSixthAxis. While there are criticisms regarding repetitive tasks and limited interactivity in some reviews, the majority of critics appreciate the immersive storytelling, branching narratives, and character-driven gameplay that Pentiment offers. As such, Pentiment seems to excel in delivering a narrative-rich experience that challenges players to think strategically and engage with its intriguing world through a variety of gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Pentiment, highlighting its unique and captivating art style inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts and woodblock art of the 16th century. Critics such as CGMagazine and God is a Geek commended the game for its gorgeous and stylized surrealism, attention to detail in environments, character designs, and historical authenticity. AusGamers mentioned that the visual presentation reflects a manuscript come to life, adding charm to the animations and style, despite some rigidity in movement. TheXboxHub noted that the game's visual stylings, inspired by illuminated manuscripts, are colorful, vibrant, and striking, enhancing the overall immersive experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Pentiment. Slant Magazine mentioned that while the game has a distinct and pleasing look with hand-written lettering and book illustrations, the style sacrifices pacing and clarity of information. Digital Trends noted pacing issues due to frequent loading, impacting the overall visual storytelling experience. Game Informer highlighted that some players may have difficulty reading cursive fonts used in the game, affecting the accessibility of the visual design for certain audiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Pentiment. The game's old-fashioned graphics, hand-drawn aesthetic, and expressive character animations were widely appreciated for creating a unique and engaging presentation fitting for its historical setting. Critics like VGC and Guardian praised the attention to historical detail, such as using different fonts to reflect characters' social classes and educations, adding depth to the visual storytelling. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing, clarity, and font readability, the majority of reviewers found Pentiment's art style to be mesmerizing, distinctive, and beautifully immersive, making it a standout feature of the game that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Pentiment, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by reviewers. Critics like COGconnected and Impulsegamer praise the outstanding music in the game, which combines historical compositions and subtle sound editing that adds to the authenticity of the experience. IGN also commends the excellent sound design, mentioning the subtle but highly effective ambience and period-accurate soundtrack that immerses players in the Middle Ages. TheXboxHub appreciates the period-accurate score used sparingly but effectively, contributing to the immersive environment of the game. On the other hand, there are some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Pentiment. Critics such as AusGamers and GameSpew point out the lack of engaging audio and persistent soundtrack, with GameSpew specifically mentioning the downside of only having ambient noises and quill scratching sounds without background music to enhance the atmosphere. Game Informer also notes the absence of background music for most of the gameplay, which can feel awkward, and the presence of repetitive audio animations that may be distracting to players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards appreciating the minimalist approach to sound design and music in Pentiment. While some reviewers like WellPlayed and Stevivor highlight the immersive qualities of the ambient noise and satisfying scratchings of ink, others like GameWatcher and Metro GameCentral emphasize the effectiveness of the written text and detailed pen scratches in conveying emotions without the need for voice acting. Despite differing opinions on the presence of voiceovers and background music, the majority of critics acknowledge the unique and immersive experience created by the sound design and music in Pentiment, ultimately contributing to the game's authenticity and emotional engagement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Voice Acting of Pentiment, it is evident that the lack of voiced dialogue was a common theme among the reviewers. Critics like COGconnected, GameSpew, Stevivor, Xbox Achievements, GameWatcher, PC Invasion, and RPG Fan all noted the absence of voice acting in the game. However, some reviewers found creative ways to convey tone and character emotions without voice acting. TheXboxHub pointed out that the game effectively communicates tone through font styles, while Game Informer highlighted the use of different fonts to reflect characters' social or occupational status. This unique approach to storytelling through visual cues was appreciated by some critics for its innovative take on dialogue delivery. On the downside, the absence of voice acting was a significant drawback for many reviewers. COGconnected mentioned that the lack of voiced dialogue made the experience feel dry, indicating that the immersion and engagement in the game may have been impacted by the absence of voiceovers. RPG Fan also noted that while dialogue was expressed genuinely with pen scratching sounds, the lack of voice acting could be a downside for some players. The overall sentiment among the critics regarding the absence of voice acting in Pentiment leans towards a missed opportunity for deeper immersion and emotional connection with the characters. The critics' consensus suggests that while the game's unique approach to conveying tone through visual elements was commendable, the absence of voice acting ultimately detracted from the overall experience for many reviewers. In conclusion, the critics' opinions on the Voice Acting of Pentiment reflect a mixed response to the lack of voiced dialogue in the game. While some reviewers appreciated the creative use of font styles and pen scratching sounds to convey tone and character emotions, others found the absence of voice acting to be a significant drawback that impacted the overall immersion and engagement. Critics like Game Informer and TheXboxHub highlighted the innovative ways in which the game compensated for the lack of voiceovers, but the general consensus among the reviewers suggests that the absence of voice acting may have hindered the game's potential to create a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, the consensus among critics is generally positive. GamingTrend notes that the game runs smoothly on Xbox Series X, indicating a high level of performance on this platform. Additionally, Stevivor mentions that while there are some frame rate drops in the second half of the game, there are no major technical issues, suggesting that overall, the gameplay experience on Xbox Series X is solid. These positive aspects highlight the game's capability to deliver a visually immersive and engaging experience on this console. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects of the technical performance on Xbox One. GamingTrend points out that there are some issues on Xbox One, which may impact the overall experience for players on this platform. NME highlights that overlapping interactions can be difficult to navigate, potentially leading to frustration for players. These issues suggest that the technical performance on Xbox One may not be as optimized as on Xbox Series X, potentially affecting the gameplay experience for some players. Overall, when considering the technical performance across different platforms, it is evident that Pentiment has strengths and weaknesses depending on the platform. While Xbox Series X offers a smooth performance with minimal technical issues, Xbox One may present challenges such as navigation difficulties and performance issues. On the PC platform, critics have mixed opinions, with some mentioning minor annoyances like frequent loading and control frustrations, while others praise the stability and lack of technical issues. The varying experiences across platforms indicate that Pentiment's technical performance may vary depending on the player's chosen platform, with each having its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Pentiment are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's narrative depth, impactful player decisions, and multiple story paths as key factors contributing to its high replayability. Critics like But Why Tho? and Dexerto praise the game for offering different playthroughs and experiences based on player choices, with Dexerto specifically mentioning how every interaction causes ripples in the game world. GameSpew and Metro GameCentral also emphasize the lasting effects of decisions and the potential for different outcomes, enhancing the replay value of Pentiment. Additionally, New Game Network appreciates the real choices and consequences, multiple story paths, and various character interactions that encourage multiple playthroughs to explore different outcomes and perspectives. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about certain aspects that may hinder the replayability of Pentiment. Hardcore Gamer mentions that the open-ended nature of investigations can feel redundant depending on choices, and the game could have been longer to allow for more payoff from decisions. They also note that the finale may nullify accomplishments and feel unsatisfying in a video game context. PC Invasion criticizes the lack of significant replay value due to the absence of save options, which could limit players' ability to explore different paths and outcomes in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Pentiment offers substantial replay value through its branching narrative, impactful player choices, and diverse story paths. Critics like VGC and WellPlayed commend the game for its reactive choices and consequences, player-driven narratives with far-reaching consequences, and emotional depth, which provide high replay value for players. Despite some concerns raised by a few critics regarding potential redundancies in gameplay and limited save options, the majority of reviewers agree that Pentiment's replayability is a strong aspect that encourages players to engage with the game multiple times to experience its various story threads and outcomes.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on the videogame Pentiment, it is evident that the majority of critics found the game to be a highly engaging and unique experience with several standout qualities. AusGamers commends Pentiment for being a deep and immersive game with a unique narrative adventure, recommending it to those seeking a different and book-like experience. Critics like But Why Tho? and Noisy Pixel praise the game as a special work of art with strong character writing and a beautiful design. The game's engaging story, well-developed characters, and impactful choices were highlighted by various reviewers, such as GameSpew and VGC, who recommended it to fans of narrative adventures and investigation games. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Pentiment that slightly affected their overall experience. COGconnected mentioned flaws in writing and gameplay mechanics, while Screen Rant and Slant Magazine noted pacing issues and an overwhelming focus on presentation and background lore that detracted from the storytelling. ZTGD found the game to be boring and not personally interesting, emphasizing that it may cater more to specific interests in history, murder, and mystery novels. Additionally, PC Invasion highlighted repetitive dialogue presentation and a lack of save options as hindrances to the overall gameplay experience. Despite the minor criticisms raised by some reviewers, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Pentiment. The game is widely regarded as a masterpiece, offering a rich and immersive narrative experience that sets a high bar for storytelling in video games. Critics like WellPlayed and Guardian appreciate the game's passionate rendition of medieval life, extraordinary circumstances, and dense historical narrative, exceeding expectations in the gaming medium. IGN praises Pentiment as a captivating adventure game with exceptional art style, immersive sound design, and replay value, serving as a love letter to fans of Medieval history. The game's unique setting, well-developed characters, and player-driven storytelling were lauded by RPG Fan and TheSixthAxis, recommending it to historical fiction enthusiasts and fans of engaging mysteries. Overall, Pentiment emerges as a standout title in the gaming landscape, with its positives far outweighing any minor shortcomings, making it a highly recommended experience for players seeking a deep and impactful narrative adventure.

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.

MONSTER

Reviews

165 reviews found

100

But Why Tho?

Xbox Series X

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

Xbox Series X

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

Xbox Series X

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

Xbox Series X

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

Xbox Series X

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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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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CGMagazine

Xbox Series X

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.

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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