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MONSTER

The Thaumaturge

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

2024

GenresAdventure, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMar 4, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperFool's Theory

Overview

The Thaumaturge is a story-driven RPG with morally ambiguous choices, taking place in the culturally diverse world of early 20th century Warsaw. In this world, Salutors exist: esoteric beings that only Thaumaturges can truly perceive and use for their needs.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge impresses critics with its captivating narrative set in 1905 Warsaw, blending Slavic mythology and fantasy elements. Praise for its deep themes, morally ambiguous choices, and rich atmosphere. However, some critics note shortcomings in character development and gameplay mechanics. Despite flaws, the game offers a compelling experience with immersive storytelling and impactful choices, making it a must-play for fans of dark narratives with supernatural and historical elements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of The Thaumaturge has garnered praise from multiple critics for its unique and intriguing narrative elements. Critics like COGconnected and Gamepressure commend the game for its captivating storytelling, great writing, memorable characters, and impactful choices. Eurogamer Germany highlights the game's unique setting in Warsaw in 1905, blending Slavic mythology, historical drama, and fantasy elements, creating an engaging experience with a rich atmosphere. The narrative is lauded for its deep themes, morally ambiguous decisions, and compelling supernatural narrative possibilities, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. The historical backdrop, combined with magical intrigue and exploration mechanics, adds depth and immersion to the overall experience, as acknowledged by IGN and Siliconera. On the flip side, some critics point out certain shortcomings in the storytelling of The Thaumaturge. Eurogamer Poland mentions that while the game offers a mysterious RPG set in a fantastical version of early 20th-century Warsaw, it falls short in character development and gameplay mechanics. RPGamer criticizes the final act for underdelivering, focusing on hunting for Salutors and lacking player deduction, with a rushed ending that feels sloppy. Metro GameCentral highlights issues with poorly translated script and American voiceovers, which hinder the otherwise interesting story set in a unique 1900s Warsaw with supernatural elements. VideoGamer notes that character development lacks depth, despite the intriguing political intrigue and revolutionary movements that drive the narrative forward. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Thaumaturge offers a compelling and unique narrative experience, blending historical elements with supernatural themes to create an engaging world for players to explore. While the game excels in storytelling, worldbuilding, and atmospheric setting, it does face criticism for issues such as pacing, character development, and gameplay mechanics. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics appreciate the thematic distinctiveness, impactful choices, and immersive storytelling that the game delivers. Players looking for a dark and harrowing narrative set in early 20th-century Warsaw, filled with supernatural lore and historical drama, may find The Thaumaturge to be a worthwhile experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Thaumaturge for its engaging combat, strategic depth, and detective gameplay elements. While some point out issues like repetitive exploration and lack of combat challenge, most reviewers find the gameplay immersive, rewarding, and well-blended.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Gameplay of The Thaumaturge has received praise from several critics for its strategic and engaging combat mechanics. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and God is a Geek commend the combat system for being visually stylish, tactically satisfying, and well-integrated with exploration elements. The turn-based combat system is highlighted for its strategic depth, unique abilities for each character, and a large skill tree for progression, as noted by GameSkinny and God is a Geek. Additionally, the game's focus on detective gameplay, investigation mechanics, and decision-making elements add depth and variety to the overall gameplay experience, as acknowledged by IGN and VideoGamer. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in The Thaumaturge's gameplay. KeenGamer criticizes the exploration gameplay for feeling repetitive, while Metro GameCentral mentions that combat lacks challenge and depth. RPGamer and Eurogamer Poland note that the combat mechanics, despite being decently executed, lack evolution and depth, leading to potential repetitiveness and longer playtimes. Furthermore, Gamepressure highlights the lack of interactivity and depth in investigations, which heavily relies on exploration and turn-based combat, potentially limiting player engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Gameplay of The Thaumaturge is positive, with a strong emphasis on the strategic combat system, engaging exploration mechanics, and detective gameplay elements. Critics like GameSkinny and Siliconera appreciate the depth and satisfaction offered by the combat system and detective mechanics. However, there are concerns raised by critics like KeenGamer and Metro GameCentral regarding the repetitiveness in certain aspects of gameplay. Despite some criticisms, the majority of reviewers find the gameplay experience in The Thaumaturge to be immersive, challenging, and rewarding, blending strategic combat with exploration and detective elements effectively.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge impresses with visually stunning environments and attention to detail, creating an immersive early 20th-century Warsaw setting. Critics praise the realism but note flaws like stiff animations and visual inconsistencies, leading to a mix of positives and negatives. Despite technical limitations, the game offers a compelling portrayal of historical Warsaw, with potential for improvement in future updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Thaumaturge has received praise from several critics for its visually stunning presentation and attention to detail in its environments. Critics like GameSkinny and Siliconera commend the beautifully crafted environments, with intricate details that bring the world to life. The game's setting in early 20th-century Warsaw is particularly highlighted for its authenticity and immersive atmosphere, as noted by Gamepressure and RPG Fan. The commitment to realism in district design, day/night cycle, and character models adds to the dark and brooding atmosphere, enhancing the overall visual experience. However, some critics have pointed out various shortcomings in the Graphics and Visual Design of The Thaumaturge. Eurogamer Germany and Eurogamer Poland mention flaws in storytelling and presentation, including stiff character animations and abrupt scene transitions. Additionally, issues such as slow texture loading, occasional stutters in animations, and static environments detract from the overall experience, as highlighted by Eurogamer Poland. Furthermore, Checkpoint Gaming notes visual inconsistencies and uncanny valley moments in character animations, which can break immersion for players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Thaumaturge leans towards a mix of positives and negatives. While the game excels in creating a detailed and lived-in graphical representation of early 20th-century Warsaw, with a unique style and creative scenario ideas, there are noticeable technical limitations and visual inconsistencies that hinder the overall experience. Critics like God is a Geek and RPGamer appreciate the attention to detail in the isometric viewpoint and character designs, but acknowledge the presence of stiff animations. Despite its flaws, the game manages to immerse players in the atmospheric world of historical Warsaw, showcasing a compelling portrayal of the city under Russian rule, as highlighted by Metro GameCentral. Room for improvement is noted by critics like Windows Central, who point out visual quirks that could be addressed in future updates to enhance the overall visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music of The Thaumaturge. Some praise its immersive soundscapes and diverse soundtrack, while others criticize the English voice-acting and lack of standout tracks. Overall, opinions are divided on how these elements impact the game's atmosphere and player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

The Sound Design and Music of The Thaumaturge have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its immersive and atmospheric soundscapes that effectively set the tone and complemented the setting. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Siliconera highlighted the catchy soundtrack filled with erratic strings and diverse cultural influences, enhancing the unique atmosphere of the game. Additionally, GamingBolt appreciated the bustling city noises and industrial sounds that added depth to the overall experience. The use of period-appropriate music and sound design was noted by RPG Site and IGN France as enhancing the gameplay immersion. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the sound design and music in The Thaumaturge. Issues with English voice-acting were a common point of criticism, with Gamepressure and IGN pointing out inconsistencies and poor quality that impacted immersion negatively. Metro GameCentral also highlighted poor dialogue and distracting voiceovers as detracting from the overall experience. Furthermore, COGconnected and KeenGamer mentioned that while the audio effectively set the tone, it lacked memorable tracks and standout elements that could have elevated the game's audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Thaumaturge is mixed. While some reviewers appreciated the immersive soundscapes, period-appropriate music, and cultural influences that enhanced the atmosphere of the game, others raised concerns about inconsistent voice acting, poor dialogue, and a lack of standout tracks. Despite the varied opinions, it is evident that the sound design and music play a significant role in shaping the player's experience in The Thaumaturge, with both positive and negative aspects contributing to the overall reception of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the voice acting in The Thaumaturge. Some praise the strong performances and immersive experience, while others criticize issues like wooden American voiceovers and inconsistent accents. Overall, opinions are mixed, suggesting that players may have differing views on the voice work.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

31%

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

The Voice Acting in The Thaumaturge has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as God is a Geek and RPGamer, praised the vocal performances, noting strong and engaging portrayals that enhance the overall immersive experience of the game. GamingBolt also highlighted well-executed accents that contribute to the believability of the setting, showcasing expressive characters that draw players into the world of the game. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various issues with the Voice Acting in The Thaumaturge. IGN Deutschland and Metro GameCentral criticized the wooden and poorly executed American voiceovers, respectively, which impacted the immersion and quality of the game. Eurogamer Poland and RPG Fan expressed concerns about subpar English voice acting, with Gamepressure even suggesting the need for Polish voice-over to improve the authenticity of the game's setting. IGN also highlighted inconsistencies in accents and dialogue that affected the believability of the characters. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Voice Acting in The Thaumaturge leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the strong performances and immersive qualities brought by the voice actors, others found issues with accents, dialogue execution, and overall quality. The varying opinions suggest that the Voice Acting in the game may be a subjective aspect that could impact individual players differently. As noted by Checkpoint Gaming, some performances may come off as stilted while others feel more natural, indicating a range of experiences players may have with the voice work in The Thaumaturge.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the technical performance of The Thaumaturge on PC. Some praise its smooth performance and stability, while others criticize issues like slow texture loading, stuttering animations, glitches, and visual inconsistencies. While some reviewers commend its solid technical aspects, others point out various technical problems that hinder the gameplay experience. Overall, opinions vary on the game's technical performance, with room for improvement to deliver a more polished gaming experience across all platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

In terms of positives for the Technical Performance of The Thaumaturge on PC, several critics highlighted smooth performance and stability. RPGamer noted that the game performed well on the Steam Deck, showcasing good technical performance and stability, while Ragequit.gr mentioned that the game was bug-free even in its pre-release version, indicating solid technical performance. Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer Germany also mentioned that the game runs smoothly on PC, with Eurogamer Germany specifically noting that it runs well on various systems, including the Steam Deck. On the flip side, there were several negatives mentioned by critics regarding the Technical Performance of The Thaumaturge on PC. Issues such as slow texture loading, stuttering animations, glitches, memory leaks, and visual inconsistencies were highlighted. Eurogamer Germany mentioned technical limitations like slow texture loading and occasional stutters in animations, while RPG Site noted technical issues like stuttering, glitches, and memory leaks. IGN and Windows Central pointed out specific problems like buggy movement, glitches impacting the overall experience, and visual quirks such as character models clipping and NPCs t-posing, indicating underlying technical issues that need addressing. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Technical Performance of The Thaumaturge is mixed. While some critics like RPGamer and Ragequit.gr praised the game for its solid technical performance and stability, others like IGN and RPG Site highlighted various technical issues such as stuttering, glitches, and visual inconsistencies that impact the gameplay experience. It is evident that there is a range of opinions on the technical performance of the game, with some reviewers experiencing smoother gameplay while others encountered more significant technical hurdles. The general sentiment suggests that while The Thaumaturge shows promise in terms of technical performance, there are areas that require improvement to provide a more consistent and polished gaming experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Thaumaturge for its engaging choice-based narrative and multiple outcomes that make for replayable experiences. However, some point out limitations like repetitive tasks and linear gameplay that may hinder extended replayability. Overall, the game offers branching narratives and impactful decisions but falls short in combat variety and player choice impact. Despite mixed reviews, The Thaumaturge still provides a compelling experience for those who enjoy exploration and choice-driven narratives.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

12%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Thaumaturge has received praise from critics for its choice-based narrative with consequences that lead to different outcomes, providing an enticing experience for additional playthroughs. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and GamingBolt appreciate the multiple paths and branching narratives based on player decisions, which add depth and replay value to the game. RPG Fan also highlights the branching story paths, side quests, and impactful decision-making as positive aspects that enhance the replayability of the game. The inclusion of multiple endings and a semi-open world with various activities and secrets to uncover, as noted by Gamepressure, further contribute to the game's replay value. On the flip side, some critics, such as Eurogamer Poland and IGN Deutschland, point out limitations in the replay value of The Thaumaturge. Issues like repetitive gameplay tasks, lack of impactful dialogue choices, linear leveling systems, and limited impact from player choices may hinder extended replayability. IGN France also mentions the linear progression system as a factor that could limit replayability for some players. Additionally, Ragequit.gr highlights the linear nature of individual quests and lack of multiple outcomes in side quests as drawbacks that reduce the game's replayability potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed regarding the replay value of The Thaumaturge. While the game excels in offering branching narratives, impactful decisions, and multiple endings that encourage exploration of different paths, it also faces criticisms for its repetitive gameplay, linear progression, and lack of variety in combat encounters. The engaging storyline and exploration through side quests provide replay value, but the pacing issues, inconsistent presentation, and limited impact from player choices may deter some players from multiple playthroughs. Despite these drawbacks, the game still manages to offer a compelling experience with enough replay value to warrant revisiting for those who enjoy choice-driven narratives and exploration.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Thaumaturge has garnered praise from multiple critics for its positive aspects. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Siliconera highlight the game's captivating story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals. Checkpoint Gaming specifically mentions the game's unique and visually impressive nature, while Siliconera emphasizes the compelling CRPG experience with a captivating story and wonderful soundtrack. Additionally, Gamepressure and RPGamer commend the game for its commitment to historical and cultural authenticity, offering a rich and immersive RPG experience with a focus on storytelling and worldbuilding. On the flip side, some critics point out the negative aspects of The Thaumaturge. Eurogamer Poland and Metro GameCentral express disappointment in the game's execution, gameplay mechanics, and combat issues. Eurogamer Poland mentions that the game falls short in character development and lacks engagement, resulting in a disappointing experience overall. Metro GameCentral highlights shortcomings in combat, detective gameplay, and voice acting, leading to a mediocre experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding The Thaumaturge is generally positive, with a few reservations. The game is praised for its unique setting, compelling narrative, engaging combat system, and commitment to historical and cultural authenticity. Critics appreciate the game's immersive world-building, intriguing premise, and addictive gameplay. While there are some criticisms regarding technical issues, pacing problems, and underdeveloped aspects of the game, the majority of reviewers find The Thaumaturge to be a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven RPGs. Critics like GameSkinny and God is a Geek recommend the game for those who enjoy a good story with mystical elements, despite its flaws. Ultimately, The Thaumaturge seems to have made a mark in the gaming community for its distinctive qualities and immersive gameplay experience.

TL;DR

The Thaumaturge receives praise for captivating story and visuals, but faces criticism for gameplay issues. Critics laud its unique setting, engaging combat, and historical authenticity, though some cite flaws in execution and character development. Overall, the game offers an immersive RPG experience with a compelling narrative, recommended for fans of narrative-driven RPGs despite its shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

108 reviews found

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