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The Thaumaturge

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

2024

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

AvailableMar 4, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 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 with its rich historical setting and compelling narrative centered on Wiktor Szulski, blending personal drama with Slavic folklore. Critics praise its character development and engaging dialogue but criticize the plot for being predictable and lacking coherence, with pacing and translation issues further diminishing the experience. Despite its intriguing premise and thematic depth, many agree the game fails to deliver a cohesive, impactful narrative, making it a missed opportunity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of The Thaumaturge has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its rich historical setting and the intriguing premise centered around Wiktor Szulski, a thaumaturge navigating the complexities of early 20th-century Warsaw. Critics like Softpedia and Digital Chumps highlight the compelling narrative that intertwines personal drama with historical context, enriched by supernatural elements and Slavic folklore. The writing is often praised for its depth and character development, with IGN Italia and Gamepressure noting the engaging dialogue and memorable characters that enhance the overall experience. Additionally, the integration of historical figures, such as Grigori Rasputin, adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue, as pointed out by Noisy Pixel and Eurogamer. However, the narrative is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers, including GameMAG and CD-Action, argue that the story suffers from a lack of coherence and depth, with key events revealed too early, leading to a predictable and linear progression. Critics like RPGamer and GameOver.gr echo this sentiment, suggesting that the character development is insufficient and that the plot lacks engaging twists, resulting in a failure to maintain interest throughout the game. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Games.cz and Metro GameCentral, point to issues with pacing and translation, which detract from the overall impact of the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Thaumaturge presents a captivating premise and rich historical backdrop, it ultimately struggles with execution. The narrative is lauded for its potential and thematic depth, as noted by Finger Guns and Try Hard Guides, yet many feel it falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging experience. Critics appreciate the unique blend of history and supernatural elements, but the lack of impactful decisions and emotional resonance leaves a sense of dissatisfaction, as highlighted by GameMAG and Gaming Age. Thus, while the game has its merits, it appears to be a missed opportunity to fully realize its intriguing narrative potential.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge delivers mixed reviews: praised for its strategic turn-based combat and engaging investigative mechanics, but criticized for lacking challenge and depth. While some players enjoy the customization and narrative integration, many find the gameplay repetitive and linear, leaving a divide between fans and detractors. Ultimately, it appeals to a niche audience but may disappoint those seeking a deeper, more varied experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Thaumaturge has received a range of opinions, with some critics highlighting its strengths. Several reviewers appreciate the unique turn-based combat system, noting its strategic elements and the potential for customization through skill trees and character progression. For instance, GameSkinny and CGMagazine commend the intricate nature of the combat, emphasizing the rewarding experience it provides when utilizing the protagonist's abilities effectively. Additionally, the investigative mechanics, which allow players to gather clues and make choices that impact the narrative, are seen as a positive aspect by critics like VideoGamer and Finger Guns, who note that these elements enhance player engagement and immersion in the game's world. However, a significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with various aspects of the gameplay. Many critics, including CD-Action and Metro GameCentral, point out that the combat lacks challenge and depth, often describing it as simplistic and repetitive. The investigative mechanics are also criticized for being rudimentary, with Vandal and Hooked Gamers mentioning that they can feel restrictive and fail to offer the depth expected from a narrative-driven game. Furthermore, several reviewers, such as IGN Italia and PLAY! Zine, highlight the linearity of the gameplay and the lack of meaningful choices, which can detract from the overall experience and replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a notable divide between those who find enjoyment in the strategic elements of combat and exploration and those who feel the gameplay lacks depth and engagement. While some, like PC Gamer and Digital Chumps, appreciate the integration of narrative and RPG mechanics, many others echo sentiments of repetitiveness and simplicity, indicating that the game may not fully meet the expectations of players seeking a rich and varied experience. The combination of engaging elements and significant shortcomings suggests that The Thaumaturge might appeal to a specific audience but may leave others wanting more in terms of depth and complexity.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge impresses with its meticulously crafted environments and atmospheric design of early 20th-century Warsaw, earning praise for its lighting and unique isometric perspective. However, it suffers from significant issues, including stiff character models, awkward animations, and technical glitches, which undermine immersion and make it feel dated compared to higher-end titles. Critics recognize its potential but agree it falls short due to these visual shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of The Thaumaturge have garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the attention to detail in the environments. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Gamepressure, praised the game's meticulous recreation of early 20th-century Warsaw, highlighting its immersive atmosphere and architectural authenticity. Critics noted the effective use of lighting and the unique isometric perspective, which adds a distinct visual flair to the game. Checkpoint Gaming and God is a Geek also appreciated the game's dark and atmospheric art style, with the design of the demon-like entities, the Salutors, receiving special commendation for their creativity and memorability. Overall, the environments are frequently described as well-crafted and visually appealing, contributing positively to the gaming experience. However, the criticisms surrounding the graphics and visual design are significant and numerous. Many reviewers, including Digital Chumps and Softpedia, pointed out that character models and animations lack refinement, with stiff movements and lifeless expressions that disrupt immersion. Technical issues such as graphical glitches, inconsistent character designs, and awkward animations were commonly mentioned, with Wccftech and Eurogamer highlighting problems like visual bugs and stuttering animations that detract from the overall experience. Furthermore, some critics, such as Vandal and Movies Games and Tech, noted that the visual presentation feels dated, particularly when compared to higher-end titles, indicating a need for improvement in the graphical fidelity of character models and animations. In summary, while The Thaumaturge excels in creating a richly detailed and atmospheric representation of early 20th-century Warsaw, the visual design is marred by inconsistencies and technical shortcomings. The consensus among critics suggests that the game successfully captures the essence of its historical setting, with commendable environmental design praised by many, including Multiplayer.it and Gamersky. However, the lack of polish in character models and animations, as well as various graphical glitches, prevent it from reaching its full potential. Overall, the game presents a visually interesting experience but falls short of the standards set by more polished titles in the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge boasts a captivating soundtrack that enhances its atmosphere, praised for its melancholic violins and cultural depth. However, critics slam the uneven voice acting and sparse sound design, leading to immersion-breaking inconsistencies. Overall, the game's audio experience shows potential but falls short due to execution flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The opinions regarding the sound design and music of The Thaumaturge reveal several positive aspects that critics have highlighted. Many reviewers praised the game's music for its ability to complement the atmosphere and setting effectively. For instance, critics from TheSixthAxis and But Why Tho? noted the captivating soundtrack, with melancholic violins and Slavic-inspired themes that enhance the overall experience. VideoGamer also emphasized how the music, including references to Chopin and folk elements, immerses players in the historical and cultural context of the game. Furthermore, some critics, such as those from PlayStation Universe and God is a Geek, appreciated the authenticity of the voice acting, particularly noting that the inclusion of Polish voice actors adds legitimacy to the game's narrative. However, the reviews also reveal significant criticisms regarding the sound design and voice acting quality. Several critics pointed out inconsistencies in voice performances, with Digital Chumps and IGN noting that some characters displayed jarring accents that detracted from immersion. Additionally, Softpedia criticized the sound design for being sparse, leading to moments of eerie silence that negatively impacted the overall experience. The quality of voice acting was often described as uneven, with GameCritics and Metro GameCentral highlighting issues with tonal mismatches and distracting voiceovers. This inconsistency in voice performances seems to be a recurring theme across multiple reviews, indicating a lack of cohesion in the audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Thaumaturge features a compelling musical score that enhances the game's atmosphere, significant flaws in voice acting and sound design detract from the overall experience. Critics like GamingBolt and GameMAG recognized the immersive soundscape and effective music, yet many echoed concerns about the uneven quality of voice performances and the sparse sound design. This duality in feedback indicates that while the game has the potential for a rich auditory experience, the execution in certain areas leaves much to be desired, ultimately impacting the immersion and enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge boasts strong voice acting that enhances narrative depth, praised by critics for its authenticity and character development. However, it suffers from significant inconsistencies and emotional depth issues, leading to a mixed auditory experience that can disrupt immersion. While standout performances exist, uneven delivery and direction undermine the overall storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

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

The voice acting in The Thaumaturge has garnered a variety of positive remarks from critics, highlighting its potential to enhance the game's narrative depth and immersion. Reviewers such as PlayStation Universe and But Why Tho? praised the authenticity and skillful performances of the voice actors, noting that these elements contribute significantly to character development and the overall storytelling experience. Eurogamer also commended the performance of Maciej Nawrocki, emphasizing how his calm delivery adds to the character's engagement. Additionally, some critics appreciated the cultural depth brought by the inclusion of Polish voice actors, which enhances the game's authenticity and connection to its setting. However, the voice acting has also faced substantial criticism, particularly regarding its inconsistency and lack of emotional depth. Critics like Digital Chumps and Finger Guns pointed out that the quality of voice performances varies widely, with some characters delivering strong portrayals while others detract from the experience due to poor execution or unnatural accents. GameCritics and GameOver.gr echoed these sentiments, noting that the uneven quality of voice acting can disrupt immersion and fail to convincingly portray characters. Furthermore, issues such as wooden dialogue and the mismatch of accents with character backgrounds were highlighted by IGN and Metro GameCentral, further contributing to a sense of disconnection from the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Thaumaturge features commendable voice performances that can elevate its storytelling, significant inconsistencies undermine the overall experience. Many reviewers, including those from CD-Action and Noisy Pixel, noted that the quality of voice acting is a mixed bag, with some standout performances overshadowed by weaker ones. The game appears to struggle with balancing the strengths of its voice cast against a backdrop of uneven delivery and direction, leading to a fragmented auditory experience that may affect players' engagement with the narrative.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge shows promise in technical performance, particularly on PS5 where it runs well despite some stuttering and glitches. Critics note improvements over the PC launch, but the PS5 version still faces issues. The PC version, however, is plagued by severe problems like crashes, bugs, and frame rate drops, leading to a disappointing experience. Overall, the game has potential but needs significant polish and optimization across all platforms to meet expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

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

The technical performance of The Thaumaturge varies significantly across platforms, with the PS5 generally receiving a mix of feedback that highlights some positive aspects. Critics like TheSixthAxis noted that the game runs well throughout, suggesting a solid foundation of technical performance. Additionally, Digital Chumps and Impulsegamer acknowledged the developer's technical capabilities, even while noting the presence of glitches. God is a Geek also pointed out that the PS5 version showed improvements over its PC launch, indicating a positive trend in performance optimization. On the PC front, Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer Germany reported smooth gameplay on various systems, including handheld devices, which suggests that the game can perform adequately across different hardware configurations. However, the negative aspects of The Thaumaturge's technical performance are prevalent, particularly on the PS5. Multiple critics, including PlayStation Universe and Wccftech, highlighted issues such as stuttering and glitches, especially after cutscenes, which detract from the overall experience. Softpedia pointed out that technical flaws, including problems with animations and sound, hinder immersion. On the PC side, the situation appears more dire, with many critics, including Everyeye.it and IGN Italia, reporting significant technical issues like crashes, bugs, and graphical glitches that severely impact gameplay. GameMAG emphasized the presence of frame rate drops and localization problems, further complicating the user experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while The Thaumaturge showcases potential with some solid technical performance on both PS5 and PC, it is marred by a variety of issues that need addressing. The PS5 version is generally viewed as more stable than its PC counterpart, although it still suffers from noticeable glitches and performance hitches. On the other hand, the PC version is plagued by a broader range of problems, including crashes and significant bugs, which many critics, such as Hooked Gamers and IGN, noted as detrimental to the overall experience. As such, while there are moments of technical achievement, the game requires further polish and optimization to fully realize its potential across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Thaumaturge has a split reception on replay value. Critics like CGMagazine praise its multiple endings and player-driven consequences, highlighting strong replayability. However, others, including Eurogamer, criticize its linearity and repetitive gameplay, suggesting these flaws limit the incentive to replay. While some find potential for varied experiences, many agree that the game's structure may not satisfy all players seeking diverse playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Thaumaturge reveal a spectrum of positive sentiments from various critics. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Wccftech, highlight the game's significant replayability, citing the presence of multiple endings and branching narratives influenced by player choices. Critics like But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming also emphasize the depth of player-driven consequences, suggesting that the game encourages multiple playthroughs to explore different outcomes. Additionally, Softpedia points out the variety of dialogue choices and mission-solving options, which further enhance the incentive for players to revisit the game. Conversely, several critics express concerns about the game's replay value, pointing to limitations in its design. Digital Chumps notes that while there are different skill upgrades and dialogue choices, Wiktor's flaws may restrict varied playthroughs. Eurogamer and Eurogamer Poland criticize the repetitive nature of gameplay and a lack of impactful choices, suggesting that these factors could deter players from engaging in multiple runs. Other critics, such as Gaming Age and Riot Pixels, highlight the linearity of the story and quests, which may result in a diminished desire to replay the game. This sentiment is echoed by GamingBolt, which acknowledges branching paths but also notes the overall limitations in player agency. Overall, the consensus among critics appears to be mixed. While some, like CGMagazine and Wccftech, advocate for the game's replay value due to its multiple endings and branching narratives, a significant number of reviewers, including Eurogamer and Gaming Age, argue that the linearity and repetitive aspects of gameplay may limit the overall replayability. Critics like GameCritics and PC Invasion find a middle ground, acknowledging the potential for replay through various choices while also recognizing the constraints imposed by the game's structure. This divergence in opinions suggests that while The Thaumaturge offers some replay value, it may not be sufficient to satisfy all players seeking diverse experiences across multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The critical reception of The Thaumaturge showcases a blend of appreciation for its unique setting and narrative depth, alongside recognition of its engaging gameplay elements. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Finger Guns, highlight the game's rich historical backdrop and emotional storytelling, suggesting that it offers a captivating experience for those who value narrative-driven RPGs. Critics like GameGrin and Digital Chumps commend the game for its intriguing mechanics and the blend of magical realism with historical themes, emphasizing that it can deliver a haunting and memorable experience. Furthermore, Eurogamer and PC Invasion note the game's impressive visuals and cultural exploration, which contribute to its overall appeal. Conversely, a significant number of critics express disappointment regarding the game's execution and technical performance. Reviewers from Gaming Age and GameMAG describe The Thaumaturge as a missed opportunity, citing issues with combat mechanics, progression systems, and narrative cohesion. Critics like GameOver.gr and Shacknews point out that while the setting is fascinating, the overall experience is marred by a lack of engagement and underdeveloped characters. Additionally, several reviews mention technical shortcomings, such as bugs and simplistic mechanics, which detract from the immersive experience that the game aims to provide, as noted by IGN and God is a Geek. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that The Thaumaturge is a title with considerable potential that falls short in execution. While many reviewers appreciate its unique narrative and engaging world, the recurring themes of technical flaws and inconsistent gameplay elements highlight a divide in player experience. Critics like Wccftech and CGMagazine suggest that despite its shortcomings, the game remains a worthwhile endeavor for RPG enthusiasts, particularly those who prioritize storytelling over gameplay mechanics. Ultimately, The Thaumaturge is seen as a game that, while flawed, offers a distinctive journey worth exploring for its narrative depth and historical intrigue.

TL;DR

The Thaumaturge dazzles with its rich historical setting and emotional storytelling, earning praise for its engaging narrative and unique gameplay. However, critics point out significant execution issues, including combat mechanics, technical flaws, and underdeveloped characters, leaving many feeling it’s a missed opportunity. While it captivates RPG lovers who value narrative, its shortcomings may hinder a truly immersive experience. Ultimately, it’s a flawed gem with a distinctive journey worth exploring—if you can overlook its issues.

MONSTER

Reviews

109 reviews found

Hey Poor Player

Mar 4, 2024