It seems that I first glimpsed this game during a summer showcase, yet it faded from memory, only to resurface once more. The notion of embodying a wizard-detective in a Poland still shackled by the Third Partition, in the year 1905, was more than sufficient to pique my curiosity. Drawn by the singularity of its premise, I resolved to immerse myself in the experience without delay.

To my great surprise, not only did the game captivate me, but I found myself compelled to delve into every facet of its world. Perhaps this was due to certain parallels between myself and Wiktor, or to themes that resonated with me in ways I cannot fully articulate.

The Thaumaturge distinguishes itself through a remarkable richness of detail. The game’s setting is unusual : Warsaw - 1905, still under Russian rule, a city riven by tension among its many factions. The scars of relentless oppression are evident at every turn, embodied by the Russian Empire and its ruthless Okhrana, aided by their collaborators. And yet, for all its suffocating weight, despite the grey pall that lingers over its streets and the ever-looming spectre of upheaval, Warsaw possesses a haunting beauty. Unlike so many virtual worlds that remain static backdrops, here, the city breathes. It shifts, adapts, evolves before our very eyes. Like its people, it is in constant motion. One lives there, one fights, one dreams, in defiance of all adversity.

The game captures this essence, due in no small part to its writing. I found particular delight in Wiktor’s grimoire, penned in his own hand, which brims with personality, or via the Traces, those emotional imprints left by other, which Wiktor can perceive and experience thanks to his thaumaturge’s Perception.Thesefleeting echoes of the past rank among the most emotionally stirring passages in the game, rendered all the more poignant by their very ephemerality.

The main story, though relatively linear in structure, possesses a captivating charm. It evokes the feeling of returning to a place long left behind. Though the shadow of Imperial rule looms heavily over every street, moments of genuine warmth pierce the gloom. The playful banter with Wiktor's twin sister, and the comforting presence of Grazynka the housekeeper, whose renowned hot chocolate serves as a delightful portal to simpler times, offer a welcome respite. For our bourgeois protagonist, this humble indulgence serves as a kind of time travel, transporting him back to cherished memories of days unburdened by the weight of the present.

The varied cast of companions is a faithful reflection of Warsaw’s cosmopolitan fabric, so characteristic of this period. First impressions may, on occasion, be misleading; it is only through deeper acquaintance that their true natures are revealed. I would urge any discerning player to explore the full breadth of dialogue options, even those that appear of little consequence, for often they conceal hidden intricacies, unexpected revelations, and delicate threads of connection between characters.

Side quests, are, in my view, not a mere diversions and serve to deepen the experience, offering glimpses into the lives of both Wiktor and the city’s inhabitants.


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Yet, for all its virtues, The Thaumaturge is not without its flaws (hehe). I am ever reluctant to dwell on the shortcomings of a work I have enjoyed, yet in the interest of fairness, they must be acknowledged. Only one, to me, is of true significance (the animation), while the rest stem largely from my own attentiveness to detail.

Character animations, leave something to be desired. At times stiff, at others inconsistent, they lack the fluidity that would have truly brought the cast to life. Some of them are finely executed, while others lack the same polish.

MAJOR SPOILER : One scene remains indelibly etched in my mind : Wiktor’s execution. Every aspect is masterfully wrought: the voice acting, the subtle nuances of his expression, the weight of the dialogue choices. I have played countless games, but seldom have I seen such raw emotion conveyed through a character’s gaze alone. That moment of resignation, the intensity of his unwavering stare... it was truly haunting, sending shivers down my spine and leaving a lasting ache in my heart.

I should also have welcomed greater care for detail and consistency, particularly in key sequences. The city, though richly depicted, seems oddly unaffected by the elements. Rain falls, yet many remain seated on terraces or standing in the downpour, unbothered.

MAJOR SPOILER : A certain explosion comes to mind, one from which Wiktor emerges almost unscathed, both physically and in attire. Such an event ought surely to have left more visible and lasting consequences.That said, I did appreciate one lingering effect it imposed, even if it only occurs in the epilogues and has no true impact : his failing eyesight following the incident, forcing him to wear glasses, making him, in a twist of irony, resemble his late father.

Some dialogues also suffer from uneven pacing, with certain NPC responses appearing strangely disconnected from the preceding exchanges.

As for the combat, while at times woven into the narrative, it often lacks momentum and fails to remain engaging over time. It would seem, that everyone harbours some grievance against you and the frequency of altercations becomes excessivet. Though dialogue options precede certain encounters, most proceed regardless. I should have preferred the ability to circumvent some conflicts, whether through one’s own wits (granting dialogue greater influence), or by calling upon the Salutors. One might believe they have deftly navigated the situation, only to find that the opposition is far too resentful to permit safe passage. It is in such instances that some dialogue exchanges feel misaligned with the responses given.

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So, while the game begining may seem drawn out and straightforward, it conceals a profound journey. One that leads towards greater self-knowledge, discovery, and a deeper comprehension of the people and the world that surrounds him. And who knows ? It may even inspire transformation. On several occasions, the story caught me off guard with its unexpected turns, particularly in its closing chapters.

MAJOR SPOILER : What more can be said of that moment when our bearded acquaintance betrayed me, I knew something was a bit off, but just as I believed I had made all the right choices to secure his trust.. As the saying goes, I was left utterly speechless.

The developers have taken great care to retain the original names of locations, even in translated versions, a touch that reinforces the authenticity of the setting. At times, I was overcome with a sense of solemn reflection as I wandered its streets, fully aware of the events yet to unfold in the following decades reducing Warsaw from a cosmopolitan hub to ruins...

Should a second instalment ever come to fruition, I would welcome it wholeheartedly. I can only hope that it will incorporate the consequences (or parts, as it will be complicated for certains of them) of our choices, allowing us to carry forth the weight of our decisions into the next chapter. Perhaps to further explore past events and gain deeper insight into them, like Paimon, for instance, who appears to be the pivotal moment that sets the story in motion, yet of whom we have but a vague understanding, gleaned from a entry in the grimoire and a letter. Or even a few years later, just before certain great historical events unfold (events that our bearded friend has, in his own way, foreseen).

Of course, I eagerly anticipate the return of our most debonair thaumaturge, for if certain endings are to be believed, our business is far from over... :D

N.B : If you've made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy review !
N.B2 : Edited for typos

Cons:
- Dull city missions.
- Combat gets boring pretty quick.
- A bit too linear.
- The detective stuff is too easy.
Pro:
-Decent story, good writing.
-Interesting characters.
-Ok graphics.

Conclusion:
Hard to recommend this game. Maybe if it's heavily discounted.

The concept is interesting. A kind of psychic detective that can channel demons. The end result, is kinda boring. The story is not very captivating, I found myself skipping most of the dialogue. The voice acting is wooden, and the fighting gets very repetitive after a while. This is one of the rare occasions on which I think the game is actually too long. Only buy it on special, and only play it if you've got nothing else. It's not the worst game ever made, but it's just "OK" and I played it in maybe 30 min to 1 hour sessions due to finding it tedious.