The Thaumaturge Review: "Distinguishes Itself From The Pack"

There are precious few games set in turn-of-the-century Warsaw, and it’s one of several aspects with which distinguishes itself from the pack. This historical dark fantasy RPG is the sophomore release from Polish studio Fool’s Theory, whose 2017 cyberpunk action-RPG echoes the almost irresponsibly bold design decisions and ambitious intentions of their newest project. is a meaty, detailed exploration of Polish history and Western political progress, crafted around a worthy concept that is ultimately more interesting than just “Slavic .”

Polish-based 11 Bit Studios manage publishing duties for, and has been at the forefront of contemporary experimental game development in the nation. Notable releases include the reverse-tower-defense series, the intimate strategy wartime sim, and relentlessly bleak hit citybuilder. ’s idiosyncratic design and fascinating setting fits the publisher’s ethos perfectly, applying unique approaches to interactive concepts while engaging a familiar genre; in this case, it’s a choice-driven, turn-based RPG.

The Thaumaturge distinguishes itself well enough, but needs more refinement.

Where struggles is in its narrative coherence and mechanical consistency throughout the 20 or so hours of a playthrough, most of which amounts to repeated clicking and exploration. It’s not completely bereft of player agency, but most of its mechanics are cryptic and confusing, and the dialogue-driven forked paths of the story are often corralled by yet other systems that never sensibly connect, even five or ten hours into the adventure.

The scene is Warsaw, 1905, in what is now the capital of Poland, though it once stood as the third-most populous city in the Russian Empire. Enter budding thaumaturge Wiktor Szulski, following in the footsteps of his emotionally distant father, off on a lone journey to hone his talents in the craft before finally returning to his busy hometown for a funeral.

’s titular role describes a way of life, an outcast occupation that