The Thaumaturge is an isometric RPG set in a fictionalized and mystical rendition of 1905 Warsaw developed by Fool's Theory. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn’t do well, and if it’s worth your time and money.
The Thaumaturge Review Overview
The Thaumaturge Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Turn-Based Combat is a Bloody Good Time Your Decisions Actually Matter Fantastic Demon (Salutor) Designs Immersive World |
Voice-Acting is a Hit or Miss Performance Issues and Glitches Underwhelming Main Story and Forgettable Characters Has Horrible Pacing |
The Thaumaturge Overall Score - 76/100
Despite its promising premise as a captivating, story-driven detective-like adventure focused on demon-catching, The Thaumaturge falls short in execution. Its narrative and characters lack depth exacerbated by its subpar voice acting. However, amidst these disappointments, one can still find solace and enjoyment in its immersive 20th-century European setting, unique turn-based combat reminiscent of Pokémon, and impactful dialogue choices that meaningfully shape the narrative.
The Thaumaturge Story - 7/10
The job of a Thaumaturge is basically being a demon inspector tasked with locating and dealing with pesky and malevolent demons known as Salutors. Armed with supernatural abilities, you possess the power to sense, tame, and command these creatures. It sounds exhilarating on paper, doesn't it? Unfortunately, the experience is marred by an uninteresting plotline centered around the main character's family. I can't help but wish the focus had been more on the protagonist's journey across different countries instead, aiding people and capturing demons. While the demon-fighting aspect of the journey can be enjoyable at times, it's overshadowed by the presence of lackluster and forgettable characters. Moreover, the story takes far too long to reach a point of genuine intrigue.
The Thaumaturge Gameplay - 8/10
In The Thaumaturge, every decision you make carries weight, whether on the battlefield or in conversations. Each action shapes the story and molds your character, subtly but significantly. It's akin to stepping into the shoes of a detective from those gripping mystery novels, gathering clues, and manipulating situations to your advantage—an exhilarating experience indeed. It’s not without its flaws as there are definitely moments when the gameplay can feel repetitive and sluggish, particularly during combat encounters.
The Thaumaturge Visuals - 8/10
The game's setting is depicted excellently through its gothic and dark aesthetics, along with historically accurate architecture which creates an immersive atmosphere. I particularly enjoy the visual effects when Wiktor employs his Thaumaturgy abilities, accentuated by the stylish red and black menu UI. However, these positive aspects are overshadowed by frequent graphical bugs and rendering issues that disrupt immersion. Additionally, aside from Wiktor and the Salutors, the other characters lack visual distinctiveness and are forgettable. I hope that these issues are addressed through patches, as they currently hinder the overall experience.
The Thaumaturge Audio - 7/10
I found the music composition to be fitting for the game's setting, although not particularly memorable. It does create a pleasant ambiance while exploring the world. However, the same cannot be said for the voice acting. The cast is hit or miss, with mostly misses. Many accents and voices feel strange or out of place, and the delivery of lines is often awkward.
The Thaumaturge Value for Money - 8/10
While I wouldn’t label this game as a must-buy, it does provide plenty of enjoyable detective gameplay, especially for fans of turn-based or card games. I'd recommend holding off on purchasing it until the glitches and issues are patched out, as they can really break the immersion. In addition, if you're seeking a gripping detective story with compelling characters, you might find this game lacking in that department.
The Thaumaturge Review | Sinfully Flawed Yet Devilishly Captivating
If you've played the Shin Megami Tensei duology spin-off Raidou Kuzunoha, you'll find many striking similarities with The Thaumaturge. Much like those titles, you step into the shoes of a sort of detective, in this case, a Thaumaturge named Wiktor, traversing the streets of Poland in 1905, hunting down clues to capture demons known as Salutors. Interestingly enough, the game also evokes elements of Pokémon, as you roam the town in search of catching 'em all - a sentiment echoed amusingly by Wiktor himself.
While the premise of the game is undeniably intriguing, the execution of the story leaves much to be desired. Personally, I wish the narrative had focused more on the captivating premise of hunting down Salutors in each city and taming them, rather than delving deeply into the protagonist's relationship with his father.
While I recognize that this familial dynamic, particularly Wiktor's struggle with his pride, is central to his character development, I found it to be largely uninteresting, with the story only truly gripping me after investing a significant 20 hours into the game. Moreover, the characters you encounter along the way are equally uninspired and lackluster, compounded by subpar voice acting that fails to bring them to life.
1905 Poland Looks Incredible
It's truly disappointing because the developers have crafted an amazing world and exceptional soundtrack. At times, it feels like stepping into a detective noir film as you navigate the streets of Warsaw, accompanied by the haunting melodies of violins and cellos. The music enhances the experience as you search for clues and engage with NPCs. The world itself feels alive and rich with mysteries, from the bustling entertainment districts veiled in smoke to the historically accurate architecture. The overall aesthetic creates a dark yet captivating atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you hooked despite the underwhelming narrative.
But how exactly does it feel like to step into the shoes of a Thaumaturge?
Reminiscent of SMT and Telltale Games
A Thaumaturge encompasses the roles of a detective, a brawler, and a psychologist, all rolled into one package. Delving into the dimensions of Heart, Mind, Deed, and Word, a Thaumaturge gains insight into how to navigate conversations and manipulate those around them, essential skills for looking for clues and taming these Salutors.
Central to the Thaumaturge's arsenal is the ability called Perception, a fascinating feature that enhances exploration by uncovering hidden clues and items. This skill becomes invaluable when engaging with certain individuals, allowing for manipulation tailored to each unique situation. In addition, the snap sound effect that plays when you press the Perception button is honestly so satisfying.
Furthermore, the dialogue choices you make as a Thaumaturge significantly impact both the story and your character's development. Every word chosen carries weight, as an incorrect choice can lead to unfavorable outcomes. It's a delicate balance that keeps players on their toes, ensuring they remain mindful of their decisions at every turn.
Fortunately, as a Thaumaturge, you're not limited to relying solely on your fists when facing off against Tsar soldiers or local ruffians. You also have the aid of Salutors, mystical beings akin to Personas or Pokémon, to assist you in battle. Initially, I found combat to be sluggish and repetitive, with overly lengthy animation sequences and encounters feeling all too familiar.
However, as the game progresses, battles become increasingly challenging yet rewarding. With the acquisition of new skills and the introduction of diverse Salutors, you gain the ability to sway the outcome of battles in your favor.
Upgrading your abilities is surprisingly straightforward, yet there's a depth to it that adds a layer to combat customization. Skill upgrades can be strategically allocated to enhance any of your attacks, reminiscent of the strategic depth found in trading card games like Magic the Gathering.
Customizing your build becomes an addictive and engrossing experience as you carefully choose which skill upgrades to apply to your abilities, shaping your playstyle and enhancing your combat prowess.
Lastly, the Salutors themselves steal the spotlight in battles, offering invaluable support with buffs, debuffs, healing, and special attacks. As I mentioned earlier, they resemble Personas or Demons in SMT. Despite having only a handful of them, they are the highlight of combat. While their animations are very slow, they are still visually stunning and creative.
While this game is far from perfect, with its notable drawbacks holding it back, it still manages to shine in certain areas. Despite its lackluster story, frequent lags, and sluggish animations, it remains surprisingly immersive. The combat system is undeniably addictive, and the experience of being a Thaumaturge, both in and out of battle, is undeniably the best part of it.
Setting criticisms aside, I'm genuinely eager to see the possibility of a DLC or sequel, as it holds great potential for expanding upon the world and introducing more captivating stories.
Pros of The Thaumaturge
| Things The Thaumaturge Got Right |
|---|
|
Turn-Based Combat is a Bloody Good Time Your Decisions Actually Matter Fantastic Demon (Salutor) Designs Immersive World |
Turn-Based Combat is a Bloody Good Time
My initial impression of the combat was underwhelming, as it felt sluggish and monotonous due to the slow animations and repetitive early battles. However, as the game unfolded and I gained access to more skills and upgrades, combat transformed into a compelling and bloody good time.
With each encounter later on, the challenge escalated, urging me to delve deeper into strategic planning and decision-making. I found myself constantly evaluating whether to disrupt my opponent's turn with my trusty demon Salutor or execute a quick attack to set up for a devastating blow later on.
One standout feature that I believe more RPGs should adopt is the ability to customize skills and upgrades before each battle. This flexibility not only helps give players more choices in combat but also mitigates frustration by enabling quick adjustments when you have to retry a battle.
While it takes some time for combat to reach its full potential, perseverance pays off as the game becomes increasingly enjoyable with acquiring new Salutors and skill upgrades.
Your Decisions Actually Matter
Remember the feature in Telltale games where characters would recall your actions and decisions? Well, this game takes that concept to a whole new level of complexity. Your choices don't just influence the storyline; they also shape your character and affect battles through something called Flaws.
For instance, Wiktor's flaw is his pride.
If you consistently nurture his pride by making certain choices, it not only impacts gameplay by granting advantages but also has story consequences. These range from minor interactions like avoiding battles with soldiers with a humble response, to uncovering secrets because of Wiktor's prideful nature.
While not every decision holds equal weight, this system adds a fascinating layer to decision-making gameplay in RPGs. Essentially, you're not just guiding the story, but actively shaping Wiktor's character and journey through your choices.
Fantastic Demon (Salutor) Designs
It's disheartening that we only encounter a handful of Salutors in the game because each one is a captivating and unique creature, steeped in fascinating history. Take, for example, Upyr, your first Salutor, once a Slavic Nobleman now transformed into a skeletal being. Then there's Bukavac, a Slavonian demon with a penchant for exploiting people's dark pasts. Their rich backstories and demonic features evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminiscent of the demons in Shin Megami Tensei games, which are also rooted in history and mythology.
Though the selection of Salutors is limited, they each possess their own distinct allure and prove to be invaluable allies in battle.
Immersive World
The developers have truly outdone themselves in transporting players back to the year 1905, offering a vivid glimpse into various Polish locales amidst the backdrop of World War II. From the bustling streets of Warsaw, the charming elegance of Southern ŚRÓDMIEŚCI, the distinguished offices and grand plazas of the northern area, and the vibrant heart of the city in Praga teeming with marketplaces and laborers, every corner of Poland is brought to life in a way never seen before. It's like stepping into a unique and stunning time capsule, where history and beauty intertwine seamlessly.
Cons of The Thaumaturge
| Things That The Thaumaturge Can Improve |
|---|
|
Voice-Acting is a Hit or Miss Performance Issues and Glitches Underwhelming Main Story and Forgettable Characters The Game Has Horrible Pacing |
Voice-acting is a Hit or Miss
Voice acting in this game is a mixed bag, it’s hit-or-miss, leaning more towards the miss side, unfortunately. While the voice actor for Wiktor does a commendable job, many NPCs and even pivotal characters seem inexperienced in the realm of voice acting. Their inconsistent accents, poor delivery, and lack of immersion detract from the game's otherwise immersive world.
Performance Issues and Bugs
Throughout the game, I consistently encountered FPS drops, sluggish animation rendering, and texture streaming problems while exploring. These issues have persisted as significant nuisances, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. I sincerely hope that the developers keep their promise and patch up these issues before the official release, as they have been persistent and can be a game-breaker.
Underwhelming Main Story and Forgettable Characters
While Wiktor stands out as a compelling character, I couldn't help but find most of the other characters forgettable in both personality and design, which is disappointing considering the intriguing world they inhabit. Moreover, the story failed to captivate me, only beginning to pique my interest after a lengthy 20 hours, which is unacceptable. I believe the narrative would have been stronger if it had focused solely on Wiktor's quest to find and capture Salutors, as this aspect was far more intriguing than the plot involving his father.
The Game Has Horrible Pacing
The game, for the most part, feels sluggish. Whether it's battles, constant loading screens, or animations, numerous unnecessary pauses disrupt the flow. Implementing a rush button in battles or a skip feature for animations could significantly improve the combat pacing and make the gameplay feel faster and more engaging.
Is The Thaumaturge Worth It?
Despite Its Flaws, It’s Worth Picking Up
Despite some reservations I have about certain aspects of the game, I couldn't help but be drawn in by its allure. While the storyline and character development leaves something to be desired, the combat mechanics offer unexpected depth, and it does a great job of immersing players into the role of unraveling paranormal mysteries as a Thaumaturge. It's evident that the developers poured their heart and soul into this project and deserve every support it gets.
Although I encountered issues such as bugs, glitches, and lackluster animations, I know that the developers will keep their promise and address these glitches in its day 1 patch. For aficionados of turn-based RPGs with a darker edge, reminiscent of the Shin Megami Tensei or Persona series, or those who appreciate narrative-driven adventures like those from Telltale game, this title certainly is worth picking up.
For anyone even remotely intrigued by the game's premise, it's worth considering picking up, as it offers plenty of hours of gameplay. However, I would recommend waiting for patches to enhance the overall immersive experience.
| Platform | Price |
|---|---|
 Steam |
34.99 |
 Epic Games |
34.99 |
 GOG |
34.99 |
The Thaumaturge Overview & Premise
The Thaumaturge follows Wiktor, who has inherited the gift, or curse, of Thaumaturgy. It is a hereditary supernatural ability to sense, interact, and command Salutors, strange, powerful, and mystical beings. Wiktor returns home to Warsaw, Poland in 1905, and with the help of his childhood friends, supernatural powers, and keen perception, aims to locate and eliminate Salutors in hiding or possessing humans.
The Thaumaturge FAQ
What Are Salutors?
Salutors are demons in this game that are demonic esoteric entities that only thaumaturges can truly see. These mysterious beings are creatures inspired by Slavic, Jewish,
Bavarian, or Arabic history and myths.
What Are The System Requirements To Play This Game?
| Specifications | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-Bit) | |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (6 core with 3,5 Ghz) or Intel i5-10400F (6 core with 2,9 Ghz | |
| Graphics | DirectX 11 compatible with support for Shader Model 5.0 and 1GB VRAM | AMD or NVIDIA card |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 32 GB RAM |
| Direct X | Version 11 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 25 GB | |
Who Are Wiktor’s Family Members?
● LIGIA SZULSKI - Wiktor’s twin sister, with whom he felt a special bond and the only person he truly missed during his time abroad.
● STANISŁAW SZULSKI - A strict father from whom Wiktor inherited a gift of thaumaturgy.
The Thaumaturge Product Information
 |
|
| Title | THE THAUMATURGE |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 21, 2024 |
| Developer | Fool's Theory |
| Publisher | 11 bit studios |
| Supported Platforms | Microsoft Windows |
| Genre | Adventure, RPG |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | - |
| Official Website | The Thaumaturge Website |
