DaRmaZat Straight from The Game Kitchen, the studio that brought us Blasphemous, comes The Stone of Madness, a real-time tactical stealth game, set in a crumbling 18th-century Spanish monastery. Nestled deep in the Pyrenees, this decrepit Jesuit structure serves as both an inquisitorial prison and a madhouse. But perhaps it also serves as the perfect setting for a wonderful game.
As a starting point, the monastery, which is brimming with eerie Gothic art and religious iconography, feels vivid. Its labyrinthine corridors, shadowy tunnels, and foreboding gargoyles seem to react to every move you make, amplifying the tension of your escape. And by ‘your,’ I mean plural, as the story centers around five prisoners, each battling their own demons while working together to overcome the horrors of their confinement.
A Haunting Setting Just Made for Tactical Stealth
The Stone of Madness introduces a tactical, stealth-focused gameplay loop where players must plan, sneak, and solve puzzles while avoiding enemies and environmental dangers. At the same time, each character faces personal struggles that affect their performance. It’s no understatement that the sanity system really forms the core of the gameplay, as characters’ mental states evolve depending on their experiences. Thus, players must manage the team’s sanity and resolve to prevent devastating consequences. In addition, a dynamic day-night cycle changes the challenges presented in each phase. During the day, you need to plan and execute missions, while at night, rest and heal are crucial, as well as the engaging in special activities to prepare for the next challenge. Because, sooner than you might think, you’ll notice, the monastery always adapts itself. Its security and unpredictability increase as the story unfolds.
Refreshingly fun!
As said, the game features five main characters, each with their own specialized skills and personal weaknesses. Alfredo, a priest, battles spectral ánimas with blessings but struggles with sanity, limiting his abilities. Eduardo, a mute giant, uses strength to solve puzzles but fears the dark, while Leonora, a fiery inmate, excels at stealth but is paralyzed by fire. Agnes, a witch, manipulates the environment with dark spells but is fragile, and Amelia, a nimble child, slips through tight spaces yet sees terrifying monsters due to her vivid imagination. Each character’s strengths and weaknesses shape gameplay and highlight their personal struggles, adding depth to the narrative as well. The end result is refreshingly fun!
Always Evolving Challenges
Of course, the monastery itself is filled with dangerous enemies. Guards patrol the halls with vision cones that divide into long-range and short-range areas. Players must sneak around the long-range zones, where they can move freely, but must carefully avoid the short-range areas where detection is inevitable. If caught, the game doesn’t end, allowing players to sprint, hide, or lead pursuers into traps. Even if all else fails, other characters can use the distraction to their advantage, though once suspicion reaches its peak, escape becomes nearly impossible.
Adjust your strategy accordingly!
There’s no denying that the game’s environments look intricate and reactive. Labyrinthine corridors, hidden tunnels, and towering gargoyles set the stage for intense exploration and evasion. The day-night cycle shifts the dynamics of gameplay, requiring players to adjust their strategies accordingly. For example, Alfredo uses an oil lamp to follow tracks and uncover clues that lead to hidden objects or paths, while the journal menu provides helpful hints. Such as detailing the exact location of an object, which is crucial when the visual clues are ambiguous.
Uneven Puzzles, Yet Powerful Atmosphere
The audio design, especially the Gregorian chants, amplifies the atmosphere by playing during key moments such as the discovery of clues or relevant events. Visually, the game uses comic-style cutscenes to break the tension, adding a unique flair. However, despite its strong atmosphere and intriguing concept, the gameplay can feel a bit uneven at times. While some aspects are forgiving, others leave you frustrated, particularly with the trial-and-error nature of certain puzzles and the inconsistent difficulty curve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Stone of Madness offers a unique blend of tactical stealth, psychological horror, and character-driven gameplay. It surely immerses you in a richly detailed world filled with challenges and intricate mechanics. While it can be frustrating at times due to its trial-and-error nature and inconsistent difficulty, the game’s originality, atmospheric design, and compelling characters make it an engaging experience for those willing to embrace its complexities.
Additional Information
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: The Game Kitchen
Publisher: Tripwire Interactive/Tripwire Presents
Official Website: https://stoneofmadnessgame.com
Relevant links: The Stone of Madness on STEAM
