Pentiment - The Most Underrated Game of 2022

Obsidian Entertainment's 2022 story-driven game about art, murder and taxes broke through the noise to be one of the best gems of the year.

Here's what hosts Lucas Luna and Matt Hrachovy had to say about the game.

Lucas Luna's Review

Pentiment is a wonderful story-driven game putting the player in a not-so-usual setting. Relying mostly on the harsh realities or 16th century Bavaria, you’ll find no magic, fantasy or dragons. Instead you’ll learn of the tough taxes imposed on the peasantry, the appropriation of Pagan and Roman mythology and the unforgiving nature of being a human being at a tough time in history.

Pentiment tells a zig-ziggy murder mystery story while maintaining a grip on all of these wonderful themes. Anyone who is an avid reader, loves a good story or just simply loves choose-your-own adventure games will surely find what they want here.

My only gripe with the nature of a game like Pentiment is a personal pet peeve of mine - no fault of Obsidian’s. When picking paths in this game, you can’t help but wonder what you could have done differently, or if you did something wrong. A nagging feeling about your choices creates a constant dread of FOMO for nearly everything you do. This is my general critique of all games of this genre, whether it’s Heavy Rain, The Quarry, Oxenfree, etc.

All of that said, Pentiment does it better than all the rest, where your choices are not immediately clear yet you never feel like you’re going to lose out on the truth completely. As it might be just beyond the next page.

9/10

Matt Hrachovy's Review

Obsidian’s latest installment in its lineup of story driven games does not disappoint. Placing the player in 16th century Bavaria (Germany), where many games would choose to tell a story of fantasy or mix in some some sort of elements of magic, you’ll find a story grounded in the two things guaranteed in life, death and taxes.

Pentiment is a unique take on the “whodunnit” genre where through their own detective work, the player gets to decide who to frame as the killer in this murder mystery that spans decades. The game takes the form of a text heavy 2D rpg adventure where those willing to truly engage with the world and engross themselves in the weaving storylines will be rewarded and get the most out of the game.

Some would argue that the “choose our own adventure” nature of Pentiment is drawn out and over played. For some players there may there is an inherent sense of “Oh, I wonder what would’ve happened if I did this choice vs another”. Though for fans of the genre, that nagging wonder will morph into intrigue and interest into the world and all the possibilities that can happen in the story and may even encourage a 2nd playthrough.

Pentiment has the perfect balance of humor, drama, and excellent writing that is trademark of Obsidian’s games. Combine that with the fascinating background of a religiously charged 16th century Bavaria and you’re left with one of the most fascinating and excellent games to come out in the last few years.

10/10

THE TFP SCORE: 9.5/10 - A MUST PLAY