The Thaumaturge, developed by Fool’s Theory and published by 11-bit studios, was released earlier this year on PC and has since been ported to consoles. It promises an immersive experience in a world dominated by magic, political intrigue and moral ambiguity. Set in early 20th-century Warsaw, a city on the brink of chaos, it blends supernatural powers with a touch of historical accuracy.
As a thaumaturge—a character with the ability to influence both the physical and emotional worlds through magic—players must navigate a world where every choice has consequences, and every interaction could change the course of the story. While the game does have its clunky moments, particularly in its mature-themed narrative, The Thaumaturge is a rewarding and unique experience. The gameplay mechanics, particularly the combat system and the progression tied to the world’s lore, elevate the game into something truly special.
Set in a turbulent time in Warsaw, where political unrest, class struggles and the distrust of thaumaturges collide, we follow Wicktor—an enigmatic thaumaturge—who must balance the responsibilities of his otherworldly powers with the personal and societal implications of his actions. The plot centres around the idea of human flaws and horrific demons attaching themselves to people with profound flaws. It’s mature at heart and requires players to think about their decisions before they go on a rampage, attacking everyone and everything.
“The Thaumaturge promises an immersive experience in a world dominated by magic, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity.”
The game’s story tackles complex themes such as morality, sacrifice, power and the consequences of using magic for personal gain or to help others. Pride is the central human flaw at the heart of the story, and Wicktor struggles with this flaw. He must decide whether to feed into it, allowing Upyr the Salutor—a demon that has attached itself to Wicktor—to grow more powerful or to attempt to better himself as a person.
However, while the narrative has a lot of potential, there are moments when it feels a bit clunky. Some parts of the story’s delivery can feel forced, especially in the deeper exploration of the more mature themes. At times, the dialogue is overly obvious, and the mature subject matter, while intriguing, doesn’t always blend seamlessly into the world-building. More subtlety would have helped, especially with the game’s dark and serious tones, in delivering its message.
That being said, the overall story is still engaging and thought-provoking. The central themes of dealing with the flaws of being human are well-executed, even if the delivery is occasionally awkward. I found myself torn between feeding into my pride to gain more power during fights, but this would prevent me from making more subtle dialogue choices. The story becomes a balancing act of making these choices—deciding whether to pursue power or to try and correct Wicktor’s moral compass. The Thaumaturge succeeds in immersing players in a world that feels morally gray, making them think about their actions and the consequences they will bring later in the story.
One of the more interesting mechanics of The Thaumaturge is its levelling system, which follows traditional RPG progression systems where players level up by earning experience points. In The Thaumaturge, the progression is more organic and immersive, as it’s tied to Wicktor’s exploration of the world and helps further the knowledge he gains through found items.
Books, letters, old documents and artifacts all contain fragments of knowledge that contribute to Wicktor’s growth and his ability to draw conclusions about several characters, unlocking deeper conversations with them. This, in turn, can help you avoid battles or simply talk people into helping you. This system is refreshing because it encourages players to explore and engage with the world in a way that feels meaningful and impactful.
The emphasis on knowledge also ties directly into the thematic elements of the game, as Wicktor prides himself on being a figure of intellect as well as magical power. As the player learns more about the world and its secrets, they are able to further harness their thaumaturgical abilities, gaining access to new and powerful salutors, as well as new abilities for each salutor.
“The Thaumaturge succeeds in immersing players in a world that feels morally gray, making them think about their actions and the consequences they will bring later in the story.”
Combat in The Thaumaturge is brutal in its delivery and requires strategy that makes the player think not only about their current turn but also a few turns ahead, as each attack varies in the amount of time it takes to complete. The key to success in battle lies in the ability to switch between different salutors, each with its own unique abilities and combat style. Some are more passive and supportive during combat, allowing Wicktor to apply a myriad of status effects, while others take longer turns but are powerhouses when it comes to attacking—almost always able to kill the enemy in one or two turns.
The brutality of the combat lies in its high stakes. Enemies can be ruthless, and the player’s ability to manage their health and focus is crucial. The game doesn’t hold your hand, and players who rush into combat without careful planning will quickly find themselves overwhelmed. But that’s part of what makes the combat so rewarding. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you manage to take down a particularly tough group of enemies. Learning your salutors is key in The Thaumaturge.
While the main story of The Thaumaturge is captivating, it’s the side quests that really pull the player’s immersion to another level. These side quests are not merely distractions; they play a vital role in the overall world-building of the game. By completing them, players gain access to new salutors, which are essential for fully unlocking the protagonist’s thaumaturgical abilities.
The side quests are cleverly designed and focus on rewarding players for not only exploration but also diving in and getting to know some of the key NPCs around Warsaw. Each quest offers a chance to learn more about the world’s lore and meet new, interesting NPCs.
The variety of salutors available through side quests and the number of endings also add to the game’s replayability. With 12 endings, the story is shaped by how you interact with people and the world. Will you fully give into your pride and fight your way to the end? Will you be a pushover and give in to everyone? Or will you find a balance, help the good and punish the miscreants who are trying to soil the thaumaturge name? There are many outcomes, and while I finished a playthrough on PC earlier this year, I made sure my playthrough this time was different. I can’t wait to see what the other endings have in store.
The Thaumaturge excels in many ways, from its mature narrative to its unique progression system and brutal combat. While the story can feel a bit clunky at times, it still manages to tackle deep and meaningful themes that kept me engaged and immersed in its world and mysteries. The leveling system, which boosts the way knowledge is discovered, is a refreshing and immersive approach that encourages exploration and curiosity. The combat is brutal and tactical, demanding strategy while remaining visceral, adding an interesting layer of complexity to every battle. And the side quests, which unlock powerful new salutors, provide valuable rewards that make the player feel truly invested in the world.
The Thaumaturge is a must-play if you like RPGs that try new and interesting ideas. It’s a game that rewards patience, exploration and careful decision-making, offering a satisfying and immersive experience that will leave players thinking long after the credits roll.
