In a third-person RPG detective story, set in Bavaria in 1866, the medical student Valentin Schmidt travels to Wolpertshofen, when a sudden death causes turmoil in the village. Use your skills, find clues and question the villagers to stop the murders.
As Valentin Schmidt, a medical student, players investigate a sudden death in the Bavarian village of Wolpertshofen in 1866. The core gameplay loop challenges you to gather information, question villagers, and leverage your character's skills to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
A key aspect of the gameplay is the detective investigation mode. This allows you to search for clues and evidence by listening for sounds and interacting with objects in the environment. However, the "concentration" meter drains quickly, forcing you to locate relevant clues before it depletes. Recharging the meter requires consuming items like pretzels, adding an element of resource management.
Conversations with the diverse cast of villagers are a major part of the experience. You can choose dialogue options that draw upon different skills like Charisma, Acumen, and Agility. These skill checks use a dice-rolling mechanic, where you must roll high enough numbers on a d20 to succeed. Failing a skill check can have consequences, as it reduces the corresponding skill level.
As you progress, you can earn experience points to level up Valentin's skills. This allows you to increase your chances of succeeding in key dialogue checks and unlocking new conversational paths. The crafting system also enables you to create items that provide temporary boosts to your skills.
The decisions made during conversations and investigations can significantly impact the overall story. With multiple possible endings based on your choices, the game encourages replayability as you explore different approaches to solving the mystery.
Reviewers praise the game's strong sense of atmosphere and immersion in the Bavarian setting, highlighting the authentic Bavarian dialect and cultural details. The investigative gameplay, blending detective work and RPG elements, is a standout feature. While the game has some technical issues, the compelling narrative and charming cast of characters make for a memorable adventure.