The Shivah

by Wadjet Eye Games

The Developer Says...

Russell Stone is a Jewish Rabbi at a poor synagogue in New York City. He is a devout man with a problem. Membership is way down and he lacks the funds to keep his synagogue open. Things are looking very bleak, and he has grown progressively more cynical and bitter with the passage of time.

Players Like...

❤ Story and Themes

The game's focus on a Jewish rabbi protagonist allows it to explore complex themes of faith, doubt, and moral dilemmas in a unique way. The choices presented to the player often pit the rabbi's personal will against his religious convictions, creating a nuanced and thought-provoking narrative.
The game delves into Jewish culture and history, providing insights into practices like the "shivah" mourning period, in a way that is accessible and informative for non-Jewish players.
The emotionally grounded story offers a refreshing take on the classic murder mystery, with a sense of doubt and redemption that resonates.

❤ Gameplay

The "rabbinical conversation" mechanic, where players choose the tone of the rabbi's responses, adds an interesting layer of roleplaying and allows players to shape the protagonist's personality.
The inclusion of a search engine mechanic for gathering clues provides a unique twist on traditional point-and-click adventure gameplay.
The multiple endings based on player choices encourage replaying the game to explore the different narrative paths.

❤ Presentation

The game's atmospheric original soundtrack effectively sets the mood and complements the narrative.
The voice acting, while not perfect, is generally well-done and contributes to the overall experience.

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