Review of The Stone of Madness

When it comes to real-time tactical stealth games, “The Stone of Madness” distinguishes itself with a unique artistic flair while staying true to the expected genre mechanics. Set in an 18th-century Spanish Jesuit Monastery nestled in the Pyrenees, players navigate a setting that doubles as both a sacred refuge and an asylum. As you delve deeper in your quest to escape, a web of secrets unfolds, revealing the darker undercurrents of this supposed haven.

Melding puzzle elements and time-tested horror mechanics with an art style evocative of famous 18th-century Spanish artists and modern cartoonists, “The Stone of Madness” presents an intriguing enigma. Its religious overtones and striking character designs, paired with a sanity meter, make it unforgettable. Yet, despite its intriguing components, certain gameplay and story elements left me wanting more depth and clarity.

The Game Kitchen, known for infusing their games with dark religious symbolism, earned accolades for their visually and combatively distinct Metroidvania series “Blasphemous” and its sequel. In those, players assume the role of the Penitent One, while “The Stone of Madness” introduces Alfredo, a devout priest trapped by a shady Inquisitor. He’s left to discover the mysteries of his newfound captivity.

Creating a standout game amongst the estimated 15,000 releases in 2024 is no small feat, but “The Stone of Madness” certainly makes its mark. Its cutscenes are seamlessly smooth, and the monastery setting is richly detailed, striking a balance between realism and artistry. Its cast of characters defies the norm; Agnes is no youthful heroine, but rather an elderly woman marked by life’s harsh lessons, while Eduardo, silenced by his torment, is a testament to survival.

As players advance, they cobble together a party of five, each character bringing unique skills, upgradeable abilities, and fears, adding to the game’s complexity. This focus on phobias is a design highlight, as these fears prove more debilitating than any guard. Most character interactions, however, are text-based, and while this isn’t a major flaw, voice acting could have heightened some of the drama.

Among your crew, only Leonora has the ability to directly confront guards, yet she quails before fire, an omnipresent element in the monastery. Her proximity to flames erodes her sanity, rendering her unable to fight. Balancing these fears while stealthily maneuvering through guards and tackling increasingly intricate puzzles offers a challenging experience designed to push players to the edge—both in-game and in reality.

Invoking memories of games like “Darkest Dungeon” and “Eternal Darkness,” “The Stone of Madness” intertwines phobias and sanity with its gameplay. Accumulating terrifying revelations about the monastery raises the stakes, making encounters with guards dire and creating an ever-present tension that can be overwhelming, necessitating occasional breaks to recover.

The main storyline spans around 15 hours, but those seeking full completion can expect up to 30 hours of play. As players assemble their crew, they can return to their cell nightly to enhance character abilities, strategize, and manage resources. Choosing your exploration team can be strategic, as the more confrontational characters like Leonora and Eduardo might not always suit the stealth-focused landscape. The game uses imagery rather than language for actions, which can be a test of interpretation, especially when time-sensitive tasks are involved.

While not universally appealing, “The Stone of Madness” is worth a look for those seeking something out of the ordinary. Its eerie art style is a strong point, and even players not typically drawn to tactical strategy titles might find the setting and narrative compelling. Besides some tricky controls, the game reflects the developers’ meticulous care, with visuals laden with detail and passion. Each step closer to unveiling the monastery’s grisly mysteries propels the player forward, blending frustration with exhilaration as they inch toward the truth.

Set to release on January 28, 2025, for PC and console platforms, “The Stone of Madness” offers a fresh challenge. Even those with discerning tastes in gaming might find its unique artistry and atmosphere reason enough to navigate its dark corridors.