Pentiment
IGDB
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About Pentiment
Pentiment is a narrative adventure from Obsidian Entertainment released in November 2022. You step into the shoes of Andreas Maler, a journeyman artist living in Upper Bavaria during the 16th century. The story begins at Kiersau Abbey where you work on a manuscript before getting pulled into a murder mystery spanning twenty-five years. You interact with everyone from peasants to nobles while solving crimes across different eras. This single-player title launched on PC and Xbox consoles, with later releases on PlayStation and Switch platforms. The game blends historical detail with personal drama without relying on combat systems or open-world exploration.
Gameplay
You spend most of your time talking to characters in a scriptorium or village setting to gather clues about a murder. Each conversation presents dialogue choices that change how people view you and alter the story outcome. You investigate crime scenes by examining objects and documents while piecing together evidence from different decades. The core loop involves reading through letters and journals to understand character motivations before making accusations. There is no combat, just careful observation and deduction. Your choices determine who survives and what the final manuscript looks like. Sessions often involve long stretches of reading followed by brief investigation periods where you select items to examine or questions to ask suspects.
What Players Think
Players on PlayPile have rated Pentiment 86.3 out of 100 based on one hundred IGDB scores. The community mood leans heavily toward thoughtful appreciation with an average completion rate of 78 percent. Users report spending roughly 22 hours per playthrough, though many replay the game to see different endings. Review snippets frequently mention the art style and writing quality as standout features. Some players note that the slow pace requires patience but praise the depth of the historical setting. Achievement data shows 45 percent of users unlocked all available trophies, suggesting a solid completion challenge for dedicated fans.
PlayPile's Take
This title works best for people who enjoy deep storytelling over action mechanics. The price point on current platforms reflects its length and replay value given multiple endings. You will need to invest time in reading to get the full story experience. The achievement system encourages thorough exploration of all narrative branches rather than speedrunning. If you want a game that treats your choices with weight, this fits that need without requiring reflexes or complex controls. It is not for everyone but stands out as a strong narrative work.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
86.3
RAWG Rating
4.2
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