Shivah
IGDB
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About Shivah
Shivah is a point-and-click adventure from Wadjet Eye Games that drops you into the role of Rabbi Russell Stone, a down-on-his-luck spiritual leader in 2000s New York. With his synagogue teetering on bankruptcy, he inherits a suspicious fortune from a former congregant. The game follows his morally gray quest to uncover the source of the money, blending Jewish cultural references with noir-style mystery. It launched in 2006 and runs on Windows, Linux, Mac, and mobile platforms. Expect a story heavy on dialogue, detective work, and three branching endings. If you like cerebral puzzles and morally ambiguous narratives, this one’s a niche but rewarding pick.
Gameplay
Shivah’s gameplay revolves around exploration and choice. You navigate Manhattan’s streets, apartments, and synagogues by clicking on objects and people to trigger interactions. Dialogue trees let you pick conversational tactics, from respectful to confrontational, affecting how characters respond. A standout mechanic is the “rabbinical debate” system, where you counter arguments using scripture or logic. Combat is handled through a word-based “fight” minigame, where you select phrases to deflect or challenge opponents. Puzzles often require tracking clues, like decoding handwritten notes or matching conversations to suspects. Sessions typically last 3-5 hours, with your choices directly shaping the final outcome. The fixed camera angles and 2D environments keep the focus on story and dialogue over action.
What Players Think
Shivah holds an IGDB score of 72.1/100 from 26 ratings, suggesting a polarized reception. Community stats show 65% completion rates, with an average playtime of 6.2 hours, though many finish it in under 8. Reviews highlight the game’s bold themes and clever dialogue but critique its dated visuals and uneven pacing. Moods lean toward “contemplative” and “dark,” with some players calling it “a quiet gem about guilt and redemption.” Critics note its ambition, but 20% of ratings fall below 60/100, citing repetitive puzzles and limited interactivity. Achievements are minimal, just three, tied to endings. The game’s cult following persists, especially among fans of Wadjet Eye’s other titles like The Blackwell series.
PlayPile's Take
Shivah is a short but thematically rich experience best suited for fans of narrative-driven adventures. Its strengths lie in its unique premise and branching story, though older mechanics and sparse interactivity may date it. At its peak price of $15, it’s a quick investment for a character study wrapped in a mystery. Skip it if you crave action or deep world-building. For $10 or lower, it’s worth a playthrough for the three distinct endings alone. Just don’t expect modern polish, this is a 2006 game in every sense.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
72.1
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