Shivah
IGDB
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About Shivah
Shivah drops you into the role of Rabbi Russell Stone, a man running a struggling synagogue in New York City during 2006. Developed by Wadjet Eye Games, this point-and-click adventure blends mystery with deep cultural themes. You start when a former congregation member leaves you a large sum of money, but accepting it feels wrong. The story forces you to investigate the death while managing your faith and finances. It runs on PC, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices like iOS and Android. The game avoids generic detective tropes by focusing heavily on religious ethics and community dynamics. You navigate a gritty Manhattan setting where every conversation carries weight. This is not just about solving a crime. It is about a man wrestling with his own cynicism while trying to save his livelihood.
Gameplay
Sessions involve clicking through environments to find items and talking to suspects using the game's unique dialogue system. You cannot attack anyone physically. Instead, you engage in verbal sparring that acts as your combat mechanic. The interface lets you choose responses based on religious texts or personal conviction. You travel between locations like the synagogue, streets, and apartments to gather clues. The three different endings depend entirely on how you handle these interactions and what evidence you uncover. There is no time pressure during conversations, allowing you to weigh every option carefully. Inventory puzzles are minimal compared to the heavy reliance on logic and moral choices. You spend most of your time listening to monologues or debating others about the nature of guilt and redemption. The pacing slows down for reflection, making each decision feel significant before you move to the next area.
What Players Think
The PlayPile community gives Shivah a cozy vibe despite its dark themes, though only one vote currently reflects this mood. Critics on IGDB rate it 72.1 out of 100 based on 26 user ratings. Players seem to appreciate the specific focus on Jewish culture and the unconventional fighting system. The completion rate suggests many finish the main story to see which of the three endings they unlock. Average playtime varies depending on how deeply players explore every dialogue branch. Some users note the game feels slow, while others praise the original score and writing depth. No one calls it a fast-paced thriller. Reviews highlight the emotional weight of the narrative rather than mechanical complexity. The low number of community mood votes indicates a smaller but dedicated player base that values story over action.
PlayPile's Take
Shivah is worth your time if you want a story-driven mystery with real moral stakes. It costs around ten dollars and offers three distinct endings for those who replay it to see different outcomes. The game features 26 achievements that track your progress through specific dialogue choices and locations. You should play this if you enjoy slow-paced adventures where words matter more than weapons. Avoid it if you need constant action or simple puzzles. The price is fair for the amount of writing provided. You will finish with a clear memory of the characters rather than just a solved case. This title stands out because it treats its protagonist with genuine respect instead of treating him as a detective prop.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
72.0
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