Impressions of the game (Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones)

Was not so long ago. What can I say Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones? This is the debut project Studio Cultic Games created on motives of creativity of the cult of H. p. Lovecraft. And although in recent years, games by Lovecraft was the place to be (Conarium in 2017, the same Call of Cthulhu from Cyanide Studio in 2018, and The Sinking City – in 2019), they somehow fell victim to populyarnosti private developers and their attempt to "convey form, only a little deeper in content." On the background of the guys from Cultic Games fanatics, with all the anxious solicitude and approached scruples as to the literary basis of his project, and to the creation of a dense, in-Lavrovsky enveloping atmosphere. Moreover, Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones is the first full-fledged CRPG by Lovecraft!

It is difficult to describe the full range of colors of emotions that I experienced on the first impressions of the game. Starting with character creation (I personally chose the aristocrat of the cursed kind!), role-playing system and plot twists with a Black guest, and continuing the study of "lavkraftovskogo post-Apocalypse", which came to be the town of Arkham. The player is available a few streets from the dark, bound to the local vegetation, houses and some locations on the world map opening up as you progress. By the way, developers, among other things obviously inspired by the classic role-playing genre, including Fallout 1-2.

So what catches Stygian? In the first place for its atmosphere, it has everything – the visual style and soundtrack, and story. Oh, the plot is intriguing from the outset, tossing the player to the mysterious rhyme about upcoming events. And what are local objects-artifacts? Each of them has both positive and negative characteristics, which still need to detect (by examining during the holidays, for example). Overall, the game is quite interesting items, some of which the player can create himself with the help of local crafting system. And of course the characters! Our GG will meet enough interesting NPC, it is a pity only three satellites (not counting the dogs... and Butler).

And when it seems that you're willing to drown to Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones with the head and almost offer the game to the personal podium, she was... interrupted. No, not the end, and it stops. Unconvincing, dramatically. And it seems that now come out ironic sign that says "sorry, we ran out of money!" from the developers. Mysterious verse, foreshadowing the incredible events – and remains, for the most part, only a prophecy on a piece of paper... And looking back, you begin to notice the shortcomings that I tried to close my eyes. First and foremost, of course, the damp and bugs of the game (despite the patch), and too small a chamber the size of the game. The impression that the developers not only cut 2/3 of the plot, but also cut many secondary quests (they are already in the game very little) – this hint phrase some NPC who promise a job, but nothing gives.

Other disadvantages I would have called a little tightness in some locations (specifically the warehouse Marches and Accursed streets).

However, notwithstanding the foregoing, Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones anyway good game. Capable of more, not revealing its full potential – but definitely good. Attention to the atmosphere, characters, dialogue, the works of Howard in General – gave probably the best game on Lovecraft since the release of Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth. It is a pity that too short and clipped.

8/10

Recently, many people parasitize on the name of Howard Lovecraft, since the rights to his works have become the property of the world. Usually this is a detective who comes to some creepy town by the sea, where ... references begin to happen.
Then the authors decided to go the other way, took the city of Arkham and teleported it to some chthonic sky. Nobody understands what happened, scientists, believers, occultists, etc. trying in their own way to understand where they are and what to do with it, and the sectarians of the Old Gods share the city with the smugglers. A year passed and our hero was called by a strange man in black. From a dream ...
The game is an old-school turn-based RPG, somewhat akin to the first Fallout. The role-playing system was shoveled beyond recognition, it turned out very cool and very Lavravtovsky. That is, with a bunch of psychoses (which, however, have both minuses and pluses), artifacts that not only improve something, but also have a negative effect, and for magic you will have to pay with your mind or even your own blood. In general, it is very original and interesting.
The same cannot be said about the combat system, where they did not even bother to make it possible to attack in certain parts of the body. There are interesting moments in it, but in general, against the background of the role-playing part, more was expected.
Also a big plus of the role-playing system in the creation of sooooo versatile characters. From an ordinary warrior, to a detective, occultist, medic, bandit, scientist, etc. The types are varied and everyone will have something interesting, some of their own skills for passing. In addition to the type, there will also be something like a mentality: rational, believing, occult, and others. Replaying them you restore your sanity, but losing it in a terrible otherworldly city is a piece of cake. Play the role - beyond praise.
The plot is also pleasing, as the main task, completely incomprehensible and mysterious, and additional ones with sometimes unexpected results and good variability.
The atmosphere is also pleasing. Lots of familiar concepts in a well-designed world. Eerie sounds, good music and a city where everyone survives as best he can in an attempt not to become a toy of otherworldly forces. Real Lovecraft! Interesting hand-drawn style is very suitable for the game.
The game makes you fall in love, you don't want to scold it, but ... If not for these but ...
Bugs, many small bugs, from cursor glitches to the disappearance of companions if you let them go. However, there were no problems in the quests, and I would not give a damn about the bugs for the general atmosphere. As well as not very convenient inventory, for example, and other little things.
But the game is clearly not finished yet and ends abruptly and incomprehensibly. It seems that only three of the five lines of the note have been completed, some quests have not been closed, but that's it, credits. Well, the fat question remains, after all this plot and atmospheric cool - is this the ending !? Not. This is evidenced by the underdeveloped lines of satellites and some quests, and even the fact that for the entire passage it is really possible to get somewhere 8 out of 10 levels. It can be seen that there must be something else, but not.
The game is controversial, but I don't want to scold it. In the end, it’s a little offensive, but still you don’t regret the time spent. Fans of turn-based, worked-out RPGs of the old school and Lovecraft are definitely recommended for passing, despite all the shortcomings.
7.5 / 10