Pentimentis an upcoming narrative-driven mystery game by Obsidian Entertainment, and the mind behind it hints that it would be a great release for fans ofFallout: New Vegas. ThoughPentiment’sart style and setting are vastly different from its post-apocalyptic predecessor, the title’s gameplay highlights choice-driven storytelling. Such player freedom coupled with narrative consequences was a staple inFallout: New Vegas.
Pentimentalso has a well-known game designer with a stellar track record behind it – Josh Sawyer ofObsidian Entertainment. He’s known for having worked on some great role-playing games, such as theIcewind Daleseries, thePillars of Eternityseries, and most notably,Fallout: New Vegas. Now, Sawyer is the game director behindPentiment, which is already looking promising for role-playing fans.
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Fallout: New Vegas Fans Should Try Pentiment
Pentimentis described as a historical mystery gamethat focuses heavily on player choice and character development. The player character goes by the name of Andreas Maler, and he’s visiting Kiersau Abbey, a monastic scriptorium in 16th century Germany, to work on a commission. A talented artist, Maler has been tasked to work on illustrations for some illuminated manuscripts. However, his work is interrupted when he’s caught up in a murder mystery – one that persists for 25 years.
In one interview, Sawyer shares thatPentimentmay be centered around mystery elements, but it’s not a detective game likeL.A. Noire. It’s more of a narrative adventure, meaning it doesn’t have any ofL.A. Noire’s more hardcore detective mechanics. Sawyer compares it more togames likeNight in the WoodsandOxenfree, both of which have a similar gameplay perspective toPentimentand unique art styles.
Gameplay aside, the resemblances toFallout: New Vegasbegin to crop upwhen consideringPentiment’snarrative. In the story, Maler becomes a driving force in the murder investigation. He goes around talking to people, learning about their motives, and eventually deciding who the culprit is. Despite not holding an official position in the investigation team, Maler can speak to the abbey’s archdeacon about his findings. And once Maler pins the blame on someone, they will almost certainly be killed.
This is reminiscent of thefreedom thatFallout: New Vegasgivesits players. The Courier survives what could have been their own murder mystery and goes off to exact vengeance. As the questline progresses, things start to get more complicated, and the player finds that they need to make hard decisions to push the narrative. These decisions solidify the Courier’s relationship with certain factions, while souring others. It also has dire consequences on the state of the Mojave Wasteland and New Vegas in the endgame.
Pentimenttakes this a step further, as the game’s timeframe spans around 25 years. According to Sawyer, when Maler pinpoints the supposed murderer, the people will remember his decision. Whatever happens, Maler must deal with theconsequences of his actions inPentimentand live to see them materialize. It’s an interesting take on role-playing, as it’s not often that players get to see the lasting consequences and butterfly effects of their choices.
This is why fans ofFallout: New Vegas’choice-driven narrative should be excited forPentiment’s release in November. Though the art style and tone are very different, the historical mystery could deliver a stellar narrative with branching outcomes. As one last interesting detail, the word “pentiment” refers to an underlying image behind an existing painting. This further hints that Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming game will have plenty for players to discover.
Pentimentis slated for release on November 22 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
