The Game Kitchen Unveils The Stone of Madness
Last night, during the Future Games Show, Blasphemous creator The Game Kitchen revealed their latest project, The Stone of Madness. While notably different from their previous 2D soulslikes, this new title retains the studio’s fascination with Catholic imagery and doctrines. Set in the 18th century, the game tasks players with escaping a haunted Jesuit monastery before a group of talented prisoners succumb to insanity.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
The Stone of Madness is a real-time tactics game likened to Shadow Tactics and Desperados 3. Players control five distinct characters, each with unique skills such as spell casting, assassination, and enemy distraction. According to the game’s Steam page, you can swap between characters to avoid guards and solve puzzles. Despite mechanical similarities to other real-time tactics games, The Stone of Madness sets itself apart with its single, open-space monastery, which changes conditions depending on the time of day.
Exploration and Paranormal Elements
Throughout the game, players will experience different challenges based on the time. During the day, exploration is semi-free, but certain restricted areas pose risks of punishment if caught. At night, ghostly apparitions and guards make sneaking around considerably more perilous, albeit with greater potential rewards. This supernatural twist is a crucial aspect that differentiates The Stone of Madness from other titles in the genre.
Character Psychology and Art Direction
The game also delves deep into the psychological trauma of the prisoners, each characterized by negative traits that impact their sanity when triggered. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the gameplay. Visually, The Stone of Madness stands out with its isometric art and distinctive character animations inspired by the works of Francisco Goya. The combination of striking visuals and psychological depth ensures a captivating experience.
Anticipation and Release
While there’s no confirmed release date, Steam lists The Stone of Madness as coming in 2025. Fans of the real-time tactics genre have a lot to look forward to, especially in the wake of Mimimi Games’ closure. Between this and the upcoming Commandos: Origins, it’s clear that the genre continues to thrive and evolve.
