The Inquisitor Review (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC)

The Inquisitor is a game like no other in the adventure-fighting genre by The Dust. It throws you into a twisted fantasy world where Jesus, instead of forgiving, is filled with vengeance. The game is set in the 16th century, when Jesus' enforcers, the Inquisitors, spread terror in the name of the Church. Arguably, The Inquisitor shakes up the adventure-fighting game scene with its unique approach to the genre. It's not just about defeating enemies; it's about choices that challenge your moral beliefs. The game flips the script, pushing players to question their values as they navigate a world of fear and oppression.

In this dark fantasy, the line between good and evil is like a tightrope. What you decide shapes the fate of the whole world. Will you side with the tough Inquisitors or join a rebellion trying to reveal the truth about this angry Jesus? The game has surprising turns and tough choices that go beyond the usual gaming. As you play, get ready for intense fights, sneaky moves, and exploring the European town of Koenigstein. 

If you like the thought of an angry Jesus, wandering Inquisitors, and a world full of moral questions, you must check out The Inquisitor. This game gives a different view of religion, making players think about their beliefs while giving them an exciting adventure. Now, are you ready to step into a world where your decisions matter beyond the game screen? Let's uncover the mysteries of The Inquisitor together.

The Dark Adventure

The Inquisitor takes players on a captivating journey through an alternative history, blending dark fantasy with a twist on religious narratives. In this 16th-century world, Jesus, instead of sacrificing himself for humanity, descends from the cross with a vengeance in his heart. Breaking away from traditional teachings, Jesus becomes a wrathful being, leading his Inquisitors to roam the Earth, spreading terror in the name of the Church. What a mind-blowing approach to the whole concept of Jesus and religion. 

The Inquisitor may provoke discomfort among some gamers, leading them to perceive it as disrespectful or even blasphemous mockery. Understandably, such a unique take on religious narratives can stir strong reactions. However, it's crucial to emphasize that the intention behind The Inquisitor isn't to ridicule some religious beliefs. Notably, it presents an alternative perspective, a thought-provoking “what if” scenario that challenges preexisting beliefs.

The uniqueness of The Inquisitor is its alternative religious narrative and approach to the adventure-fighting genre. Choices matter, and the consequences of decisions force players to check out their own morality. Imagine navigating a world where mercy is considered a sin, and your actions determine the entire world's destiny. Crazy right? The game invites players to support ruthless Inquisitors or join a rebellion seeking to expose the truth about this vengeful version of Jesus. It's a journey filled with unexpected twists and exploration.

The game explores different virtues, turning concepts like mercy into sins within this alternate reality. The Inquisitor is a thought-provoking experience that challenges players to confront the darkness within the game and themselves. If the idea of a reimagined religious narrative and moral choices intrigues you, The Inquisitor promises an adventure like no other.

On the flip side…

Let's address the elephant in the room: the game’s graphics. To be straightforward, the visuals may not stand out as a highlight of the game. Character models, textures, and the overall graphical presentation appear outdated compared to the current standards. It's not a visual stun; if cutting-edge graphics are your top priority, this aspect might be disappointing.

However, if you can overlook the graphical shortcomings, there's an opportunity to unearth something unique within the game. Occasionally, titles with a unique narrative and compelling gameplay manage to shine despite lacking top-tier graphics. In the case of The Inquisitor, the game aims to provide players with an intriguing alternate history. Also, it offers a captivating story, which may compensate for its visual limitations.

Get On the Mission

The Inquisitor presents an intriguing premise, immersing players in a dark fantasy world where they assume the role of a medieval Church inquisitor tasked with investigating a vampire threat. The game features a mix of detective work, moral decision-making, and action sequences. Players engage in conversations, examine crime scenes, and utilize the Inquisitor's supernatural abilities to piece together visions of past events. While the investigative elements provide moments of interest, the overall impact of player choices on the narrative appears limited. 

On the other hand, the gameplay is like a blast from the past, taking us back to an earlier era of gaming. Notably, the combat system feels a bit old-school, similar to the early Assassin's Creed games. It's not super fancy by today's standards, but there's a certain charm in its simplicity. You might appreciate the combat mechanics if you have a soft spot for games that bring back that nostalgic feel.

Additionally, the game features some excellent mechanics that let you observe and listen. Surprisingly, this adds to the immersive experience, letting you soak in the game's atmosphere. While the gameplay might not be groundbreaking or super modern, it adds to the overall narrative-driven experience The Inquisitor aims to provide. It's not about cutting-edge mechanics but more about creating a unique and memorable adventure that stands out in its own way.

Unique Character Abilities

The Inquisitor unfolds in a world populated by a diverse and interesting cast of characters. Each character contributes to the game's dark fantasy narrative. Mordimer, the main character, commands attention with his spooky voice and unique abilities. Imagine this guy can follow scents in the air. On top of that, he can also recharge the holy spirit's energy through prayer at shrines. Such an exciting blend of religious elements into the narrative.

Supporting characters further enrich the experience, with villagers offering a mix of vulgarity and authenticity. The game doesn't shy away from realistic dialogues, immersing players in a world where raw conversations coexist with supernatural elements. Despite the character models lacking the polish seen in modern games, their personalities shine through, making them crucial to the immersive experience.

While some might be quick to judge the game's appearance, the characters' presence and dialogue create a unique charm. This unconventional approach to character design aligns with the alternative history theme. Similarly, it enhances the overall atmosphere of The Inquisitor. The characters play a vital role in shaping the moral dilemmas and unexpected twists that define the game. They are more than just visual elements but essential contributors to the captivating narrative.

Make Them Talk

In the game, you become a detective on a mission to uncover the truth and catch a killer. The journey is not just about walking through dangerous places but also about using your brain to find important clues. Crime scenes are where you look really closely for anything that helps you understand the mystery. The Unworld makes the detective employ more effort because it's full of surprises. Similarly, you need to be brave and pay attention to find the hidden truths in this mysterious place. Finding evidence is like playing a game where you explore, look at things, and put the pieces together to solve a puzzle.

Talking to people is also essential. You must ask tough questions during interrogations to get information from witnesses and suspects. The story changes based on the choices you make during these intense talks. Occasionally, You decide how tough to be during interrogations, choosing between using force or other methods to get information. The game lets you experience the moral challenges of historical justice systems and make decisions that match your own values.

Verdict

The Inquisitor brings a unique storyline, imagining a world where Jesus takes a different path, leaving the cross with anger. The game features a history we didn't learn in class, portraying Jesus as a leader causing chaos for the Church. I know how weird that sounds. Similarly,  It's an imaginative twist on religion, offering a glimpse into a dark and intriguing world. While it may not appeal to the typical RPG community, its storytelling strength outshines these issues.

Notably, The Inquisitor might not suit everyone, especially if religious themes discomfort you. It might leave you asking for forgiveness from Jesus after experiencing the weird narrative where mercy is considered sin. While the game succeeds in creating an immersive atmosphere with its art direction and storytelling, it falls short in providing clarity on the impact of player choices. It lacks the desired level of challenge in action sequences. During gameplay, players can note technical issues like glitches and awkward animations that further influence the overall experience. 

Conversely, the game is surprisingly enjoyable for those seeking an unusual and gripping tale, willing to overlook outdated aspects. The game's blend of historical fantasy and challenging moral decisions sets it apart. It's not flawless but leaves a lasting impact, particularly for those drawn to dark and unconventional narratives. Despite these drawbacks, the game's captivating narrative and interesting characters might appeal to those who enjoy dark and mysterious themes.