While it certainly isn't a feast for the eyes, The Council exceeds expectations in all other regards, delivering a thoroughly enjoyable and occasionally thought-provoking experience.
Though the modest technical execution tarnishes The Council to an extent, it remains an innovative and clever adventure which does that rarest of things - it treats the audience as intelligent, educated individuals. With its sophisticated geopolitical backdrop, occult themes and in-depth RPG style progression and decision systems, The Council sets a compelling blueprint for the episodic adventure to follow.
Now that all 5 episodes of The Council are available to play through from beginning to end, it's a must-buy for fans of story-driven adventures who are looking for something a little different. If you can get past the strange voice acting and character models, you'll enjoy diving into the complex and devious story that gradually unfolds within Lord Mortimer's mysterious manor.
Gameplay is far more superior to any other episodic title on the market, with Big Bad sending an important message to other developers that this aspect should never be overlooked in episodic gaming. From the opening moments of The Mad Ones, it’s clear as day that the RPG mechanics would bring forward an engaging experience over the story. The developer didn’t hold back from introducing a new mechanic in the later stage of the title and it seamlessly worked in harmony with the features that have been there since the opener. While it doesn’t boast mind-blowing visuals or sounds, The Council has a simple art direction that makes it feel right at home in the period that it takes place.
The Council’s bad graphics, voice acting, and load times didn’t bother me as much as its problematic narrative. What’s the point of having choice and consequence when you don’t care about the story you’re inhabiting? The Council seems promising with its good ideas, but then when you get further into it, it betrays you like a dishonest politician.
The Council starts strong and manages to liven up the adventure genre with some smart decisions. As the series drags on though, the bugs, unappealing visuals, and lackluster plot development mar an otherwise engaging adventure.
One of THE best and THE most interesting games I have ever played - PERIOD!
I am a lover of RPG's. In my honest opinion, I would estimate that anyone who likes good stories and characters will cherish this gem.
I can recommend this title wholeheartedly.
I true AA-indie jewel!
On a side note: In a time where "Hellblade: Senua's sacrifice" makes a stand for AA-titles, the title "The Council" makes me hopeful for an era of better games ... "far, far away" ... from all toxic AAA-industry-influence.
Очень качественное интерактивное кино с интересными головоломками и необычными механиками. Минусы : баги, 0 эффектов и эпика в концовке, странный сюжетный поворот в конце
До 3-го эпизода игра хороша. Пускай в ней нет передовой графики и не самая лучшая анимация. Но в неё действительно интересно играть. Персонажи, визуальный стиль, диалоги, загадки и ролевая система действительно хороши, но 4 -ый и 5-ый, ОСОБЕННО 5-ый, портят всё впечатление от игры. Так же бесят постоянные загрузки и техническое несовершенство. Финальная сцена поставлена просто отвратительно. Но The Council объективно неплохая игра, но разработчики не смогли или не захотели поддерживать качество игры до конца.
I was excited for this game the moment I heard about it, I love this era and love mystery games even more. That's why I was appalled at what a horrible mess this game was, I uninstalled after the first half hour.
The voice acting is *HORRIBLE*, many characters sound like they don't belong in their own skin and unfortunately this is most true about the protagonist, he sounds more like a whiny Hannah-Barbara character than a period correct scholar and the lip syncing that accompanies the voices is also atrocious, it feels like watching a bunch of cheap ventriloquist dummies. The graphics are something I would have expected out **** made a decade ago, the controls are absurdly clunky, and for the foul cherry on top the story is terrible! Within the first thirty seconds of the game we're introduced to three characters and about five plot items at a rapid fire pace, none of which are immediately expounded upon before it cuts to a '1 month later' scene cut. this is NOT the way to get someone hooked on your narrative! I have no drive to keep playing to figure out any of details behind whatever you just vomited all over my eyes and ears! The whole thing feels as if it was written by a teenage fanfiction writer, I wanted to love this game but I simply can't waste any more of my time on such an unpolished turd.
SummaryThe Council is an episodic game like no other. Delivering a fresh take on the narrative adventure, your choices and character growth truly matter.