Metadata

Steam Link Playtime: 16 hours

Log

I managed to pick up Esoteric Ebb on Steam after watching Mortismal Gaming's Review right at launch. I had just finished Inscryption and wasn't sure what to play next as Inscryption ending gave me a big spook and I was still recovering from the game. While I watched Mortismal's review, the game seemed like a fun pickup and the premise seemed unique enough to feel different. I have played Disco Elysium although I've never been able to get very far in it, even though I've enjoyed it. I end up getting stuck at the same part and never really seem to pick it up again. Although, given that this game seemed different enough but the same mechanic where different sides of yourself have a conversation with you, I really wanted to give it a try.

I had reservations at the start considering that the game was entirely driven by text dialog. I've never been the best reader but I've been working on the skill over the past 5 years.

I had such a blast with this game! I love how the game is focused on the experience that it wants to take you through. I love that your character stats actually matter. They completely affect the way you interface with the world and what you are able to interface with. All the interactable characters and I believe that this game has an amazing emotional conclusion for my play through (multiple endings possible). Also, the narrator is written as a real-life GM that responds to your actions of the day, even giving hints at times!

The game needs to be completed in 5 in-game days, which makes you not be able to spend too much time exploring and trying to complete the main mission. Overall, it gives a sense of urgency but it's a unique mechanic which I have not experienced in any other games. Additionally, using spells and abilities is a bit unclear as they are locked under specific events or areas. The negatives for this game seem more minor as the entire experience was very satisfactory.

I don't think I will end up replaying the game as there are too many games in my backlog. If anything, I might consider trying my hand at Disco Elysium. I'm started up Middle-Earth: Shadows of War on the PS5, we will see if I can make it through the game this time. :p