It's apparent from visuals alone that Pentiment is a game that leans heavily on history with its presentation and storytelling. With an art style reminiscent of Renaissance illustrations and a score that mimics the setting and time that it's trying to replicate, the game is a significant departure for developer Obsidian Entertainment, which found fame with games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity. Unlike the aforementioned titles, Pentiment seems to be a more linear and story-focused affair, and as it is steeped in medieval aesthetics, there's every chance it could lean into the history it's inspired by to create a tale that's so very worth telling.
Formally announced by Obsidian Entertainment at the Xbox and Bethesda showcase, Pentiment was one of the conference's many bright moments. It clearly resembles the likes of Night in the Woods with its game design but borrows cues from Valiant Hearts with its presentation that leans heavily into history and a specific time period. Bavaria in the 16th century is the chosen destination and time frame, which wields so many interesting opportunities, as it's the center of Europe during the one of the continent's most formative ages. Because of this, it has the ability to tap into the real-world history of the time, which grants some huge benefits in the narrative department.
The Narrative Potential of Historical Accuracy
Providing a story that truly takes advantage of its setting is commendable, as it's rarely achieved with maximum efficiency. Assassin's Creed has been one of the biggest franchises to incorporate real-world figures, events, and locations into a fictional tale, and in doing so it has made the stories the franchise tells that much more engaging. Bayek pledging his sword to Cleopatra or running into Benjamin Franklin in Assassin's Creed 3 are some of the games' best moments, as it places their characters in situations that the developer has conjured, and it can be exciting to see how they deal with it. Not only are they exciting story beats, but also do well to bring the fictional story and the real world the player is used to closer together.
This is a quirk that not many franchises have taken advantage of, even when they're set in a nonfictional era. Skull and Bones is an example, as it will not feature historical figures like Blackbeard, one of the most famous pirates of all time. The real world is home to so many fascinating people and environments that are packed with historical significance, and if Pentiment can craft a story that uses such components, then it could be something that satisfies an available niche and captures an audience in the process.
Pentiment's 16th Century Blues
Europe in the 16th century was a fascinating time. From Queen Elizabeth's reign over England beginning in 1558 to the Reformation spurred on by Martin Luther in 1517, it's a period of great change, and littered with memorable personalities. Pentiment tells the story of an artist embroiled in a series of murders over the course of 25 years, and with intrigue and transformation occurring in the real-world at that time, it could open up so many opportunities if it sticks closer to the source material. With visuals that resemble a medieval tapestry, it would be a shame to not utilize the historical period that Pentiment draws so many of its inspiration from, especially when it has so much story potential.
Above all else, for a linear and story-driven game like Pentiment it is crucial to tell a tale that maintains players' interest throughout. While it is sometimes a contested subject, historical accuracy will not make up for poor writing, but it can heighten good storytelling. Obsidian Entertainment has experience in a range of different settings and genres, and Pentiment may be another stellar game in its already impressive catalog.
Pentiment launches November 2022 on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.