Obsidian Entertainment announces narrative adventure game Pentiment at Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase
During the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022, Obsidian Entertainment announced Pentiment, a narrative adventure game directed by longtime Obsidian veteran Josh Sawyer. It is set to release in November 2022 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam), priced at $19.99. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
While the game shown far seems to focus on narrative adventure elements and fewer RPG mechanics, its pedigree from Obsidian and Josh Sawyer means fans of previous works might find something interesting here.
Pentiment is set in 16th century Bavaria, and the player is put into the shows of a journeyman artist named Andreas Maler. The game features an art style reminiscent of late medieval-era drawings. While working on a masterpiece at Kiersau Abbey, Andres ends up 'tangled in a series of murders' that have taken place. The short gameplay trailer shows dialogue choices, a time/clock system, and other puzzle elements.
The announcement trailer, description, and some screenshots can be found below.
This is Obsidian’s third year being a part of the Summer Showcase, and for the third year in a row, we are announcing a new game. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing the world to Pentiment, a 16th-century narrative adventure game directed by Studio Design Director Josh Sawyer. As you will see, this game is brought to life by a talented team who were inspired by illuminated manuscripts, woodcut prints, and history itself.
In Pentiment, you play Andreas Maler, a journeyman artist working in the bygone scriptorium of Kiersau Abbey during a time of great social unrest. While finishing his masterpiece, Andreas inadvertently becomes entangled in a series of murders that take place over 25 years. Peasants, thieves, craftsmen, monks, nuns, nobles, and even saints must be investigated and interrogated to expose the truth.
It will be up to players to decide Andreas’ choices, from his educational background and lifestyle to how he investigates the murders. One day he may be digging up a dead monk in the abbey cemetery, the next might be spent eavesdropping on peasant gossip at the ladies’ spinning bee. Every decision and accusation he makes carries consequences that will impact the tightly-knit Alpine community for generations to come.
We are very excited to share this unique interpretation of life in 16th-century Germany, and we can’t wait to release more information with you about Pentiment leading up to its launch this November.
In addition to Pentiment, we have also announced the full release of Grounded, and we know fans are excited for updates on Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2. Both games are progressing, and we can’t wait to show them off at a later date.
Pentiment will release this November on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10/11, and Steam for $19.99. It will also be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
Features
- An Illustrated World. Experience 16th century Europe as the master artists of the time saw them. Art inspired by great illuminated manuscripts and the earliest printed books becomes a living, breathing world.
- Uncover Mysteries and Scandal. Meet a colorful cast of characters as you discover the stories and secrets that lie within the small Bavarian town of Tassing and nearby Keirsau Abbey.
- Play Your Way. Each decision you make can have a profound impact on the community’s future. Find your own way through this turbulent time and see the consequences of your choices play out over generations.
