Mask of the Plague Doctor
- April 16, 2020
- Choice of Games
Get on SteamIn "Mask of the Plague Doctor," players step into the shoes of a doctor during the 17th century, fighting a deadly plague in a small village. Using a variety of tools and treatments, players must diagnose and cure the infected while managing their own health and stamina. The game features a branching narrative with multiple endings, allowing players to make decisions that impact the story and outcome.
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Reviews
- The writing is superb, engaging, and deeply researched, creating a compelling atmosphere and rich world.
- The game offers a variety of choices that significantly impact the story, providing high replay value and multiple endings.
- Characters are well-developed and relatable, with a mix of political intrigue, humor, and emotional depth.
- Some players found the pacing slow and the writing occasionally dry, making it hard to stay engaged.
- There are complaints about the lack of meaningful choices that affect the overall narrative, leading to a feeling of shallow gameplay.
- Technical issues, such as bugs related to achievements, can disrupt the experience and require restarting the game.
- story64 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its engaging plot, rich details, and character development, while others criticize it for shallow writing and a lack of impactful choices. Many found the narrative compelling, especially in the latter chapters, and appreciated the replay value due to branching paths and plot twists. Overall, while some aspects of the story may feel dry or hard to follow, it is generally regarded as well-written and enjoyable, particularly for fans of intricate narratives.
“Overall, the story was enthralling from start to finish, and looks like it offers up plenty of replay opportunities; I'm looking forward to trying out more.”
“A fantastic story, one I very much enjoyed as a fan of the Pathologic games and medical mysteries.”
“Wonderful storyline, well written, with many twists and turns and a compelling world to boot.”
“Shallow writing, no dark scenes to be found, small number of choices that have no real impact on the story.”
“Honestly, the story was a bit hard to follow and really struggled to keep my interest prior to this point.”
“Although there is no problem with writing style itself, the storyline is simply dry and boring.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, with many users noting that different choices can lead to varied plot outcomes and achievements, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Players feel that the game is worth revisiting, with many expressing confidence in its replay value after completing their initial runs.
“I can see there being a good amount of replay value here too. So on top of my 8-hour playthrough for a single run, I'm confident that it's worth playing a second time.”
“And it definitely has a lot of replay value.”
“There is replay value; not every achievement is possible in every play, and different choices will alter the plot slightly.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its rich and immersive atmosphere, enhanced by detailed storytelling and evocative music that maintains the mood. Players appreciate the sense of mystery and exploration, as the game effectively guides them through a dark narrative filled with intriguing and rewarding discoveries. Overall, the writing significantly contributes to the game's atmospheric depth.
“Although the story is rich in details and creates a very ominous atmosphere, it acts like a storybook, and the music definitely keeps the mood contained.”
“[i]mask[/i] really creates an atmosphere of blindly seeking out answers in the dark. Though you may misstep or have no clue what you're doing, it guides you to intriguing and rewarding answers that are both smart and satisfying.”
“Although the story is rich in details and creates a very ominous atmosphere, it is still a game, and music would definitely keep the mood contained.”
“[i]mask[/i] really creates an atmosphere of blindly seeking out answers in the dark, and though you may misstep or have no clue what you're doing, it guides you to intriguing and rewarding answers that are both smart and satisfying.”
“Has great writing, especially when describing things to create atmosphere.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a strong emotional connection to the characters, feeling sympathy and the burden of their choices amid the stress of limited resources and a plague. The resolution of the game's mystery and the wholesome ending contribute to a deeply satisfying and emotional experience.
“The game made me feel sympathy towards the characters, the weight of the choices on my back, and the sheer stress of racing the plague with limited resources.”
“I'm glad to have gotten the opportunity to solve the mystery of Thornback Hollow and found a cure along with a very wholesome ending.”
“This will just be overly emotional gushing.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game lacks any original music, which some players feel detracts from the overall experience, despite the rich storytelling and ominous atmosphere. Many users suggest that adding music could enhance immersion, with some opting to play their own sad classical tracks to fill the void.
“Put on some sad classical music, felt pretty immersed.”
“There isn't any music.”
“Although the story is rich in details and creates a very ominous atmosphere and acts like a storybook, it is still a game and music would definitely keep the mood contained.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is praised for its perfect balance of satirical, funny, and slightly sarcastic elements, all while maintaining a serious and gripping tone. Reviewers find it to be genuinely hilarious, enhancing the overall experience.
“It manages to strike a perfect balance between satirical, funny, and a little sarcastic, whilst also being absolutely serious, tense, and gripping.”
“This is hilarious.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is a significant focus in the game, with 90 out of 92 achievements dedicated to it, highlighting the depth and progression of characters throughout the narrative.
“Of course, there are two achievements about the endings, but the other 90 achievements are about character development.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users consistently praise the gameplay, highlighting it as a strong aspect of the game alongside its engaging story.
“The story and gameplay are great.”
“The story and gameplay are great.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game are visually impressive, comparable to other graphics-intensive titles like Bright Memory, yet they effectively draw players' focus towards character development rather than technical aspects like frame rate or loot. This immersive quality enhances the overall gaming experience.
“Though Bright Memory and some other graphics-intensive games are a visual treat, this game captures my attention and makes me really think about my character and not the frame rate, loot, or any other ephemera.”
