Mask of the Plague Doctor
- April 16, 2020
- Choice of Games
In "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.
Reviews
- The writing is superb, with a compelling story that draws players in and offers significant choices that impact the plot.
- The game features a rich world filled with interesting characters, political intrigue, and a good mix of historical and fantasy elements.
- There is a high replay value due to multiple paths and endings, allowing players to explore different outcomes and character developments.
- Some players found the pacing slow and the writing dry, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the game.
- There are complaints about the limited impact of choices, with some feeling that many decisions lead to similar outcomes.
- The absence of music and occasional bugs, such as achievement triggers causing the game to lock up, detracted from the overall experience.
- story32 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 9 % 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 replayability 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.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, with players noting that different choices can lead to varied plot outcomes and achievements, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers express confidence in the game's value for repeated sessions, highlighting its engaging content that extends beyond a single run.
“And it definitely has a lot of replay value.”
“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.”
“There is replay value; not every achievement is possible in every play, and different choices will alter the plot slightly.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its rich and immersive atmosphere, enhanced by detailed storytelling and evocative music that maintains the mood. It effectively creates a sense of mystery and exploration, guiding players through a dark narrative filled with intriguing and rewarding discoveries. Overall, the writing significantly contributes to the game's atmospheric depth.
“It has great atmosphere, and tons of routes available.”
“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.”
“Although the story is rich in details and creates a very ominous atmosphere, it is still a game, and music would definitely help maintain the mood.”
“[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.”
- emotional3 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 amidst the game's challenges. The experience of solving the mystery and achieving a wholesome ending adds to the overall emotional impact, leaving players with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
“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.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game lacks an original soundtrack, which some players feel detracts from the overall atmosphere, despite its rich storytelling. Many users suggest that adding music could enhance immersion, with some opting to play their own sad classical music to fill the void.
“Although the story is rich in details and creates a very ominous atmosphere, it is still a game and music would definitely enhance the mood.”
“Put on some sad classical music; I 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.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is praised for its perfect blend of satirical wit, sarcasm, and genuine hilarity, all while maintaining a serious and gripping narrative. Reviewers find it effectively balances comedic elements with tense moments, 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 development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development is a significant focus in the game, with 90 out of 92 achievements dedicated to this aspect, highlighting the depth and progression of characters throughout the narrative.
“Of course, there are two achievements related to the endings, but the other 90 achievements focus on character development.”
“The depth of character development in this game is truly impressive, allowing players to form meaningful connections with each character.”
“I love how the choices I make throughout the game significantly impact the character arcs, making each playthrough feel unique.”
“The character development feels shallow and uninspired, making it hard to connect with anyone in the game.”
“I was expecting a rich narrative with deep character arcs, but instead, I found flat personalities and predictable growth.”
“Despite the numerous achievements related to character development, it ultimately lacks meaningful choices that impact the story.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the gameplay for being engaging and well-integrated with the story, contributing to an overall positive experience.
“The story and gameplay are great.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game are visually captivating, drawing players into the experience and encouraging them to focus on character development rather than technical aspects like frame rate or loot.
“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.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed and animations are stiff, making the game feel less immersive.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience.”