Black Book (video game)
| Black Book | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Morteshka |
| Publisher(s) | HypeTrain Digital |
| Engine | Unity Engine |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Release | August 10, 2021 |
| Genre(s) | Role-playing, adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Black Book is an adventure role-playing video game, developed by Morteshka, which created The Mooseman, and published by HypeTrain Digital. The game was released on August 10, 2021.[1][2]
Taking place in 19th century Russia, the game is heavily inspired by Russian folklore and narrative is based on Bailichkas. To ensure the authenticity in depiction of myths and real-life locations, the developers worked alongside Russian ethnographers.
Gameplay[]
In the game, players control Vasilisa - a young sorceress, who travels across the landscape of rural Russia, aiding commonfolk along the way. The players achieve that by solving puzzles and engaging in battle using a deck-building card combat system. Throughout the journey, choices made by the player will affect the plot and general progression of the game.
Plot[]
A young girl named Vasilisa, destined to become a witch, decides to throw her fate away and marry her beloved - but that dream is shattered when her betrothed dies under mysterious circumstances.
Aching for her lost love, Vasilisa seeks out Black Book - a demonic artifact, said to be powerful enough to grant any wish to the one who uncovers all 7 of its seals.
Development[]
Development of the game started in 2017. The game was released for Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch on August 10, 2021.[3][2]
It is the second game developed by Russian team Morteshka. Their previous project, The Mooseman, takes inspiration from Finno-Ugric lore and the Chud tribes of Northern Europe.[4]
Reception[]
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | NS: 81/100[5] PC: 75/100[6] XONE: 79/100[7] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| RPGamer |    [8] |
Rock Paper Shotgun found that while the card battles were sometimes ill-balanced, they praised the game for its specific approach to Russian folklore, stating that it was where it "shows its heart".[9]
References[]
- ^ "Card-based RPG and adventure game fusion Black Book announced for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC". Gematsu. 16 January 2020. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
- ^ a b "Black Book launches August 10". Gematsu. July 22, 2021.
- ^ "Sinister Adventure Awaits In Black Book, A Dark Card-Based RPG Headed To Switch". Nintendo Life. 16 January 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
- ^ "Black Book is an adventure RPG about witches and demons". Destructoid. 2020-01-17. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
- ^ "Black Book for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ "Black Book for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ "Black Book for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ "Black Book Review | Aces high". . 12 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
- ^ "Black Book review: plays its Russian folklore cards right". Rock Paper Shotgun. 2021-08-05. Retrieved 2021-08-20.
External links[]
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- 2021 video games
- Adventure games
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- Indie video games
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- Video games set in the 19th century
- Video games set in Russia
- Video games based on mythology
- Video games based on Slavic mythology
- Video games based on Finno-Ugric mythology
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