Pentiment cover art

Pentiment

2022Obsidian EntertainmentXbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

A 16th-century narrative adventure set in Upper Bavaria, following 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.

What it feels like

Sincere engagement with historical detail and character stories drives emotional investment. The paced investigation invites reflection on clues, motives, and layered historical intrigue.

Earnest60%
Contemplative55%

What it's about

Unraveling a series of connected murders across decades is the central unifying structure. Grounded in 16th-century Upper Bavaria with period-authentic setting and social detail. Playing as an investigator gathering evidence and interrogating suspects to solve crimes.

Mystery85%
Historical80%
Detective65%
Conspiracy45%
Crime & Underworld40%
Coming of Age35%

How it plays

Interrogating and conversing with townsfolk to gather clues is core to investigation. Examining scenes, combining clues, and interacting via hotspots define the adventure mechanics. Character knowledge and social standing likely gate dialogue options and investigation success.

Dialogue Trees75%
Point-and-Click70%
Skill Checks50%

How it looks and sounds

Illustrated hand-drawn aesthetic is central to the game's visual identity and appeal.

Hand-Drawn 2D85%

How it's structured

The 25-year mystery arc with a definite conclusion is the bounded, authored narrative spine. Player choices and dialogue decisions shape investigation outcomes and multiple endings. Order of investigation and which clues to pursue offers player agency in solving the mystery.

Campaign90%
Branching Narrative68%
Nonlinear Progression50%
Short Playtime35%
Single-Player30%
Unheard66% match

Shares Mystery, Detective, Point-and-Click, Dialogue Trees.

Both lean into Mystery, Detective, Campaign, Point-and-Click.

Mystery85%Detective90%Campaign65%Point-and-Click75%

Shares Mystery, Point-and-Click, Dialogue Trees, Detective.

Both lean into Mystery, Campaign, Point-and-Click, Dialogue Trees.

Mystery95%Campaign85%Point-and-Click95%Dialogue Trees90%
The Operator65% match

Shares Mystery, Point-and-Click, Dialogue Trees, Detective.

Both lean into Mystery, Point-and-Click, Campaign, Dialogue Trees.

Mystery88%Point-and-Click92%Campaign70%Dialogue Trees78%

See all games like Pentiment

A lesser-known kindred — Mystery, Dialogue Trees, Point-and-Click, Detective. 93% positive across 4,466 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Mystery, Dialogue Trees, Point-and-Click, Detective.

Mystery95%Dialogue Trees80%Point-and-Click85%Detective85%
Simulacra51% match

A lesser-known kindred — Mystery, Point-and-Click, Branching Narrative, Detective. 90% positive across 4,661 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Mystery, Point-and-Click, Branching Narrative, Detective.

Mystery92%Point-and-Click85%Branching Narrative75%Detective70%
Tacoma47% match

A lesser-known kindred — Mystery, Point-and-Click, Dialogue Trees, Contemplative. 86% positive across 4,784 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Mystery, Campaign, Point-and-Click, Dialogue Trees.

Mystery90%Campaign80%Point-and-Click75%Dialogue Trees60%
Work on Pentiment?Claim this page to correct details or add missing context.