The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales - Game Review

Greetings to all of you extraordinary gamers out there, it's time for another exciting game review on our channel, Veteran Game! Today, we're delving into the pages of the riveting title, "The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales".

Inspired by the famous quote from Stephen King that "Books are a uniquely portable magic", this game unfolds a unique narrative, interlacing an intriguing world with engaging gameplay. You'll find yourself captivated, embodying the character of Etienne Quist, a writer condemned to an existence without his craft after committing an undisclosed crime. The predicament leads Etienne to a deal with a crime boss, who promises to erase his sentence in exchange for stealing legendary items from the world of novels, accompanied by a sentient page.

What makes the main story gripping is its unspoken world rules that unravel gradually, stirring curiosity and fostering an eagerness to learn more about this alternate reality. Your journey within the game is complemented by the captivating tales of the novels you traverse, such as Arthurian legend projected in space or an industrial spin on Norse mythology, leaving you yearning for more such adventures.

"The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales" is essentially a narrative adventure delineated from two perspectives. The first-person viewpoint limits you to your apartment building, engaging in minor tasks like picking up suitables or answering phone calls, initiating the narrative. On the other hand, the majority of your time is spent in a classic isometric perspective, reminiscent of a point-and-click adventure, where you interact with environment and characters, collect items, solve puzzles, and drive the story forward.

The game's focus on puzzles is a refreshing aspect, but don't worry if you're not a puzzle fan! They're generally simple and logical, and they don't lead to dead ends, making the game navigable for everyone. Adding some diversity to the puzzle-centric design, the game also introduces turn-based battles similar to an RPG, where you rely on ink for your moves. However, this combat system is not overly intricate, keeping the experience balanced for those who are here more for the narrative than the fighting.

While there are instances where choices appear to have an impact, these mostly alter dialogues and achievements rather than the story's core outcome. The narrative progresses through familiar patterns, introducing a few twists and turns mid-way.

In terms of presentation, the game teeters between ordinary and interesting, with the isometric viewpoint offering more visually appealing landscapes, showcasing vibrant colors and detailed environments. The subtle yet haunting music enhances each world's identity, while the minimal voice work adds to the narrative drive.

For all the Steam Deck users out there, the game is readily playable right out of the box, running at a constant 60fps. The lack of cloud saves is a minor drawback, meaning you'll have to commit to one device for the entirety of your playthrough.

In conclusion, "The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales" presents a fascinating blend of puzzles and narrative, offering an immersive experience for both story-lovers and puzzle enthusiasts. The six-hour journey is a rich tapestry of engaging stories and is definitely worth delving into. If you're on the hunt for an unusual, captivating adventure, this game might be the next great addition to your collection! Happy gaming, everyone!

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