If you're into narrative adventure game, keep an eye on the episodic title The Council, annouced a few days ago by Focus Home Interactive and Big Bad Wolf. It feels like an Agatha Christie whodunnit mixed with occultism. Set in 1793 on an isolated island where the player, Louis de Richet member of a secret society, has been invited by a mysterious host. Other guests include Napoleon Bonaparte and George Washington. On top of choices/conséquences, the developer brings a Social Influence system, skills that you can develop based on your approach (diplomacy, playing detective or occultism). More details inside along with screens and the trailer. The Mad One, the first out of five episodes will be out in February 2018.
The complete season of The Council includes a total of five episodes.
Episode 1: The Mad Ones releases on PC and Consoles in February 2018
THE COUNCIL begins in 1793, with players taking the role of secret society member Louis de Richet after his invitation to a private island off the shores of England by the enigmatic Lord Mortimer. Joining him are a number of high profile guests, including Napoleon Bonaparte and President of the newly-formed United States of America, George Washington. The strange nature of this private reception goes beyond just the prestigious guests –Richet’s own mother has recently gone missing on the island, while each and every one of the colorful cast seems to have their own hidden agendas.
In a new twist for the genre, the core of THE COUNCIL’s gameplay comes from manipulating and maneuvering through character encounters using the unique Social Influence system. During confrontations, skills and limited resources can be used to gain the upper hand and achieve the desired outcome. Players will be rewarded for their knowledge of each character’s psychological vulnerabilities and immunities, as well as their preparations made during prior exploration and investigation. Failing an encounter does not mean ‘game over’, and no action can be taken back. The consequences are permanent, and may result in persistent physical disfigurements or mental traits that help or hinder the rest of the player’s adventure.
Richet’s numerous skills can be developed to align with your chosen approach to the adventure. Solve issues with diplomacy, delve into occultism to expand your historical and scientific knowledge, or play detective and see what others do not perceive. Your skills will have uses that extend far beyond your conversations with fellow guests. With 15 diverse skills to use and invest in, players are free to uncover THE COUNCIL’s mysteries how they see fit, with wildly varying consequences depending on their methods. The results will forever alter the life of Louis de Richet, of those around him, and shape history as we know it.
THE COUNCIL’s first episode, THE MAD ONES, arrives on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in February 2018. The complete season will include a total of five episodes.
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