Chants of Sennarr: A Unique Puzzle and Adventure Game
Chants of Sennarr is an innovative puzzle and adventure game that transports players to an ancient and mythical time. As the player takes on the role of a traveller, they embark on a journey to explore the world and solve intricate puzzles. However, what truly sets this game apart is its unique language system, known as Glyphs, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. To progress in the game, players must decipher and translate these Glyphs into English, unlocking clues, interacting with non-playable characters (NPCs), and unraveling the ancient story.
The Captivating Soundtrack and Immersive Storyline
Despite its drawbacks, Chants of Sennarr offers some notable highlights. The game’s soundtrack beautifully complements the mystical and Egyptian aesthetics, intriguing players and captivating them within the world’s lore. Even though my personal experience with the game was not entirely enjoyable, the enchanting music kept me engaged for longer than I expected.
Furthermore, the game presents an intriguing storyline. Players assume the role of a newcomer to this enigmatic world, gradually piecing together fragments of information from translated Glyphs. The narrative revolves around the Devotees, a group of individuals devoted to their religious beliefs. However, they have been banished from their sacred tower, and it becomes the player’s mission to help them regain access and thwart their adversaries. Although an indie game, Chants of Sennarr leaves room for potential expansion and further exploration of the world through future games or DLCs.
Visually, Chants of Sennarr employs simple yet effective graphics that transport players to an era reminiscent of ancient Egypt. The grainy yellow tones reinforce the connection to this historical period and enhance the immersion within the game’s environment.
The Stealth System and Frustrations with Glyphs
A standout element of the game is its stealth system reminiscent of the mechanics found in Far Cry. Players can strategically distract enemies by manipulating objects to create distractions and safely navigate through the environment. The game incorporates a meter to indicate the player’s visibility, with green representing safety, orange indicating a need for caution, and red signaling detection by enemies.
However, the gameplay experience is marred by certain frustrations, primarily concerning the Glyph system. Although the initial stages of deciphering Glyphs were intriguing and challenging, it eventually became a tedious chore. The game’s lack of clear feedback on whether the translations were correct or not resulted in confusion and anger. It was disheartening to encounter sections where the characters or signs made no sense due to inaccurate translations, leaving players stuck for hours in attempts to progress. Additionally, the sudden introduction of multiple unknown Glyphs without proper guidance further compounded the frustration.
