Chants of Sennaar review: decoding language in 2023’s best puzzles

Chants of Sennaar: An Immersive Language-Based Puzzle Game

Chants of Sennaar is a unique and captivating language-based puzzle game that draws inspiration from the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. In this game, players embark on a journey through a tower made up of five distinct floors, each inhabited by a different community with its own language. The goal is to decode these languages and use them to solve puzzles, navigate the tower, and communicate with the various characters encountered along the way. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and immersive storytelling, Chants of Sennaar offers an unparalleled gaming experience.

Immersive Language Decoding

One of the most exciting aspects of Chants of Sennaar is the process of decoding the different languages. The game provides players with a pictorial journal, where they assign words they discover to corresponding pictures. This gradual piecing together of each language creates a sense of accomplishment and progress. The words learned are then used to solve puzzles, interact with characters, and understand the world around you. This language decoding mechanic adds a unique and enjoyable dimension to the gameplay experience.

A Captivating World

The world of Chants of Sennaar is visually stunning, with towering structures and intricate tilework that effectively convey the atmosphere of each community. From the imposing gated castle to the laid-back artistic city, every location feels alive and immersive. Additionally, the various characters you encounter throughout your journey play a crucial role in the game’s narrative. Each character contributes to your quest to ascend the tower, making them feel like co-conspirators or antagonists. Developer Rundisc has gone above and beyond in creating a rich and engaging world for players to explore.

A Balance of Challenge and Frustration

Although Chants of Sennaar excels in many areas, there are moments when the game can become frustrating. Some of the puzzles can be challenging, and Rundisc’s hints on how to progress may feel redundant or lacking in direction. Additionally, mandatory stealth sections can detract from the overall experience, especially when trying to solve linguistic puzzles while sneaking around. However, these frustrations are balanced out by the game’s fast travel points and instant resets, which alleviate some of the frustrations and keep the pacing engaging.

An Immersive Journey of Language and Culture

What sets Chants of Sennaar apart from other puzzle games is its focus on language and culture. Through the process of decoding languages and interacting with characters, players gain a deeper understanding of the different communities and their unique perspectives. Learning a language in the game parallels the act of observing and appreciating an unfamiliar culture. Chants of Sennaar successfully captures the essence of this shared understanding, creating a meaningful and thought-provoking gaming experience.

Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox One, Chants of Sennaar offers a remarkable journey into language and puzzle-solving. Whether you’re a fan of immersive storytelling or enjoy a good challenge, this game is sure to captivate and engage you. Experience the magic of language and culture like never before with Chants of Sennaar.