The Stone of Madness Review

The Stone of Madness: A Stealth Adventure in a Spanish Monastery

The eerie atmosphere of a centuries-old monastery sets the stage for a thrilling tale of escape in The Stone of Madness. Developed by Teku Studios and The Game Kitchen, known for the acclaimed Blasphemous series, this tactical stealth game plunges players into the shadows of an 18th-century Spanish monastery. As you lead a group of diverse prisoners through its hallowed halls, you’ll unravel dark secrets and encounter formidable challenges.

In The Stone of Madness, you control a team of five prisoners, each with unique abilities that are crucial for overcoming obstacles and outwitting the monastery’s guards. Whether it’s disguising as a priest, casting curses, or scaling walls, every character plays a vital role in your daring escape plan. The diverse skill sets and fears of each prisoner add depth to the gameplay and require strategic thinking to navigate the treacherous environment.

Daytime exploration offers opportunities to gather resources, discover clues, and accomplish objectives, while nighttime allows for planning and recuperation. The passage of time influences the monastery’s dynamics, with changing patrol routes and emerging threats keeping players on edge. Managing your party’s health, sanity, and suspicion levels adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay, rewarding careful planning and resource management.

Despite its engaging premise, The Stone of Madness is marred by technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Control issues, bugs, and glitches can lead to frustrating setbacks and force players to replay sections of the game. The isometric camera angle and occasional graphical anomalies further compound these problems, testing players’ patience as they navigate the monastery’s perilous corridors.

Nevertheless, the game’s stunning art style and animations offer a visual feast for players, capturing the grim atmosphere of the monastery with striking detail. From the intricate character models to the sprawling monastery grounds, each location is meticulously crafted to immerse players in its gothic world.

As players progress through the game’s two campaigns, they uncover a rich narrative filled with intrigue and mystery. The interconnected stories of the prisoners and their quest for freedom unfold through well-animated cutscenes and text-based dialogue, keeping players engaged as they unravel the monastery’s darkest secrets.

While The Stone of Madness may stumble in its execution at times, its core gameplay mechanics and engaging story make it a worthwhile stealth experience. With each successful escape and newfound discovery, players will find a sense of accomplishment that makes the journey through the monastery’s shadows truly rewarding.