Every now and then, a game comes along that completely reframes our understanding of a genre, even one as saturated as the roguelike. *Becoming Saint* manages to do just that by weaving humor and moral quandaries into a richly detailed tapestry set in 14th century Italy. Offering a bizarre yet engaging blend of adventure, strategy, and religious satire, this game invites players to embrace their inner spirituality—or perhaps their inner mischief—while navigating trials that lead to divine canonization.
As I dove into this intriguing demo, I was immediately struck by the quirky premise: you, a fledgling preacher, aim to achieve sainthood in real-time. The unique selling point is the opportunity to convert townsfolk from a myriad of social classes while wrestling with your own ethics and beliefs. The initially comedic tone engages immediately, especially as players face ludicrous punishments for minor sins that pit morality against a dash of absurdity. This unusual juxtaposition of religious themes and irreverent humor paints a bleak but hilarious picture of spiritual aspiration, one that resonates well beyond the borders of its historical setting.
Your Spiritual Compass: Choices and Consequences
What sets *Becoming Saint* apart from typical roguelikes are the deeply impactful choices players have to make. The game’s initial choices dictate how your faith evolves, reflecting your decisions in dynamic and unpredictable ways. Choosing a companion animal, or a ‘familiar’, isn’t just for show; it can change your standing in the game drastically. Opting for a wolf, which I found to be both majestic and symbolic, branded me as a capitalist preacher—something unlikely to sit well with more pious followers.
Difficult decisions permeate the gameplay, as each “sermon” you deliver can cause ripples through your following. What’s fascinating is the game’s flexibility; if you’re overly stringent or extravagant, you may lose believers as quickly as you attract new ones. Such mechanics challenge players not only to strategically consider their moves, but also to reflect on how personal ideologies can shape collective beliefs. It’s a profound take on how individuals impact communities—an echo of real-world social dynamics.
Visuals and Presentation: A Feast for the Eyes
The aesthetic choices in *Becoming Saint* deserve significant praise. The game employs a captivating art style reminiscent of illustrated medieval manuscripts, with pop-up cardboard towns and parchment scrolls that echo the setting. You could easily mistake its production for a piece of interactive art rather than a traditional game. This bold visual decision not only captivates but serves to enhance the storytelling by evoking an immediate sense of context and atmosphere.
The incorporation of Kate Beaton-esque illustrations interspersed throughout lends a delightful charm that invites players into its world. The dialogue and narrative moments feel engaging and whimsical, adding layers of personality to every interaction. It links the serious aspects of faith to the lightheartedness of its delivery in a manner that’s inviting rather than alienating.
Strategic Depth: Tactical Confrontations
The game emphasizes strategy through its confrontations—a unique feature in its roguelike lineage. These tactical battles occur on a grid, allowing for thoughtful positioning and resource management. Players must consider the strengths and weaknesses of their followers, an engaging layer that compels you to think critically about unit deployment. The idea that a book-carrying monk could outsmart a peasant through sheer wit alone encapsulates the creative spirit underpinning the design.
Moreover, your resources hinge upon both your charisma and the supply of bread. This charmingly absurd focus on sustenance as a source of holy power reinforces the game’s ultimate goal: converting earnest believers while simultaneously navigating the pitfalls of pride and misdeed in a highly satirical setting.
The developers at Open Lab Games, known for their previous works like *Roller Drama* and *Football Drama*, have created something refreshingly unique. With its official release set for July 15, 2025, I eagerly anticipate the full game—*Becoming Saint* not only calls for introspection but delivers it with a pleasurable tension that few games succeed in achieving.