Inquisitor is a new game that will be released on February 8, 2024. However, it seems that this game will go unnoticed, which is a shame because the title had the characteristics of a “new Witcher”. Of course, all is not lost, because CD Projekt RED has also struggled with several issues from the start, which only shows that the Polish game market may have a big problem with… money.
Inquisitor – a Polish game with Polish roots
When we talk about a Polish game that achieved global succes, the first thing that comes to mind is: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which received a next-gen version for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X some time ago. The CD Projekt RED title is a phenomenon, awarded and appreciated several times worldwide.
Much of this is due not only to the huge production work put in by the company, but also to Andrzej Sapkowski, the writer who created the world presented in the game. Without Sapkowski, there would be no Witcher game, and it doesn’t make sense to argue about it. There are many other Polish fantasy authors and games based on their novels could achieve similar success worldwide.
At least in theory, an example of this, unfortunately, is Inquisitor. A game created by a small Wrocław studio called The Dust. Inquisitor was released in 2019 and aroused enthusiasm online. This is another game based on a novel by a Polish author.
We’re talking about Jacek Piekar and his series of novels I, the Inquisitor. A very extensive series, composed of several dozen volumes. The plot itself also seems interesting. Piekar created an alternative reality where Jesus Christ does not die on the cross, but descends from it and starts his bloody crusade. An interesting concept with great gameplay potential.
The game takes us back about 1,500 years after these events, and we play the role of one of the inquisitors who carry out God’s will. There are vampires, fights, and a heavy medieval atmosphere. All that was missing was a sufficiently high budget to allow the team responsible for the game to spread their wings.
Inquisitor – opinions about the game are very mixed
The Inquisitor does not yet have many reviews, but the first ones are very mixed. The portal Gry-Online slammed the game in its review accusing it of a poor plot, terrible graphics or, finally, a lack of atmosphere. However, the good sound design and some fight scenes were appreciated.
Much kinder IGN was in its review where attention was paid to the dark and oppressive atmosphere of the story, but leading the player too much by the hand was considered a downside. So far, Inquisitor has been rated the best by PC Gamer. Once again, the atmosphere was appreciatedbut the game’s mechanics were, according to the critic, much better executed in other productions.
It is clear that there may not have been enough budget here to refine the production. Of course it could be succesful, which is what I personally wish for it for a simple reason. I dream of a situation in which Polish writers and their books are transferred to the world of games.
Yes, there is, for example, The Invincible based on a novel Stanisław Lem, but the title itself went almost unnoticed. And that despite very good reviews. I’m afraid that many people will criticize the Inquisitor online, because pointing out errors and deficiencies is the easiest thing to do.
I’m not going to defend the game now, because I haven’t played it yet. I just wish that it doesn’t end up being a “whipping boy” of the Polish gaming community focused on games. Mostly because associations with The Witcher naturally arise, and compared to that success, few productions have a chance to emerge victorious.
And that might be something that will bring down the Inquisitor even before it has a chance to reach a wider audience. By the way, it’s worth checking out our list of the best free PC games if you’re looking for something different.
Source: The Dust, Steam, Metacritic. Opening photo: The Dust / press materials
Some of the links are affiliate links or links to offers from our partners. After clicking, you will be able to see the price and availability of the product we selected – you will not incur any cost and at the same time support the independence of the editorial team.