The Council is an episodic game developed by French indie studio Big Bad Wolf that delivers a fresh new take on the narrative adventure genre. You’ll make decisions that will change how the game unfolds with various skills that you can pursue, meaning lots of replay value. Explore a tale of intrigue and manipulation in what looks to be a very demented version of Clue, interacting with a cast of big name characters each hiding their own dark secrets. As always in these cases, trust yourself and no one else.
“The Council begins in 1793, with players taking the role of secret society member Louis de Richet after he was invited to a private island off the shores of England by the enigmatic Lord Mortimer. Joining him are a number of high profile guests, including Napoleon Bonaparte and President of the newly-formed United States of America George Washington. The strange nature of this private reception goes beyond just the prestigious guests―Richet’s own mother has recently gone missing on the island, while each member of the colorful cast seems to have their own hidden agendas.
In a new twist for the genre, the core of The Council’s gameplay comes from manipulating and maneuvering through character encounters using the unique Social Influence system. During confrontations, skills and limited resources can be used to gain the upper hand and achieve the desired outcome. Players will be rewarded for their knowledge of each character’s psychological vulnerabilities and immunities, as well as their preparations made during prior exploration and investigation. Failing an encounter does not mean “game over,” and no action can be taken back. The consequences are permanent and may result in persistent physical disfigurements or mental traits that help or hinder the rest of the player’s adventure.
Richet’s numerous skills can be developed to align with your chosen approach to the adventure. Solve issues with diplomacy, delve into occultism to expand your historical and scientific knowledge, or play detective and see what others do not perceive. Your skills will have uses that extend far beyond your conversations with fellow guests. With 15 diverse skills to use and invest in, players are free to uncover The Council‘s mysteries how they see fit, with wildly varying consequences depending on their methods. The results will forever alter the life of Louis de Richet, of those around him, and shape history as we know it.”
The Council’s first episode, The Mad Ones, launches on PS4, X1, and PC in February 2018. The whole season will contain a total of five episodes. As someone that likes the episodic format, I’m intrigued to see how this pans out.