A stylized choose-your-own-adventure game
Saltsea Chronicles is a story-driven adventure game that takes players on an epic journey through a post-flood world known as Saltsea. Developed by the indie studio Die Gute Fabrik, this premium game boasts an intriguing storyline, immersive gameplay, and an innovative design concept.
The adventure in Saltsea Chronicles begins with the abduction of Captain Maja and the theft of her ship. As players, you are tasked with guiding her misfit crew to rescue their captain, recover their impounded ship, and uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy. You will navigate mesmerizing island communities, each constructed on the remnants of the past, revealing a captivating blend of old and new.
Set out on your own adventure
What sets Saltsea Chronicles apart is the freedom it offers its players. The game allows players to choose their priorities, deciding where to go, who to deploy on expeditions, and which crew members to probe. These decisions unlock diverse content, cultivate relationships, and offer opportunities to alleviate — and incite — crew tensions. Adding to the game's charm is its striking print-inspired art style.
The risograph print techniques lend a unique storybook aesthetic to the game, complemented by Eli Rainsberry's hybrid score and soundscape that breathe life into the game’s remarkable fictional world. You will also encounter “Spoils”, an in-world trick-taking card game. Playing Spoils with different communities adds an additional layer of immersion and intrigue, although it's essential to remember that each island has its own rules.
However, the game is not without its flaws. The navigation system can be frustratingly unresponsive. At times, a single click at the end of a dialogue does nothing, requiring a second click to close the window. Furthermore, it is all too easy to inadvertently select a dialogue choice, which can be quite annoying. Not to mention, you’ll need at least 8 GB of free space just to download the game.
A riveting experience
Despite some technical issues, Saltsea Chronicles is a captivating game that offers a rich storytelling experience, a high level of player interaction, and a beautifully crafted world. It’s an engaging blend of adventure, strategy, and narrative that is well worth exploring for any passionate player who wants to dive deep into a thrilling tale with an immersive environment. Don’t forget to make sure you have enough storage space to accommodate the game’s files, as well.
