Pentiment is an adventure game developed by Obsidian Entertainment that sees players travel through the perspective of one Andreas Maler in a medieval setting wrought with mystery, replayable through the customization of the protagonist's background, which influences the choices they can make during the narrative. 16th century Bavaria can be seen represented through the art and characters, whose appearances and professions reflect the dark age setting that Pentiment thrives on. Players that delve into the conspiracies woven into the main story are able to take different approaches through the selection of their background, ranging from Andreas' previous place of residence to the subjects he studies.

When beginning Pentiment, players are immediately asked several questions about Andreas' past that are directly tied to his background, including their Past Residence, Hobby, what Study they are proficient in, and their Favorite Subject. Although there are descriptions explaining the parameters of each choice and giving players hints through a preview of Pentiment's RPG systems, the ramifications of these choices do not become blatantly clear until certain game options are presented. Overall, there are no right or wrong decisions in Andreas' background, only limited by the type of experience players wish to enjoy.

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Speak to Others Through a Past Residence

A big strength in Pentiment is the ability for the player to communicate with the vast quantity of non-playable characters (NPCs) that occupy the township Andreas visits throughout periods of his life. Not everyone in Bavaria speaks the same language, prompting players to choose a Past Residence that influences their speech and, subsequently, who Andreas can interact with the most. Cultural connections when selecting one of the three available regions also helps players form connections and open up new paths when communicating with others. Titles from Obsidian are notorious for having intriguing dialogue and characters with staggering depth, so players should take some time to consider which angle would be better for their immersion.

Among the three choices for a Past Residence when talking to Big Jorg outside Bavaria are Basel, Flanders, and Italy as possible locations to tie into Andreas' past. Choosing Basel gives players knowledge of Italian and French, while Flanders grants an understanding tied to Dutch and French dialects. Finally, Italy allows players to delve into connections based on Italian and the rare Greek option, which can help in relation to several historical texts that would be indecipherable otherwise.

Create Foundational Strengths with a Hobby

Although perhaps more complex than the stat distribution systems of games such as Fallout: New Vegas, the Hobbies that players choose from in Pentiment can determine what Andreas has proficiency in. Andreas might involve himself in dangerous situations giving players varying options for success that are tied to how Andreas' Hobby has shaped part of their personality. The way the protagonist talks to others and their preferred method of escaping danger are reflected by the Hobby the player decides to commit to. Despite the strengths these Hobbies ultimately lead to under the right circumstances, players need to be mindful of the weaknesses that may also arise as a result.

• Hedonist - Andreas seeks out the pleasures of the world whenever they can, through a sociable personality experienced in-game through nearly every known vice. Players who select this hobby will find Andreas more charming to others, with a wider breadth of understanding toward the habits that could be considered more degenerate. In one way, this makes Andreas more relatable to NPCs in conversation, although it does not come with skills players might consider more practical.
• Craftsman - Andreas has dedicated much of his time to arts and work. Players can experience a higher social standing among peers within the art profession and the employers that they encounter in Bavaria. The great respect and passion Andreas feels for his work can be felt in conversation and during deeper dives into the studious aspect of Andreas' work.
• Bookworm - Players that want a better historical context can choose this Hobby, as it marks Andreas as someone who spends all of their free time reading or searching for new tomes. The many manuscripts, folklore, and stories that arise are given an even greater focus as Andreas recognizes many patterns and symbols that would be lost to him otherwise.
• Rapscallion - Andreas has the countenance of a rough-rousing man that solves problems through fisticuffs. Dabbling into petty crimes can be balanced out through a penchant for self-defense for players looking to dive into dangerous situations with confidence. Violence becomes a viable option through this Hobby, although it may not be looked upon kindly by others.
• Business - Those who wish to have Andreas excel at controlling their flow of coin are sure to thrive through the Business Hobby. Andreas' personality becomes one of a cunning businessman, one who excellently sells their worth in trade while also maintaining their funds responsibly. Players are able to help others in financial need better through this Hobby and communicate better with those in positions of authority through the respect that comes with a rich disposition.

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Formulate an Educational Background with Studies

A fact about the protagonist Andreas was that they did study at University, which gave them an education specialty that players are able to choose. Pentiment has three available choices in this category, which players must answer when speaking to the Baron at the Abbey toward the start of the game. The options are the following:

• Theology - Andreas has a deep understanding of the Catholic religion and its surrounding biblical scripture. Cannon law, facets of heresy, and the strict nature of the church's interpretation of morality are all tools at the player's disposal when selecting this Study. This opens up opportunities for debates and relations among Andreas' peers of the cloth, especially at locations like the Abbey.
• Imperial Law - Not quite the same as studying to be a lawyer, Andreas has a better basis for the laws governing the land through the Holy Roman Empire when approaching this Study. Players are able to navigate the justice system in-game when making decisions much easier, whether to mend an unfortunate set of circumstances or to better comprehend the restrictions imposed on average folk.
• Medicine - Specializing in healing remedies and an in-depth grasp on human physiology, this Study allows players to be somewhat of a doctor. Illnesses plaguing the region become more interpretable, including how to treat certain diseases. Players might form special connections to certain NPCs through this scientific approach but may also have grating interactions with those of more religious persuasion.

Finalize Preferences Through Favorite Subjects

While a Study infers Andreas' primary background in education, the Subjects category gives players another way to customize exactly what the protagonist can pull from, opening up far more dialogue options and possible branching choices in Pentiment. Players are able to pick two out of five available Subjects, ranging from:

• Latinist - Andreas has a command of language and vocabulary, dipping into Latin origins to have a wide variety of grammar at his disposal during a conversation. Pulling from quotes, historical text or other passages players have read, arguments can be easily won through clever wordplay. This Subject pairs well with the Bookworm Hobby to give Andreas more material to pull from.
• Logician - Players looking to bolster the effects of the Business Hobby will find this Subject pairing well. Andreas has a greater hold on numbers and other calculations with this aspect of his background, tackling the problems of the world through logical analysis during many situations.
• Orator - Andreas dips into public speaking, being somewhat of a teacher or preacher, depending on the other background choices players have made. Social skills also seen through the Hedonist Hobby match well with this Subject, giving players a masterful level of control when talking out of dangerous situations or convincing NPCs to follow certain paths.
• Occultist - A more theoretical Subject, Andreas gains knowledge of all things involving "magic," including theology, necromancy, alchemy, theurgy, etc. Players are able to use this Subject in multiple ways, connecting to religion through Theology or science with Medicine to become masters of all things relating to spiritual topics and their applicable uses.
• Heavens and Earth - Andreas has their head turned toward the stars, gaining a preference for studying celestial bodies and their supposed significance on the world. Slightly more obscure compared to other Subjects, players have a surprising amount of facts about the plants and animals of the land that comes as a direct result of this research, a niche tool that could help Andreas throughout their adventure.

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• 

  Pentiment

  Platform:

  Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

  Released:

  2022-11-15

  Developer:

  Obsidian Entertainment

  Publisher:

  Xbox Game Studios

  Genre:

  Adventure, RPG

  ESRB:

  M

  How Long To Beat:

  14hours