When Does Disco Elysium Get Good?
An incredible RPG experience for the patient, Disco Elysium’s style might capture some new players immediately, but most will tell you this game pays off the longer you play it (or replay it). It’s not going to be for everyone, but most fans would tell a new player, you’re not even scratching the surface until the first 20 or so hours of gameplay have been completed.
What Fans Say
Fans of Disco Elysium praise its narrative depth, poetic writing, and innovative mechanics. Many appreciate its willingness to tackle complex topics like addiction, class struggle, and identity with both nuance and dark humor. The richly imagined world of Revachol, filled with memorable characters and intricate lore, keeps players invested. Fans often highlight the game’s replayability, as different skill builds and choices lead to vastly different experiences.
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What Haters Say
Critics of the game often point to its lack of traditional gameplay elements like combat, which can alienate players seeking action. The dense dialogue and slow pacing might feel overwhelming for those less inclined toward story-heavy games. Others criticize its sometimes obtuse mechanics, particularly the Thought Cabinet, which may not always yield clear rewards for players unfamiliar with its subtleties.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Disco Elysium has received near-universal acclaim, with a Metacritic score in the high 90s and glowing reviews from major outlets. Critics applaud its narrative innovation, mature themes, and voice acting introduced in The Final Cut. The game has been described as a “work of art” and a “game-changer” for the RPG genre. However, some reviews acknowledge that its heavy reliance on text and unique mechanics might not appeal to everyone.
Overview of Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a groundbreaking RPG developed by ZA/UM, first released in 2019. Set in the war-torn city of Revachol, the game places players in the role of a deeply flawed detective suffering from amnesia, tasked with solving a murder while grappling with personal demons and existential questions. What makes Disco Elysium stand out is its unique gameplay mechanics that focus entirely on dialogue, choices, and character development instead of traditional combat.
Players navigate the detective’s fractured psyche, represented by 24 distinct skills, each influencing his interactions with the world and his own thought process. The “Thought Cabinet” mechanic allows players to unlock philosophical and psychological insights that shape their detective’s worldview, sometimes to comedic or tragic results. The game is a masterclass in storytelling, blending dark humor with poignant social commentary.
With its richly detailed world, vibrant characters, and unconventional gameplay, Disco Elysium has earned widespread acclaim, setting new benchmarks for narrative-driven games. The Final Cut edition, released in 2021, added full voice acting and new political vision quests, solidifying its reputation as a modern classic.
Similar Games to Disco Elysium
- Planescape: Torment – Known for its philosophical depth and dialogue-heavy gameplay.
- The Outer Worlds – Combines narrative-driven exploration with moral choices.
- Kentucky Route Zero – A surreal, narrative-focused experience exploring themes of loss and humanity.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 – For fans of deep character interaction and narrative branching.
- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines – Features immersive world-building and choice-driven storytelling.
If You Like These, You’ll Like Disco Elysium
- Oxenfree – A supernatural mystery with an emphasis on dialogue and character relationships.
- Papers, Please – A politically charged game that explores morality through player choices.
- Firewatch – A narrative-driven experience focusing on relationships and emotional resonance.
- Night in the Woods – A game blending humor, existential themes, and memorable characters.