1931: Scheherazade at the Library of Pergamum

In 1931: Scheherazade at the Library of Pergamum, players step into the shoes of the 18-year-old prodigy Sadie Keating as she begins her archaeology studies at NYU. Tasked with unraveling the mystery of her parents’ disappearance, players will guide Sadie through a depression-era adventure, developing her diverse skills—from archaeology and linguistics to magic—and tackling ‘capers’ in locations ranging from New York to the deserts of Australia and the jungles of India. The game blends visual novel storytelling with Choose Your Adventure-style gameplay, offering multiple approaches to obstacles and a focus on time management and skill development.

1931: Scheherazade at the Library of Pergamum: Review

Introduction

In the vast landscape of indie games, few titles manage to capture the essence of adventure, mystery, and romance as ambitiously as 1931: Scheherazade at the Library of Pergamum. Developed by Black Chicken Studios, this visual novel and simulation hybrid transports players to the interwar period, blending historical intrigue with pulp adventure. The game follows Scheherazade “Sadie” Keating, an 18-year-old prodigy navigating the challenges of university life, the mysteries of her missing parents, and the complexities of burgeoning romances. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, critical reception, and its enduring legacy.

Development History & Context

Black Chicken Studios, known for their previous title Academagia, brought 1931: Scheherazade at the Library of Pergamum to life in 2012. The game was developed using the Ren’Py engine, a popular tool for creating visual novels. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the game draws inspiration from classic adventure narratives, particularly the Indiana Jones franchise, while adding its unique twist with a female protagonist and a rich tapestry of historical and mythological elements.

The technological constraints of the era limited the game’s graphical capabilities, resulting in a reliance on static anime-style character portraits and minimalistic backgrounds. Despite these limitations, the developers aimed to create a deeply immersive experience through intricate storytelling and a robust skill-based progression system. The gaming landscape in 2012 was ripe for visual novels, with titles like Ace Attorney and Phoenix Wright gaining popularity. 1931 sought to carve out its niche by offering a blend of adventure, romance, and historical intrigue.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The narrative of 1931 revolves around Sadie Keating, a prodigy with encyclopedic knowledge of archaeology, multiple languages, and a knack for magic tricks. Her parents’ mysterious disappearance sets the stage for a year-long journey filled with capers, romances, and self-discovery. The game’s structure is reminiscent of Choose Your Own Adventure books, where players navigate through various obstacles and make choices that shape the story’s outcome.

Sadie’s character is a double-edged sword. On one hand, her intelligence and skills make her a compelling protagonist. On the other, her portrayal as a “super genius” who frequently fails to apply her knowledge in critical situations strains credibility. The romantic options—Roland Smith, Ahmose-ankh, Felix Weber, Sterling Evans, and Nigel Hemsworth—are equally flawed. Many of these characters are written as arrogant, manipulative, or otherwise unlikable, making it difficult for players to invest in their relationships with Sadie.

Themes and Dialogue

The game explores themes of identity, legacy, and the pursuit of knowledge. Sadie’s quest to uncover her parents’ fate mirrors her own journey of self-discovery. The dialogue, while well-written in parts, often falls into clichés and melodrama. The game’s attempt to incorporate historical events, such as the rise of Nazism, feels superficial and underdeveloped, failing to provide a nuanced portrayal of the era.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

The gameplay of 1931 is built around a skill-based progression system. Players develop Sadie’s skills—ranging from deduction to horse riding to empathy—through training and the use of Inspiration Cards. These cards provide temporary boosts to specific skills, adding a layer of strategy to obstacle resolution.

The game is divided into “capers,” which are essentially mini-adventures that test Sadie’s skills. Each caper consists of several obstacles, some mandatory and others optional. Players must carefully manage their time and resources to prepare for these challenges, as failing an obstacle can increase the difficulty of subsequent ones.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The obstacle mechanic is one of the game’s standout features, allowing players to preview the skills required for each challenge before embarking on a caper. This transparency enhances the strategic depth of the gameplay. However, the sheer number of skills and Inspiration Cards can be overwhelming, leading to a cumbersome and sometimes tedious experience.

The game’s difficulty is well-balanced, with three settings: Easy, Normal, and Hard. Easy mode allows players to complete almost all capers and obstacles, while Hard mode requires meticulous planning and preparation. The game’s replayability is high, as players can pursue different romantic endings and explore various story arcs.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

1931 transports players to a richly detailed world spanning New York, Australia, and India. The game’s setting is a blend of historical accuracy and fantastical elements, with a heavy emphasis on adventure and mystery. The interwar period provides a compelling backdrop, though the game’s portrayal of the era is often superficial.

Visual and Audio Design

The game’s art style is heavily influenced by anime, featuring static character portraits with limited expressions. The backgrounds are minimalistic and often reused, which can detract from the immersive experience. The sound design is a highlight, with a jazzy soundtrack that complements the 1930s setting. The music effectively sets the mood for each location and caper, enhancing the game’s atmosphere.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Upon its release, 1931 received mixed reviews. Critics praised the game’s ambitious scope and engaging narrative but criticized its flawed character writing and overwhelming skill system. The game’s reliance on text-heavy storytelling was both a strength and a weakness, appealing to players who enjoy deep, interactive narratives but alienating those seeking more dynamic gameplay.

The game’s commercial performance was modest, with a dedicated but niche audience. Its reputation has evolved over time, with some players appreciating its unique blend of adventure and romance, while others dismiss it as a flawed but ambitious experiment.

Influence on the Industry

1931 did not have a significant impact on the gaming industry, but it contributed to the growing popularity of visual novels and interactive storytelling. Its innovative obstacle mechanic and skill-based progression system influenced subsequent titles in the genre, demonstrating the potential for blending traditional adventure elements with modern gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion

1931: Scheherazade at the Library of Pergamum is a game of contradictions. Its ambitious narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics are undermined by flawed character writing and an overly complex skill system. Despite its shortcomings, the game offers a unique and engaging experience for players who enjoy deep, interactive stories. Its place in video game history is that of a bold but imperfect experiment, one that pushed the boundaries of the visual novel genre while falling short of its full potential.

In the end, 1931 is a game that demands patience and perseverance. For those willing to invest the time and effort, it offers a rich and rewarding adventure. However, its flaws are significant enough to deter casual players and those seeking a more polished experience. As a historical artifact of indie game development, 1931 stands as a testament to the creativity and ambition of its developers, even if it ultimately falls short of greatness.