Sovereign Syndicate

Sovereign Syndicate is a turn-based, steampunk-fantasy RPG set in an alternate Victorian-era London, where players control a trio of protagonists—a Minotaur, a Dwarf, and a human—each with their own intertwining narratives. The game blends dark themes, sharp writing, and a richly atmospheric world, offering a character-driven experience that explores human nature and societal struggles. With its unique setting, witty dialogue, and layered storytelling, it delivers a compelling narrative adventure that stands out in the RPG genre.

Sovereign Syndicate: A Steampunk Masterpiece or a Disco Elysium Clone?

Introduction

Sovereign Syndicate is a game that has sparked both admiration and controversy since its release in January 2024. Developed by Crimson Herring Studios, this Victorian steampunk RPG has been hailed as a narrative masterpiece by some and dismissed as a derivative clone of Disco Elysium by others. With its unique blend of fantasy, steampunk, and Victorian London, Sovereign Syndicate offers a rich, atmospheric experience that is as much about exploration and dialogue as it is about combat and progression. This review will delve deep into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its reception and legacy.

Development History & Context

Crimson Herring Studios, a relatively new player in the gaming industry, took on the ambitious task of creating Sovereign Syndicate. The studio’s vision was to craft a game that combined the narrative depth of Disco Elysium with the steampunk aesthetic of Victorian London. The game was developed using the Unity engine, which allowed for a rich, detailed world filled with intricate characters and environments.

The gaming landscape at the time of Sovereign Syndicate‘s release was dominated by large, open-world RPGs and action-packed adventures. Crimson Herring Studios aimed to carve out a niche for themselves by focusing on a narrative-driven experience that emphasized choice and consequence. The technological constraints of the era, particularly in terms of graphics and processing power, were mitigated by the studio’s creative use of the Unity engine and their commitment to a strong narrative.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Sovereign Syndicate is set in a Victorian-era London infused with steampunk and fantasy elements. The game features three playable characters: Atticus Daley, a minotaur magician with a drinking problem; Clara Reed, a corsair with a checkered past; and Otto, an automaton companion to engineer Theodore Redgrave. Each character has their own unique story that intertwines with the others, creating a rich tapestry of narratives.

The plot revolves around the disappearance of society’s most vulnerable members and the uncovering of a mysterious cult. The game’s themes are dark and introspective, exploring the nature of the self, prejudice, and the consequences of unchecked scientific progress. The dialogue is dense and chewy, filled with Victorian-era slang and references that add depth to the world.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own internal voices that represent different aspects of their personalities. These voices often clash, creating a dynamic internal monologue that drives the narrative forward. The game’s writing is a standout feature, with a strong emphasis on character development and world-building.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Sovereign Syndicate is a narrative-driven RPG that emphasizes dialogue and choice over combat. The game uses a tarot card chance system instead of traditional dice rolls, adding a layer of unpredictability to skill checks and interactions. Players must navigate the world by making choices that affect their characters’ stats and unlock new dialogue options.

The game’s UI is intuitive, with a point-and-click interface that allows for easy navigation and interaction. The combat system is minimal, with most conflicts resolved through dialogue and skill checks. The game’s progression system is tied to the characters’ internal voices, with players able to level up different aspects of their personalities based on their choices.

One of the game’s innovative features is its use of tarot cards to determine the outcome of skill checks. This system adds a layer of randomness that keeps the game fresh and unpredictable. However, some critics have argued that the system can feel arbitrary, with outcomes that don’t always align with the players’ expectations.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Sovereign Syndicate is a richly detailed Victorian London infused with steampunk and fantasy elements. The game’s art direction is a standout feature, with hand-painted visuals that bring the world to life. The environments are filled with intricate details, from the grimy streets of the East End to the opulent interiors of the upper crust.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with a soundtrack that sets the mood and enhances the atmosphere. The ambient sound effects are subtle but effective, adding to the immersion. The game’s lack of voice acting is a notable omission, but the strong writing and internal monologues help to compensate for this.

Reception & Legacy

Sovereign Syndicate received generally favorable reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 77. The game was praised for its strong writing, unique setting, and innovative use of tarot cards. However, some critics argued that the game’s lack of voice acting and repetitive gameplay mechanics detracted from the overall experience.

The game’s reception has been mixed among players, with some hailing it as a narrative masterpiece and others dismissing it as a derivative clone of Disco Elysium. Despite these criticisms, Sovereign Syndicate has carved out a niche for itself in the gaming landscape, offering a unique blend of steampunk, fantasy, and Victorian London.

Conclusion

Sovereign Syndicate is a game that defies easy categorization. It is a narrative-driven RPG that emphasizes choice and consequence, with a richly detailed world and strong writing. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a good story and a unique setting will find much to love in Sovereign Syndicate. The game’s innovative use of tarot cards and its emphasis on dialogue and choice make it a standout title in the RPG genre.

In the end, Sovereign Syndicate is a game that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It is a game that rewards exploration and curiosity, with a world that is filled with intricate details and hidden secrets. Whether you are a fan of steampunk, fantasy, or Victorian London, Sovereign Syndicate offers a unique and engaging experience that is well worth your time.