Chants of Sennaar
Genres: Puzzle, Mystery, Point & Click, Atmospheric, Adventure
Release Date: 5-9-2023
Developer: Rundisc
Our verdict
9/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 1
- Playtime: 7–12 h
Chants of Sennaar is a language-deciphering puzzle adventure inspired by the myth of Babel. As a silent Traveler climbing a vast tower, you meet peoples who no longer understand each other and work out their scripts by watching signs, murals and conversations, then logging guesses in a journal. It suits solo players who enjoy deduction and patterns more than reflexes, and it is free of violence.
It is one of the best-received puzzle games on Steam, with about 98% of nearly 15,000 reviews positive. Players praise how each language has its own grammar and culture, and the moment a set of glyphs clicks. Most call it challenging but fair, and many finished without hints in roughly seven to twelve hours.
The criticisms are minor but consistent. Some linguistics fans find the journal confirms translations too readily, and several reviewers mention slow walking, clumsy pathfinding and a weaker final area. Those are small marks against a distinctive game. Easy to recommend to any puzzle fan, even at full price.
Pros
- Decode several invented languages, each with its own grammar
- Journal system turns observation into satisfying deduction
- Striking art and music in a Babel-inspired tower
Cons
- Journal checkpoints confirm answers too readily for some
- Slow movement and clumsy pathfinding cause backtracking
- Final area is weaker than the rest
About
Winner of Best Indie Game at the 2024 New York Game Awards and nominated multiple times at other ceremonies including The Game Awards and the BAFTA, Chants of Sennaar is a critically-acclaimed puzzle and adventure game developed by Rundisc.
Divided since the dawn of time, the Peoples of the Tower no longer speak to each other, isolated by fear or mistrust. It is said that one day, a Traveler will find the wisdom to break down the walls and restore the balance. Travel the endless steps of a prodigious labyrinth, uncover the truth and unveil the mysteries of this fascinating universe where ancient languages are both the lock and the key.
Inspired by the myth of Babel, discover an enigmatic and vast tower. As the Traveler, delve into a world full of mysteries, where Peoples have grown distant, unable to communicate with each other anymore. Begin your adventure in a prodigious tower inhabited by five distinct Peoples, observe, listen, and strive to mend the bonds of distrust.
With a smart gameplay system, explore and solve various puzzles to uncover the mysteries of five different interconnected languages. Always guided by your trusty notebook, note each symbol, keep track of your surroundings, engage in conversations with people and unravel the meaning of every glyph. Each step will pave your way to the top of the Tower as each word will restore the link between People.
Dive into an enthralling and colorful world full of secrets. Tumble headlong into a beautiful world inspired by impactful European comics authors where every floor of the Tower possesses its own visual identity, supported by distinctive technological levels, architecture and culture. Embark on a poetic and enchanting journey driven by a soul-stirring, lyrical soundtrack, made by Thomas Brunet.
