Esoteric Ebb Reviews
Esoteric Ebb shows that the spirit of Disco-likes can be done in a way that is incredibly potent and resonant with the player in the same way the original game was. It is a game that will inevitably stick with me as the months go on, and although 2026 is far from over, I believe you'll be hard-pressed to find anything else with this level of high quality writing this year. Games such as this come very rarely and they need to be harbored for how special they are as narrative experiences.
Christoffer Bodegård has made an excellent game in Esoteric Ebb, especially for a fantasy RPG and D&D fan like me. Even if you don’t know about D&D, it’s easy to get into. With a rich world to explore and an intriguing story, there is plenty to do, plus numerous interesting side quests. The satirical humour and colourful characters throughout provide a very fun fantasy world. With many hours of gameplay, the stunning graphics and attention to detail will keep you engaged, partnered with a solid soundtrack. Amazingly, this is Christoffer Bodegård’s debut game, and I’m beyond excited to see what they develop next. I’m thrilled to give Esoteric Ebb the Thumb Culture Platinum Thumbs Up! I previously reviewed Knights in Tight Spaces, a similar isometric fantasy RPG, so feel free to check that out too.
Esoteric Ebb is a debut of exceptional rarity; an indie title that doesn’t merely fill the void left by its inspirations, but actively contributes to expanding the boundaries of what the genre has to offer. Christoffer Bodegård’s ambition is evident in every aspect of the production, from the complexity of the world-building to the sophistication of the progression system, from the quality of the writing to the art direction. Sudden Snail has delivered a debut of rare maturity to the indie scene. Norvik is a city you’ll want to return to, Snell is a companion you won’t easily forget, and the Quest Tree is a fully realized design concept.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Esoteric Ebb is a can’t-miss experience.
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Review in Russian | Read full review
Esoteric Ebb is an absolutely worthy successor to its inspirations. It effortlessly manages to be both intellectually rigorous and deeply, humanly messy, blending its philosophical questions with the overarching narrative and tea shop mystery, elevating all aspects in the process.
Esoteric Ebb is a fascinating CRPG that is so well thought-out and executed that it easily sits in the pantheon of the “best of” in this genre.
An impressive and highly unique RPG, as well as the most comprehensive "Disco Elysium Clone" we have seen to date.
If you like RPGs, you owe it to yourself to play Esoteric Ebb.
I cannot say enough good things about Esoteric Ebb, which is positively stuffed with them. Like a good mimic, it's got teeth. It is both familiar in its shape and size and astonishing in its surprising depth and riches. Do not let its appearance fool you: There is a lot more to love about this "Disco-like" than its vibrant surface and wit might initially convey.
Raw Fury's new game brings a new take on the text-based CRPG format of videogame journey.
While it doesn't offer up information on completing quests, it does give you the freedom to explore the world and characters. If you're a fan of DnD looking for something unique with some solid writing and good humor, then you won't find a better game to play than Esoteric Ebb.
Esoteric Ebb is an achievement in video game storytelling, and one of the most endearing, hilarious and immersive roleplaying experiences I've ever had in the medium. It's absolutely a must-play, and carves out an astonishing identity for itself beyond the D&D and Disco Elysium inspirations that drive it.
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Esoteric Ebb is a gorgeously illustrated, dialogue-drunk RPG that marries Disco Elysium's inner-monologues with D&D's gameplay bones. Its bureaucratic labyrinths, strange citizens, and bickering ability scores keep every conversation swaying between revelation and the ridiculous. Solid writing and solid technical performance make the whole investigation run smoothly. It's a game for anyone willing to take the bad rolls with the good-and enjoy the story that spills out when the dice decide you're not the hero today.
When I had finally solved the mystery of the tea shop, an epilogue allowed me to meander and tie up loose ends in relative leisure. There the Cleric remains, singular in his imperfections, basking in the rest he’s earned.
Esoteric Ebb borrows liberally from Disco Elysium, and both because of and in spite of that, it's one of the finest CRPGs ever made.
Become a legendary cleric! Be fearless, brilliant, omniscient and immortal. Roll the dice and face the consequences of your decisions. This adventure is designed for a specific group of players, who will appreciate it all the more.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
I already had good expectations for this narrative RPG but somehow it has managed to exceed them by far. Yes, it draws heavily from Disco Elysium (and from other sources such as the legendary Planescape: Torment), but it's not just a shallow copy of the original, instead it's a game with a strong identity of its own, one that can stand proudly alongside some of the best RPGs of the last decade.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Disco Elysium-esque gameplay of Esoteric Ebb provides a blank canvas for a colorful 2D graphic style that feels a bit like an interactive comic and often creates an interesting balancing act between style and content. I have very little bad to say about Esoteric Ebb. The only thing I still find difficult even after many hours of gameplay is navigating the different areas and moving from one to another as well as the questing tree, which is a bit rough in use while looking gorgeous. But those are really just minor things. Recommending such a story-driven game without spoilers is always somewhat impossible though. So to put it simply: the Visuals are awesome, the music is great and the story abolutely wild. Esoteric Ebb is really good. Trust me.
Review in German | Read full review