Christoffer Bodegård’s Esoteric Ebb is a new CRPG that initially took time to win me over. Its elevator pitch—Disco Elysium meets Dungeons & Dragons—sets the stage for a narrative-driven adventure where players assume the role of a cleric exploring a small town. The central mystery revolves around the explosion of a local tea shop, but the journey is far from straightforward.
Like its inspiration, Esoteric Ebb challenges players with dense reading, moral dilemmas, and the need to balance the conflicting advice of internal character traits. The game’s isometric, top-down perspective mirrors Disco Elysium, reinforcing its emphasis on deep storytelling and player choice.
At its core, Esoteric Ebb is a dice-based RPG where every decision carries weight. Whether navigating conversations or uncovering the truth behind the explosion, players must weigh their options carefully. The game’s reliance on text and dialogue may deter those seeking fast-paced action, but for fans of narrative-driven RPGs, it offers a rich and rewarding experience.