Originally released in 2019, developer ZA/UM’s hit indie title, Disco Elysium, is a CRPG (Computer Role-Playing Game) that mimics the same style of story and character progression akin to Dungeons & Dragons. The game’s setting takes place in the fictional city-state of Revachol, a run-down city in the midst of political and economic turmoil. You play as a middle-aged detective who’s lost his memory and is thrown into a murder investigation that spans throughout the duration of the game.
What sets Disco Elysium apart is its unique mechanics. Instead of traditional combat, the game focuses on dialogue and skill checks. Your detective’s mind is split into 24 different skills, each representing a part of his psyche—from Logic and Empathy to more abstract traits like Inland Empire, which taps into your gut feelings and imagination. These skills aren’t just part of a numbers game, they actively speak to you during conversations, pushing and pulling your thoughts in different directions. Depending on how you develop your character, you might solve cases with razor-sharp logic or fall into emotional outbursts and/or wild theories.
The story itself is as rich as it is unpredictable. While you’re tasked with solving a murder, the narrative quickly branches into themes of existential dread, political ideology, and personal redemption. The choices you make don’t just affect the outcome of the case—they shape who your character becomes. One moment you might be delivering a heartfelt apology to a grieving widow; the next, you’re trying to sing karaoke at a bar to cope with your existential crisis. The game does not shy away from dark humor or philosophical musings. It challenges you to think critically about your place in the world of Revachol.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut enhances the original game with full voice acting for every character, bringing the diverse cast to life in an even more immersive way. This edition also adds new political vision quests allowing you to dive deeper into the game’s complex ideologies. The freedom to shape your detective’s personality—whether he is a corrupt cop, a hopeless romantic, or a communist revolutionary—makes every playthrough feel fresh and personal.
In a time where multiplayer action games are at an all-time high in popularity, 2021’s Final Cut offers a slow and rich story for anyone looking to take a break from the fast-paced chaos. It is a rewarding game that allows players to patiently immerse themselves in thoughtful exploration with no forced rush to the end. Disco Elysium isn’t just a game —it’s an experience— a rare gem in modern gaming that reminds us of the power in storytelling and choice.
