Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is the debut game from French developer Savage Level. When I first heard about the title I was instantly intrigued. I love pirate settings and it is highly underutilised in gaming. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect though, as it was my first experience with a deck building turn-based combat game. So for others who might be in the same boat, did Flint: Treasure of Oblivion captivate me throughout? Or did I walk the plank?
From the moment you set sail with Captain Flint and his motley crew, the game pulls you into its richly detailed universe. The story, a blend of high-seas adventure and treasure hunting, is engaging and keeps you motivated throughout the journey. The plot is reminiscent of classic pirate tales, yet it adds its own modern twist, making it feel fresh and exciting. The comic-book styled storytelling is particularly noteworthy, adding a unique charm that sets the tone for the entire game.
One aspect of the game that I struggled with at time was its pacing. It features a compelling main storyline, but there are moments where the narrative seems to drag, with lengthy fetch quests or repetitive tasks that can feel like padding. These segments can slow down the momentum of the story, making it a bit of a slog at times.
One of the standout features of Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is its world-building. The developers have crafted diverse and immersive environments that range from bustling pirate cities to mysterious, uncharted islands. Each location is brimming with detail and life, making exploration a joy, and usually a rewarding endeavour in the form of crucial cards you can use later. The game truly shines in these moments of discovery, where the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets and treasures is palpable.
Gameplay-wise, the game blends real-time exploration with turn-based tactical combat. The exploration segments allow you to traverse the varied landscapes, interact with NPCs, and gather resources. The turn-based combat, while strategic and engaging, can sometimes feel a bit clunky. I’ll admit some of this may be down to me being a bit of a novice with this particular brand of combat, but I felt the pacing of battles occasionally disrupted the flow of the game. That said, the tactical depth and the variety of abilities at your disposal do add a layer of complexity that strategy enthusiasts will appreciate.
The character development and progression system in the game are well-implemented. As you progress, you can upgrade both Captain Flint and his crew, unlocking new abilities and improving their stats. This system encourages you to experiment with different strategies and playstyles, adding to the game’s replayability. Additionally, the relationships between crew members are explored through side quests.
Graphically, Flint: Treasure of Oblivion looks great. I’m a big fan of the isometric viewpoint and coupled with its vibrant colours and detailed textures, it brings the pirate world to life. However, there are occasional graphical glitches and frame rate drops, especially in more crowded or complex scenes. These issues, while not game-breaking, can detract from the overall experience and feel avoidable given the PlayStation 5 hardware.
Sound design is another area where the game excels. The soundtrack, filled with rousing pirate-themed tunes, enhances the atmosphere and keeps you immersed in the action. The trophy list is very straight forward, simply asking you to follow the narrative and complete the story.
In conclusion, Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is a game that’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It’s an excellent maiden voyage for a talented up and coming studio and one that has opened my eyes to a new type of gameplay. If you too think that pirates are under represented in gaming and are keen for a swashbuckling adventure, I’d recommend checking this out.
-Mark
