The Stone of Madness (PS5) | REVIEW | A Stealth Sanitarium Story

The year is 1799, and a nameless king rules the kingdom. Under the king is a monastery that operates through the usual religious and political corruption. Using it's holy interior to house, abuse, and do nefarious thing with the mentally insane population it finds it's reckoning through a handful of inmates. It is in this hidden sanitarium that imprisoned Father Alfredo Martin witnesses the corruption first hand as a girl is taken away over a curious theft of a mysterious relic. This chance observation, of course, ends up kicking off a rescue, and escape mission that lasts for hours ...

In pursuit, and in the company of fellow inmates Father Alfredo Martin must use his skills in tandem with his followers' skills to stealthily make his way to the girl. With each character comes certain fears that will negatively affect their sanity and performance. Avoiding these fear inducing instances or apparitions is needed alongside clue investigation, and puzzle solving. They will have to avoid the guards' line of sight as they complete each objective, and work their way together through each sectioned off area.

As Father Alfredo Martin, Eduardo, Agnes, and Leonora you will individually, cooperatively, and in linked fashion stealth your way from objective point to objective point doing what is required to access the new objective area. This is done through character specific equipment, and skills. Each of the main characters comes complete with their own unique skills and sanity afflictions alongside their tools.

Father Alfredo Martin, for example, loses his sanity as he nears corpses or whenever he witnesses violence. He can also investigate clues by lamp light, and utilize a crucifix to fend of apparitions. Eduardo, on the other hand, is terrified of the dark, and must have the path lit for him to progress. Eduardo being the man of tall stature he is can also loot in the dark, throw things for distraction, and move heavy objects. Leonora, who is a more well kempt female resident, can assassinate or knockout guards as well as hide them when she's done. While Leonora is so bold as to attack she also fears being caught as she was previously imprisoned for aiding the girl they are after. Lastly, Agnes acts as the resident snitch, and offers distractions when found.

Regardless of character or role each can stealthily move about, follow, and work individually at tasks that need to be done to progress. Together though is the only way they'll make it out alive. The catch in all of it is that guards are a nonstop threat, and avoiding the visibility cone of each which has both near and far distance reach is a must. 

There's also the threat of sanity afflictions which will cause progression issues when the sanity meter is depleted. For these reasons each character has tools or equipment specific to them that can be utilized in dealing with the guards, apparitions, or stressed/violent inmates. Father Alfred Martin uses the oil lamp, and crucifix whereas Leonora has a violin, a knife, and a plank she can put to use. The other characters follow the same rule. Sometimes you'll also stumble upon new items that can be equipped and used as well.

The Presentation ...

For the most part of the game you will be working in a a nicely animated 3D isometric watercolor environment within the monastery grounds. It is here you control cartoon depictions of characters, and animated cutscenes during their introductions, and key events. This is cleverly accented by an orchestral soundtrack with hints of Gregorian chant at times. A fitting period perfect edition to the setting, and story.

The Verdict ...

Gameplay within "The Stone of Madness" draws you in from the start, and though it is challenging at times it is the kind of storied experience you want to see through to the end. The art, itself, is amazingly impressive!!! Everything from the character models to their avatars and animated likenesses gives life and personality to their character. The added voice-overs are a plus too in that same regard. Even the location is a character, in and of itself, wherein the developer spared no expense at the attention to detail.

All in all "The Stone of Madness" is a very artistic and hauntingly beautiful gaming experience inspired by historical likeness of the 1800 century church, and how it handled the mentally ill. The whole thing feels alive with the busybodies of the insane, and the corrupted. Making for something that feels lived in, and true to life. It is for these reasons I do highly recommend adding this one to your collection. It is a top notch stealth game with unique mechanics, and a reason to commit. A proper display of development prowess.