Eriksholm, a stealth game developed by River End Games, has been compared to previous titles from Mimimi Games, such as Shadow Tactics and Desperados III. However, Eriksholm moves away from the sandbox structure that characterizes those games, opting for a linear narrative and stealth encounters that must be resolved in a specific way. This approach sets it apart, although it also limits the experience by not offering multiple paths to tackle the challenges.
Eriksholm tries to be everything and although it stumbles, it is interesting
In Eriksholm, players take on the role of Hanna, a young woman who has recovered from an illness called Heartpox, which affects the city of Eriksholm and the colonial nation in which she lives. The disappearance of her brother Herman leads Hanna to embark on a solitary quest, plunging her into a world of stealth and puzzles. Although the game allows for stealthy tactics, the narrative comes across as the least convincing part, with archetypal characters lacking depth and a plot that feels superficial and problematic in its treatment of coloniality.
One of the strengths of Eriksholm lies in its detailed environmental design, which enriches the narrative through conversations and elements of the environment, even though the main plot fails to capture the player’s interest. Despite the simplicity of its stealth mechanics and the characters feeling one-dimensional, the title offers moments of tension and collaboration in its challenges, especially when controlling multiple characters, each with unique abilities.
Although Eriksholm may not have met narrative expectations, its focus on gameplay and stealth provides an entertaining experience. With the promise of a narrative unfolded through environmental details, future installments in this style are expected to offer more captivating stories.
