Esoteric Ebb

Esoteric Ebb brings an enthralling mystery to the forefront of Indie Gaming, a must-play.

I hope this review doesn’t sound overly critical because I am genuinely pleased with most of what Esoteric Ebb achieves. I just think the game could have been significantly improved, had it the confidence to shed its most conspicuous Disco-isms and dance to its own tune. Given everything that happened at ZA/UM and its creative core’s dissolution, we will likely never get a true successor to Disco Elysium. I am at peace with that. But if developers like Bodegård can iterate on its systemic expressiveness with the type of passion and intelligence that Esoteric Ebb manages, its legacy is in good hands.

An impressive and highly unique RPG, as well as the most comprehensive "Disco Elysium Clone" we have seen to date.

I already had good expectations for this narrative RPG but somehow it has managed to exceed them by far. Yes, it draws heavily from Disco Elysium (and from other sources such as the legendary Planescape: Torment), but it's not just a shallow copy of the original, instead it's a game with a strong identity of its own, one that can stand proudly alongside some of the best RPGs of the last decade.

Esoteric Ebb is a gorgeously illustrated, dialogue-drunk RPG that marries Disco Elysium’s inner-monologues with D&D's gameplay bones. Its bureaucratic labyrinths, strange citizens, and bickering ability scores keep every conversation swaying between revelation and the ridiculous. Solid writing and solid technical performance make the whole investigation run smoothly. It’s a game for anyone willing to take the bad rolls with the good—and enjoy the story that spills out when the dice decide you’re not the hero today.

Esoteric Ebb is a fun RPG that relies on well-written dialogue with many genuinely funny moments. However, if you don’t enjoy games that are heavily based on reading or don’t have at least an intermediate level of English, there’s a good chance you won’t enjoy the game.

For those who appreciate dense narrative games and experiences that emphasize character role-playing, Esoteric Ebb offers one of the most interesting proposals in the genre in recent years.

Esoteric Ebb is a delight and a joy. It’s yet more proof that taking yourself less seriously is when the real magic happens.

Esoteric Ebb, then, arrives as something that feels new when everyone is chasing games-as-a-service mandatory-multiplayer only: a single-player, well-written, extremely fun game that is about screwing around and enjoying the game rather than unlocking lootboxes, progressing through the season, or paying for content. Sit back, relax, and listen to what the voices in your head are telling you.

Esoteric Ebb upends the reductive ideological schema that has long sat deep in the genre and industry that D&D birthed.

Esoteric Ebb is an unexpected delight that pairs elements of D&D campaigns with Disco Elysium, which turns out to be a perfect fit. There’s an absurdist element that’s delightful, but the social commentary also feels quite apt and deep at the same time. The execution of the RPG elements also means that feels like there’s always more to explore, which I appreciated.

I cannot say enough good things about Esoteric Ebb, which is positively stuffed with them. Like a good mimic, it's got teeth. It is both familiar in its shape and size and astonishing in its surprising depth and riches. Do not let its appearance fool you: There is a lot more to love about this "Disco-like" than its vibrant surface and wit might initially convey.

Esoteric Ebb is a fantastic RPG with a gripping narrative and plenty of options to explore. There’s so much to do and so many threads to explore that it can be a little overwhelming at first, especially with the lack of a simpler list of potential tasks or other guidance. For those that insist on it, what you get is a full-course meal into a mesmerizing fantasy world.

If you like RPGs, you owe it to yourself to play Esoteric Ebb.

Disco Elysium meets Dungeons and Dragons: Despite its reductive description, Esoteric Ebb delivers a unique experience and identity. A top-notch role-playing game that genre fans shouldn't miss.

Esoteric Ebb is an achievement in video game storytelling, and one of the most endearing, hilarious and immersive roleplaying experiences I've ever had in the medium. It's absolutely a must-play, and carves out an astonishing identity for itself beyond the D&D and Disco Elysium inspirations that drive it.

Overall, Esoteric Ebb does a great job of applying aspects of its influences into its own splendid package. The experience is one that is full of surprises and delightful in its own way. While not for everyone, the game is sure to be memorable for those who enjoy the genre as well as those who simply put in the time to complete a playthrough. With so many variables available even at a surface level, each player’s first playthrough should be unique enough. If you are a CRPG fan at heart, Esoteric Ebb is a no-brainer to give it a shot. If you’re not, there’s still likely something for you if anything about the game resonates with you at all.

Esoteric Ebb is incredible. Saturated with fantastic writing and memorable characters, its systems marry CRPG and TTRPG mechanics in clever ways.

Esoteric Ebb is a weird game in the best way possible. It's a bit of a slow start, but once it gets you hooked, you'll want to see it through to the end. While it doesn't offer up information on completing quests, it does give you the freedom to explore the world and characters. If you're a fan of DnD looking for something unique with some solid writing and good humor, then you won't find a better game to play than Esoteric Ebb.

Esoteric Ebb may borrow heavily from some of the greatest games in its genre, but it takes what it borrows and shapes it, creating something that still feels unique and fresh in its own right. This journey through politics, friendship, and love is one that I won’t forget anytime soon.

Esoteric Ebb is simply a lovely RPG that puts player agency front and centre. Its world is fantastically immersive, deep, and invites you to stay a while with charming visuals, characters, and lore so detailed I'd gladly take another game or two set in this world.

A brilliant narrative RPG that’s a must-play, and not just for fans of Disco Elysium.

An interactive storytelling enthusiast—evidently captivated by *Disco Elysium*—decided to create a similar video game, albeit opting for a fantasy setting. The result is a title that, in many respects, closely resembles ZA/UM’s game; however, to reduce it to a mere variation on a theme would be unfair. Esoteric Ebb is a work capable of immersing the player in a complex universe, offering a commendable degree of role-playing freedom, and embedding its narrative within a gameplay framework that is, in some ways, superior even to that of *Disco Elysium* itself. If you aren't daunted by extensive on-screen reading and have a love for RPGs, give Esoteric Ebb a chance—you won't be disappointed.

A game that will feel like a remedy for those craving Disco Elysium. Those who can’t find an FRP group but still want to dive into a tabletop-style adventure can also pull up a chair and join in without hesitation. With a bit more production backing, it could have been a true contender for the top of its genre.

Following in the footsteps of Disco Elysium, this is another political and existential crisis presented as an RPG, though with its own distinctive style and satirical edge.

Esoteric Ebb is a multitude of things: a low-stakes political mystery, a comedy with solid writing and fleshed-out characters that have personalities even if there are no vocal performances to go with them, and it's a good-looking game that feels like the spirit of Disco Elysium. Most of all, it's an enjoyable experience that begs for multiple playthroughs to see all of the different scenarios and personalities. This is a pleasant surprise of a title, and those who value good dialogue above all else will be very happy with Esoteric Ebb.

Esoteric Ebb is just great. It’s not only clever regarding its gameplay but also its fantastically written dialogue. If you’re into a narrative roleplaying game in the vein of Dungeons & Dragons then Esoteric Ebb is an absolute must play.

Weaving Terry Pratchett, Terry Gilliam and more, Esoteric Ebb is a comedic D&D adventure where a waylaid Cleric is tasked with solving a crime, days before the world's first election.

What begins as a Disco Elysium imitation quickly grows into an exciting and compelling RPG experience that stands firmly on its own.

Not a revolution, either in terms of plot or mechanics, but simply an evolution of the "narrative RPG" à la Disco Elysium, which has thoroughly absorbed the rules—and especially the possibilities—of Dungeons & Dragons to deliver a profoundly fun adventure. Following the Cleric on his journey is a real treat (provided you're a fluent English speaker), and the scenario gradually unveils the infinite complexity of this deceptively familiar universe, where a roll of the dice can whisk us away into a gigantic, multi-hour interlude, reveal a metaphysical secret, or allow us to skip ahead in the investigation in the name of good gameplay and freedom of action. For a game written solo, it's a real tour de force, suffering only from bugs to fix and some fairly minor writing issues. Given the post-credits scene, a sequel is definitely possible, and it would be a real pleasure to return to Norvik for a second investigation.

While Esoteric Ebb certainly doesn’t try to avoid the direct comparisons to Disco Elysium’s style, it manages to stand out through its original setting and entertaining set of mysteries. The ingrained usage of skill checks to help guide conversations and what the game reveals to players helps keep them engaged, with plenty of highly enjoyable quests and interactions to be had all the way through. There’s lots to enjoy here, particularly for those who like seeing how their choices affect the presented mysteries and obstacles.

Where Esoteric Ebb feels new and fresh is in its approach to the fantasy genre.

Planet of Lana II delivers another contemplative, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning journey, choosing careful refinement over daring reinvention. While that restraint preserves the spirit of the original, it also carries over its sluggish pacing, occasionally convoluted puzzles, and moments of frustration, resulting in a gorgeous but overly safe sequel that echoes rather than elevates its predecessor.

Esoteric Ebb is the videogame equivalent of the best kind of cover band – one that understands, remixes, hybridises and ultimately shows great affection for its inspirations. While its immediate and constant comparisons to Disco Elysium do often do a disservice to its narration and companionship, its writing, thoughtful reflections on chance, sense of humour and largely successful melding of D&D 5e systems with Disco Elysium’s storytelling creates a flawed but otherwise accomplished foray into a richly designed world.

Esoteric Ebb is a charming and clever role-playing game that combines D&D virtues with a strong focus on story and contemporary themes. Even though the graphics and fantasy setting speak a different language, it almost feels like Disco Elysium 2.