REVIEW – An indie developer tried to create something visually spectacular. It worked for the studio, but it’s questionable whether visuals alone are enough, because as with everything else, this game isn’t perfect. In fact, it’s worth saying that River End Games’ work is not particularly innovative either.

This is the first title from the new Swedish studio, and while the visuals are good, the overall impression isn’t perfect—some aspects fall short.

In Stealth

E:TSD is a dramatic, story-driven, isometric-view game. As a result, you’ll have to hide from police and guards for long stretches. During this time, you’ll be able to explore the environment—a strong point for the game. The Kingdom of Rosmark is fictional, but that doesn’t diminish its visual beauty. The overall look is inspired by early 20th-century design, both in architecture and setting. Small details abound, making it worth looking around to see how vivid it feels. Eriksholm is anything but sterile. You can eavesdrop on conversations, watch what’s happening with the townspeople, and pick up notes and flyers for extra world-building and story hints. And yes, people are dropping like flies: heart pox is ravaging Eriksholm. If you catch it, chances are you’ll die, and on top of that, economic times are tough with a distant war raging.

Most people are out of work thanks to the rise of steam power, including two orphans—Hanna and Herman. Hanna quickly escapes so the police won’t arrest her brother. You’ll spend lots of time on rooftops and in alleys. The key gameplay mechanic revolves around the line of sight of other characters, visually represented only when there’s a risk of being spotted. Enemies’ vision is displayed as a dotted line; if it reaches you, you’re caught. It’s a clever solution, letting you easily gauge your risk and time, making you feel the pressure. You’ll need to rely on cover and distract enemies at the right moment. A flock of birds might divert guards’ attention, risking revealing your position, but allowing you to slip by unnoticed. There’s nothing really new in this gameplay; if anything, it’s indie games that might survive the gaming industry’s looming creative—and perhaps financial—crash more easily than AAA studios.

Puzzles Aplenty

Your journey goes from home through the mines to the richer part of town, serving up countless stealth puzzles. Initially, you control two main characters, later three, switching between them. Hanna uses a blowpipe to quietly stun enemies. Alva, Hanna’s former boss, throws rocks to distract guards. Sebastian, the family friend, relies on brute force, taking down guards from behind. Everyone has unique skills: Hanna crawls through vents, Sebastian swims, Alva climbs drainpipes.

It’s reminiscent of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, but this is more puzzle game than sandbox strategy. At first, there’s some freedom in tackling situations, but later the game turns linear. The story gets a bit absurd, but facial animations are excellent. When it comes to puzzles, only one solution works later in the game, which is frustrating after the initial illusion of choice. Still, E:TSD deserves credit for automatic stealth and always having plenty of checkpoints.

Beauty Isn’t Everything

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a good game, but it’s not revolutionary. It won’t earn top marks and has to settle for a 7/10, because linearity means there’s zero replay value. Beyond good graphics and facial animation, it doesn’t offer much new, so artistry alone can’t carry it. The only real recommendation is for stealth game fans—others may want to look elsewhere.

-V-

Story: 65
Graphics: 80
Music/Audio: 75
Gameplay: 70
Ambience: 60

Developer: River End Games
Publisher: Nordcurrent Labs
Release date: July 15, 2025
Genre: Stealth