Centum

Centum is a haunting, esoteric, and opaque game that begs constant examination, though its strengths as a video game are debatable.

Centum offers a deep and disturbing narrative accompanied by a high-level art section. Despite having limited gameplay, it is a unique experience, capable of engaging the player in a personal and disturbing reflection.

Centum is not for the faint of heart or for those looking for a conventional gaming experience. It is a cryptic, experimental journey that challenges the player’s patience as much as it does their intellect. The game thrives in its ability to confuse your mind and thoughts. That being said, Centum is not a game that will appeal to everyone. Its heavy dependence on text and sometimes incoherent storytelling might not attract players looking for a more structured adventure. But for those willing to embrace its unique brand of chaos, Centum offers an experience unlike any other.

Centum doesn’t want to entertain everyone. It wants to linger. It’s not a puzzle game in the traditional sense, nor is it a narrative game in the way we’ve come to expect. It’s a playable mood, a psychological Rorschach test rendered in pixels and static. You won’t find all the answers. But if you’re the kind of player who’s okay living in the questions, Centum is something rare, strange, and quietly remarkable.

Centum is a gripping point-and-click trip, drawing players in with disturbing imagery and a disquieting atmosphere before laying on a terrific critique of generative AI - as well as the kind of people who want to exploit it. Striking a nice balance between enigma and clarity, it presents a world you can’t fully trust contrasted against sincere messaging.

As a point-and-click escape room game, I had fun solving the various puzzles and navigating the scenarios, but the writing encourages a deeper analysis. While overly obtuse in some moments, I enjoyed how it brings its themes together. I’m unsure if someone will have the same experience I had, but I easily recommend this nightmare.

Centum is thought provoking, unflinching and maybe a little verbose. It's a minimal point-and-click where the messaging is the importance, with the gameplay taking a slight backseat to deliver the story. A rare gem for the medium that I couldn't recommend to everyone either.

Centum isn’t a great game in the traditional sense, but its haunting atmosphere and narrative create an experience that lingers—though whether it’s worth playing or just watching is for you to decide.

In spite of its obscure, overwritten prose and awkward puzzles, Centum provides a chilling and compelling narrative experience that both devastates and provokes reflection. Its stunning environment design builds a universe that extends beyond the screen, while its grossly uncanny characters evoke a base level of anxiety that is at once compelling and horrifying. Recommended for fans of classic point-and-click spookies who don't mind a bit of skim-reading.

Controls finicky on Switch Some puzzles feel overly difficult