Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts

Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts might be a bit of a niche game, but if you are in the mood for humor and creativity and you are in a medieval mood, Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts might just be the game for you.

Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts is a rather unique turn of events, both in the indie and mainstream worlds. I don't think I can recall another title that so easily puts drawing tools in our hands and lets us tackle challenges with them. While the aesthetic and offerings are impressive on paper, the freedom offered is simply too much, to the point of becoming disorienting and lacking any real depth. A little more clarity about the game's target audience would certainly have moved Scriptorium closer to something more than a pastime for a few play sessions here and there.

Yaza Games knocks it out of the park again with Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts, if only for a somewhat niche audience. In no small part, the game feels made for medievalists, as well as for folks who love medieval books and cozy games. The game finds comfort in its gameplay loop, and is supported by an entertaining series of short stories. I expected the charm of the scriptorium to wear off quickly, but after nearly 10 hours, I find myself giddy to go back through the individual stories of these trope-y characters and spend more time in “Sandbox” mode, designing to my heart’s content.