The Stone of Madness (2025)

From the studio behind the acclaimed Blasphemous series emerges *The Stone of Madness*, a real-time tactical stealth experience that plunges players into the grim confines of an 18th-century Spanish monastery. Nestled in the Pyrenees, this ancient Jesuit institution harbors a dark dual nature: a brutal madhouse and an inquisitorial prison. Players will guide five desperate inmates – Agnes, Leonora, Eduardo, Amelia, and Alfredo – as they confront their deepest fears, battle encroaching insanity, and unravel the monastery's sinister secrets in a bid for freedom. The core gameplay revolves around strategically alternating control of these unique characters, leveraging their distinct, upgradable skills to cast spells, execute stealthy assassinations, create diversions, stun spectral entities, and access otherwise unreachable areas. Exploration is key, as combining their abilities will uncover vital clues and tools scattered throughout the oppressive environment. However, vigilance is paramount; discovery by the ever-watchful guards carries severe repercussions, and each character’s journey is deeply intertwined with their own fully realized traumas and phobias, where triggering these mental afflictions can lead to devastating consequences, fundamentally altering gameplay. *The Stone of Madness* offers a compelling gameplay loop that emphasizes consequence and strategic timing. The game features two distinct campaigns, each presenting unique narratives, objectives, and character dynamics, ensuring ample replayability. Time is a critical element, with the day-night cycle dictating both opportunities and threats. Daytime is ideal for clandestine exploration and resource gathering, capitalizing on distracted guards. As twilight descends, the monastery's paranormal inhabitants emerge, posing a significant danger to sanity. Nighttime is best reserved for meticulous planning and escape strategy, though venturing out after curfew presents a heightened challenge with increased security, but potentially greater rewards. The game’s breathtaking visuals are a testament to its inspiration, with lovingly hand-painted, frame-by-frame animation drawing heavily from the macabre artistry of Francisco De Goya. The isometric perspective expertly showcases these striking visuals, immersing players in a world that feels like a living, breathing Goya masterpiece. This commitment to artistic vision, coupled with its challenging strategic gameplay and deeply thematic narrative, makes *The Stone of Madness* a strong contender for inclusion among Tripwire Presents' best offerings.