A reprobate is “an unprincipled person, often used humorously and affectionately.” Some archaic definitions refer to a reprobate as someone “predestined to damnation.” Joe Richardson, creator, must have spent time finding the right words for this game because that kinda says it all. Death of the Reprobate is another Joe Richardson title using sophisticated vocabulary to deliver irreverent, disgusting, low-brow humor. All while poking fun at Renaissance-era artwork. And maybe pointillism.
In this two-to-four-hour jaunt, you play the role of heir to Immortal John’s estate (he’s not actually immortal). Of course, your character is a loathsome sort, so you have to prove to Immortal John that you can rectify your errant ways and be a jolly lad worthy of his riches and title.
What ensues is an ungainly prance from painting to painting, all while talking with folks carefully cut and pasted from other works of art. I can’t tell if Richardson is celebrating these works or poking fun at them, because while the less alluring side of some paintings is on full display, the game is absolutely awash in famous and less-than-famous artwork of the era. Death of the Reprobate is made for someone just like me who enjoys eloquent verbiage mashed together with raspberries and obscene gestures. Finally, I am seen.
Much of the game is just that: fancy writing and childish humor. Perfection. But that’s not all. While awkwardly ambulating in biped fashion, our “hero” meets and talks to several people in need, all prominently indicated with an arrow from God. Thanks for making this easy, God. Most interactions devolve into “Who are you?” “What are you doing?” and “How can I help?” dialogue options when one isn’t observing or smacking people. At times, the dialogue goes to some novel places, but that’s the gist of most of it. The game is the visuals and writing. Oh, and point-and-click adventure game puzzle solving.
If I’m brutally honest, the writing and visuals become repetitive, and I don’t like saying that, because the style here is unmatched; I just wish Richardson changed up the formula a bit. It’s as if he’s run out of tricks and had to squeak out one last fart. That didn’t stop me from eying a screen transition to a new painting while leaning in excitedly. Every landscape laden with awful people ignites the imagination. I only wish the ensuing conversations surpassed expectations.
Most areas have musicians playing all sorts of ye olde instruments with a soundtrack to match. Nothing original here, it seems, but the sounds complement the style, which is good. No voice acting, but this is a smaller work, and I’m not sure any talent could match the sorts of voices I had going on in my head while reading this absurdity. Everything controls as expected.
While Death of the Reprobate is not a perfect experience, this brief journey doesn’t overstay its welcome. I’m a Joe Richardson fan, and I can’t wait to see what he does next, even if it’s nothing like his previous works. Clearly, he’s a talented individual who deserves success. If unique experiences are your wheelhouse and you don’t mind some potty humor to go with your high-brow language, then please support this developer.
