9/10: Estoeric Ebb is a delightful "Disco-like" that uses some of the basics of D&D's mechanics and spells to create it's own distinct world of fantasy, absurdity, and political shenanigans. Roll dice, make some good friends, and explore the city of Norvik as you track down the culprit behind the local tea shop explosion!
You are Ragn Helm, a cleric sent by the local magistrate to find out who blew up the local tea shop before the cities first-ever election starts in 5 days. Unfortunately, you awaken on a slab in the local morgue at level 1 with a bad case of spell-amenesia, so hit the streets, start asking questions, and keep an eye out for spell scrolls to restock your ruined spellbook!
Esoteric Ebb is a game about exploration, investigation, and revelation, almost all of which is resolved through dialogue options and 20-sided dice rolls. There is some combat in Esoteric Ebb, but it is carried out in the same manner of dialogue options as the rest of the game does, so it doesn't require timing or aiming, just a high enough spread of stats to bend the odds of succeeding in your favor. That being said, the game does require you to read in order to comprehend what is going on in the narrative, and there is no voice acting unless you count the generic grunts and barks the characters make sometimes, so your own reading speed and comprehension will affect how quickly you play through the game.
In the same spirit as Planescape: Torment and Disco Elysium, our protagonist Ragn is simultaneously gifted and a ♥♥♥♥-up. In Ragn's case, one of his gifts is instanteously memorizing spell scrolls that normally take hours or effort to learn. There's a decent amount of spells for Ragn to find hidden away in nooks or given as reward for succeeding dialogue checks, and Disco Elysium succeeds in highlighing many utility spells that often get overshadowed in the usual D&D campaigns such as Enhance Ability and Speak with Animals. There are several opportunities for creative uses of the more niche and non-combat spells you find, so don't be afraid to use one of your available spell slots on a well-timed casting of Grease.
Along with that, much like Disco Elysium, Ragn's inner voice is compounded by a collection of contrasting and complimenting voices that represent the core 6 D&D stats: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. The stats themselves are each tied to a partiuclar political philosophy, and their frequency and the nuance to their politics seem to grow directly in relation to the stat itself. Strength is Nationalist, Dexterity supports Freestriderism/capitalism, Constitution is Agrarian/farmer-focused, Intelligence wants you to rule as an all-powerful Mage King, Wisdom is Azgalist/socialist, and Charisma wants to be apolitical to stay on everyones good side. If a given stat is below 10, they may present their points bluntly or show up less often than stats that are higher above 10. Thankfully, many of the magic items provide a net positive set of effects when equipped, so you can significantly improve your stats if you equip yourself wisely.
Much of the intrigue around the tea shop explosion ties into the local politics around Norvik, which are getting amplified due to the upcoming election. Humans, goblins, birdfolk, merfolk, and other folk around Norvik are all getting ready to vote for the first time ever, and there's a solid set of side-quests that pop up as you learn more about the local people. In addition to the experience and rewards of money or magic items, several of the more significant side-quests also let you select a Feat, some of which can double the money you find or double the stat bonuses certain types of gear grant you.
Stylistically, Esoteric Ebb remains isometric but much more colorful and fantasy-based than Disco or Planescape. Ragn isn't as sad and broken as Harry DuBois or the Nameless One, and the city of Norvik isn't as downtrodden or corrupt as Revachol or Sigil, despite the problems it's dealing with and facing in the future. There's still whimsy around Norvik, with esoteric pockets of magic popping up at odd times and friendly devils offering legal advice and enjoying a sunny day in the park.
All in all, Esoteric Ebb is a great D&D-inspired Disco-like that leans more towards the absurd than the melancholy. Take the time to explore the ups and downs of the different stats/philosophies, get to know the locals, learn about the unique history and cultures of Norvik and the world surrounding it, and you're bound to find a few moments and lines that are gems. Recommended for fans of detective games, fantasy, point-and-click games, reading, and rolling d20's. Oh by the way, what are you voting for?
