In a thrilling development for fans of stealth and strategy games, The Game Kitchen, known for their success with Blasphemous, in collaboration with Tripwire Interactive, has unveiled a promising new game slated for release in early 2025 on the Nintendo Switch. Titled The Stone of Madness, this tactical stealth adventure transports players to a grim, historical setting in 18th century Spain.
The narrative centers around five forsaken inmates confined within the walls of a monastery that doubles as both a prison and a madhouse. In this oppressive environment, corruption and violence pervade, forcing these characters to confront not only external threats but also their internal fears. Together, they must devise a plan to escape their torturous confines, relying on each other's unique abilities and maintaining their sanity in the process.
The game is primarily a puzzle-solving venture where players will receive clues essential for furthering their escape plans. Each of the five characters can be controlled independently, which introduces a dynamic element of strategy as players must decide how best to use each inmate’s abilities to overcome specific challenges. The preservation of sanity is a recurring theme, as each character’s mental stability directly influences their behavior and abilities. The game introduces a system of progression and regression, where failing to maintain a character’s sanity can lead to severe psychological downturns including paranoia, dementia, or violence.
Adding to its intrigue, The Stone of Madness offers players the option to choose between two distinct escape plans, each with its own set of challenges, narratives, and outcomes. This feature enhances replayability, encouraging players to explore different strategies and experience the story from multiple angles. The game operates on a day and night cycle, with certain actions more suited to daylight hours, while the cover of night presents unique opportunities and dangers — a gameplay mechanic that adds a layer of tactical depth.
Visually, the game is a spectacle of artistic achievement, with environments and character designs heavily inspired by the works of the renowned Spanish painter Francisco Goya. The Stone of Madness boasts stunning hand-drawn art that brings the dark and atmospheric setting to life in beautiful, haunting detail. Here is a sneak peek at the game's visual and gameplay elements:
