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Masquerada: Songs and Shadows

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2016

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Quick resume

Masquerada is a single-player tactical RPG set in a Renaissance-inspired city of magic, where real-time combat can be paused to set up elemental combos powered by Venetian-styled masks. Come for gorgeous hand-drawn art; stay for the rich lore & a thoughtful, fully-voiced tale of intrigue & tragedy.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical, Strategy

Pros

  • Engaging and emotional story
  • Rich and immersive worldbuilding
  • Excellent voice acting
  • Beautiful art style and music
  • Character development and relationships

Cons

  • Linear gameplay with no player choices
  • Combat system is simple and sometimes clunky
  • Limited exploration and replayability
  • No manual save system, only autosaves
  • Party ai can be frustrating

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    -4

    "The game is highly linear with no meaningful player choices or branching paths; story progression is on rails."

  • Competence
    1

    "Combat requires some tactical thinking and skill management but is relatively simple and can be easy on normal difficulty."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive or PvP elements; focus is on single-player story experience."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report being deeply engaged by story and characters, encouraging long play sessions and replay for lore."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay is single-player with party control; limited cooperation is with AI companions, no multiplayer."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can customize character skills and masks, but overall gameplay and story follow a fixed structure."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of dominance or power over others; interactions are narrative-driven and respectful."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong narrative and immersive world provide escape from real life; players emotionally engaged."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in story, characters, and world."

  • Experimenting
    -2

    "Limited experimentation possible in combat builds; story and progression are fixed and linear."

  • Exploration
    -4

    "Game world is mostly linear with limited exploration; players follow a set path."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character customization via masks and skill trees allows for personal expression within limits."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Set in a fantasy world inspired by Renaissance Italy with magic masks and elemental powers."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Single-player experience with some social elements through character relationships but no multiplayer."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players develop skills and abilities over time; story and character development emphasize growth."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention on story and combat; not a casual or idle experience."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Strong emotional connections to characters and story; some themes of close relationships."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Player controls party members and issues commands but no evidence of leadership over other players."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players accumulate skills, masks, and upgrades; character progression is a key feature."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Story and music provide immersive and sometimes calming experience; combat can be tense but manageable."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Vibrant art style, music, and voice acting provide strong sensory and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or ranking systems; focus is on personal story experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Highly praised narrative with deep character development, immersive lore, and emotional impact."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Combat involves tactical positioning and skill use, but overall strategy depth is moderate."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense and tension in story and combat, but not a primary focus."

  • Value
    4

    "Players feel the game offers good value for price due to story, voice acting, and overall experience."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat involves fighting enemies but is not focused on gratuitous violence or destruction."

  • Survival
    0

    "No significant survival mechanics; combat involves health and focus management but no resource scarcity."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026