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The Old City: Leviathan

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2014

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Quick resume

The Old City: Leviathan is an experiment in first person exploration that focuses entirely on story. All that exists is you and the world. Set in a decaying city from a civilization long past, The Old City: Leviathan puts the player in the shoes of a sewer dwelling isolationist.

Global score

72/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie

Pros

  • Beautiful and immersive environments
  • Deep philosophical and existential narrative
  • Excellent voice acting and soundtrack
  • Non-linear exploration with multiple paths
  • Thought-provoking and unique experience

Cons

  • Minimal gameplay mechanics beyond walking
  • Heavy reading requirement with dense text
  • Slow movement speed and some tedious backtracking
  • Short overall length
  • Story can be confusing or obscure for some players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players freely explore a non-linear environment with choice of paths and discovery order, no forced gameplay mechanics"

  • Competence
    -3

    "Gameplay is limited to walking and exploration with no puzzles or combat, minimal skill challenge"

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or comparison to others, focus is on personal exploration and interpretation"

  • Continuation
    2

    "Some players report immersive experience leading to extended play sessions, others note short length and possible frustration"

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative elements"

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players engage in exploration and piecing together story from environmental clues, but no creation or modification"

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power dynamics, solitary experience"

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong immersion in a surreal, post-apocalyptic world offering mental escape and philosophical reflection"

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by curiosity and interest in story and atmosphere"

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Exploration of multiple paths and discovery of hidden notes encourages some experimentation"

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core gameplay is about discovering new areas, secrets, and piecing together story from environment"

  • Expression
    -4

    "No character customization or player expression, fixed narrative and environment"

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game blends post-apocalyptic realism with surreal, mythological and dreamlike elements"

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Solo experience with minimal social interaction or community feeling"

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of complex philosophical narrative and world through exploration and reading"

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity"

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to read and explore, not suitable for casual or background play"

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationships formed, solitary mental experience"

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements"

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story and discovery of notes, but no item or skill accumulation"

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmospheric and immersive experience provides contemplative relaxation despite some unsettling themes"

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visuals, sound design and music create strong sensory and emotional impact"

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems"

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with philosophical, mythological and existential themes deeply embedded"

  • Strategy
    -4

    "No strategic or problem-solving gameplay, focus on exploration and interpretation"

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some moments of tension and unease from atmosphere and narrative, but no traditional thrills or scares"

  • Value
    3

    "Good value for price given unique experience and immersive atmosphere, though short length noted"

  • Violence
    -4

    "No combat or destruction, focus on exploration and narrative"

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival mechanics or threats, stable environment"

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    Last update: 06/03/2026