Shacknews writes:
It’s easy to take magic in RPGs for granted. Even Final Fantasy VI, in which the characters are so shocked to see magic they break the fourth wall, treats it as a simple exchange: MP for big boy damage. It’s rare for a game’s story to contend with magic as something more complicated or costly. Fate/Stay Night emphasizes a great physical burden for example. In The Thaumaturge, magic isn’t about throwing fireballs; it’s about exploiting forces not to be trifled with, dancing with one’s own self-destructive flaws and dipping into a well of madness. There’s always a temptation to reach for more, and most who do don’t climb back out.
GamesHorizon's interview with The Thaumaturge makers sheds light on their creative process of designing the Salutors and the flaw system.
VGChartz's Paul Broussard: "Overall, The Thaumaturge is an encouraging first start. All the fundamentals for a good story are nailed down, it’s just the presentation of said story that needs work, and ideally finding more meaningful ways to invest the player via the game’s interactive components. As for the final product itself, it’s certainly competent enough, if the prospect of a mystery with some light RPG elements sounds appealing, but don’t expect it to light your world on fire."
Do you want to become a manipulator, full of pride and become best friends with demons? Read our review of The Thaumaturge to master it.
