1428:
Shadows over Silesia

1428: Shadows over Silesia (2022) is a historical adventure where you explore 15^th-century Europe through the eyes of two characters intertwined at the outbreak of war. You fight opponents, sneak around enemy sites, and solve puzzles to progress through the world. It's notable not only for its unique historical setting within the Hussite Wars in Silesia but also for its design to be playable using only audio, without sight.

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It's 1428, and the Hussite movement of Bohemia (the west of the modern-day Czech republic) is embroiled in a war in Silesia (modern-day western Poland, north-eastern Germany and the north-eastern Czech Republic). In this conflict, you play Hynek, a Hussite commander, and Lothar, a member of the order of the Knights Hospitaller. Both have their own worldviews and allegiances, but when a greater threat emerges, they must try and put down their weapons and forge an alliance to face it.

Gameplay is a mix of combat, exploration, character interaction, stealth mission, and puzzles. Fights are challenging with a focus on realism. You must study your opponent to find weaknesses and openings to then advance and deal damage. You explore the world, talking to characters and reading notes and messages to figure out what to do next. Sometimes, you infiltrate enemy encampments and bases, where you must avoid being spotted by the guards; careful and slow advancement is essential. Puzzles range from rearranging statues to solving codes, and all rely on careful observation of the world around you.

The result is a deep dive into an oft-forgotten part of European history. There's a challenging mix of gameplay mechanics, from combat to stealth to puzzles. Most impressive is the depth of discovery here (reading books, decyphering letters and so on) that makes the world a rewarding place to explore.

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Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked 1428: Shadows over Silesia 15 months ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 3 months ago.