Impartial, a narrative game developed and published by Gamerlyst, casts players as a crucial mediator in an alternate Neo-Victorian London. Following the king's passing and a rise in crime, the local police force and superhero community have stepped in to restore order, frequently coming into conflict with one another and the public. GameGrin evaluated the title, highlighting its distinct moral dilemmas, coal-punk art style, and how these elements shape the overall player experience.
Quick Facts
- Developer and Publisher: Gamerlyst
- Setting: Alternate Neo-Victorian London
- Price: £8.99 / $15.50 AUD (varies by region)
- Playtime: Approximately two hours per playthrough
Gameplay and Moral Dilemmas
At the start of each day, players operate from a desk reading letters and answering phone calls before diving into what GameGrin describes as "brutal calculus." Decisions require choosing between two perspectives: Legman, representing the Hero Unit who favors peaceful arrests and saving civilians, and the Commissioner, representing a proactive, blunt police force where the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Review findings point out that players must balance the trust of heroes, police, and the public while navigating bribes from wealthy citizens and emotional appeals from everyday people. However, the review notes that the binary system of choosing between Legman or the Commissioner can feel somewhat lacking, with consequences arriving primarily as newspaper headlines or office letters rather than dynamic shifts in the city's appearance until the ending.
Art Style and World-Building
The visual presentation relies on a hand-drawn coal-punk art style utilizing shades of black, white, and grey. According to the critique, this aesthetic successfully evokes period illustrations and matches the cynical, realistic, and sometimes gory tone of the story—complete with delivered body parts and dark narrative themes.
Outside of official duties, players can engage in side activities like crosswords, drinking at the bar, or visiting a brothel for non-explicit company. While players earn weekly pay, reviewers noted that money lacks heavy utility due to a lack of mandatory bills, leaving funds mainly for desk trinkets, optional entertainment, and charity.
Player Fit and Value Considerations
Review findings suggest that Impartial offers an interesting narrative experiment for players who enjoy brief, choice-driven decision-making games with multiple endings. However, value concerns were raised regarding regional pricing—specifically noting that while £8.99 feels decent, the $15.50 AUD price point may be harder to justify given a two-hour single playthrough length. Reviewers ultimately suggest the title is a solid pick worth grabbing during a sale.