Game Review: Apocalipsis: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Xbox One)

Apocalipsis: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is a point and click game with an unusual visual aesthetic. That’s not what got my attention though, no. What got my attention was that the narrative was delivered by Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski of Behemoth fame.

Inspired by 15th Century mysticism, the likes of Dante’s Inferno and the Book of Revelation, Apocalipsis: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil’s story surrounds Harry. His love has been snatched from him so he sets out on a journey to rescue her. Along the way he will see unimaginable horrors until he arrives at the land of the dead.

We’re talking corpses piled high, cities under siege, demonic creatures cackling in the darkness, tortured souls in cages…this is hell.

Visually, Apocalipsis: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil looks great. The woodcut style of art is unique and allows for fantastic detail. Each new area offers sights that will amaze and disturb. It’s just a shame the gameplay isn’t quite on par.

Point & click, the majority of gameplay involves puzzle solving. Pick up items and use them where required, to progress. Similar to more modern point & clicks, everything you pick up has a use. With that in mind, it’s often just trial and error when it comes to progressing with only a handful likely to offer any real resistance. It’s not a long game either and competent players will have it wrapped up within 2-3 hours.

Harry feels clunky, slow and clunky. His demeanour is of someone who has seen such horror he can’t be fazed by anything that lies in front of him. His lack of urgency is frustrating though and while the game has two control options, it’s most comfortable to play when the cursor is on screen.

These niggles aside, Apocalipsis: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is a very memorable game. Not just because of its amazing visual style but thanks to its dark, eerie music and brief but impressive narration. It might be short but it hooks you in.

Originally released on Steam as Apocalipsis: Harry At the End of the World, this version comes with DLC that was originally released individually. Two extra stories, the first being A Night in the Woods where players take on the role of Zula, Harry’s girlfriend and delve into her back-story a little more. The second is called The Tree of Knowledge and has players controlling both characters.

While a nice edition both are so short, they’re barely worth mentioning. Of the two, it’s A Night in the Woods that is far better as its story of witchcraft, intrigues. The Tree of Knowledge though, is almost pointless as it can be finished in a matter of minutes.