After more than a decade in development, Panache Digital Games' action title 1666: Amsterdam has officially launched into early access. The game, which was recently featured in a trailer at Opening Night Live, pits players as Noa Brooklyn, a witch, and Aaron, a man trapped in a cat's body, as they hunt demonic 'Originals' in modern and 17th-century Amsterdam.
While the game shows promise, particularly in its setting and character design, the early access build still requires significant polish. The developers have stated their intention to refine the game with community feedback before a full release.
The game's premise is compelling, with Noa's character design and the meticulously recreated old town of Amsterdam standing out as highlights. The mechanic of learning randomized spells as players progress offers an intriguing risk-reward system, where dying could mean losing powerful abilities but also presents an opportunity to discover new, potentially stronger ones. A particular standout is the ability to play as Aaron in his cat form, allowing for stealthy exploration of restricted areas, distraction of guards, and even possession of enemies.
However, these engaging moments are often overshadowed by unrefined gameplay loops. Combat encounters can become repetitive, with early boss fights reportedly overcome through simple button mashing and evasion rather than strategic engagement. Exploration also suffers from a similar lack of depth; the easiest method to bypass security often involves possessing an NPC and having them escort Noa, a process that breaks immersion due to the unquestioning nature of the other inhabitants. The visual consistency of the enemy forces, with soldiers appearing largely identical, further detracts from the player's sense of immersion.
Despite these criticisms, 1666: Amsterdam is not considered a lost cause. The development team has been transparent about their desire to polish the experience and welcome community input. For players eager to contribute to the game's development, entering the early access phase now might be appealing. However, those seeking a more complete and cohesive experience before investing the $30 price point may wish to wait for further updates and refinements.