Esoteric Ebb offers a unique RPG experience that draws heavily from the intricate dialogue and world-building of Disco Elysium, combined with the role-playing mechanics of Dungeons & Dragons. The game centers on The Cleric, an individual tasked with navigating the upcoming election in the city-state of Norvik. This election is particularly significant as it is the first in the city's history, established as the dying wish of its former dictatorial ruler, Urth.
The political landscape of Norvik is populated by several distinct factions vying for influence. These include the ruling Nationalists, the free-market-aligned Freestriders, and the socialist Azgalist Workers' Party. Players can also pursue a path where The Cleric aims to seize power as a mage-overlord. The core gameplay loop often involves The Cleric engaging with a wide array of characters – humans, goblins, sphinxes, crabs, and even floating angels – to understand their voting intentions. Successfully gathering this information can unlock special 'democracy powers' for the player.
Navigating these political discussions requires players to immerse themselves in Norvik's lore and history. This includes understanding past events such as Urth's goblin genocide, the influence of the Askanii-Reeds Trading Company, and the inherent responsibilities that come with The Cleric's role as an enforcer of the status quo. The game also presents more grounded mysteries, such as a tea shop that mysteriously exploded shortly before the election, requiring players to comprehend the intricacies of Norvikian society to solve.
While Esoteric Ebb provides a rich narrative tapestry, the sheer volume of political discourse can be overwhelming. Unlike Disco Elysium, where political leanings often serve to define the protagonist's self-perception, Esoteric Ebb actively encourages players to engage in debates and test the beliefs of others, aiming for tangible impact. This emphasis on political engagement might prove too demanding for players less inclined towards such extensive dialogue and ideological exploration.
The game intersperses its heavy political segments with moments of action and supernatural encounters. When not embroiled in debates, players may find themselves in combat scenarios or dealing with esoteric magical phenomena. These moments often rely on dice rolls and can lead to significant damage to The Cleric's health bar, offering a break from the narrative's verbal sparring. One such encounter involved The Cleric being compelled to dance with nature spirits known as Vättar for an entire night, highlighting the game's blend of the mundane and the magical. Despite these action-oriented sequences, the game's humor, characterized by quirky lines and gags, serves as a constant source of levity throughout the player's journey.