The Council Episode 1 - Free To Play

It’s encouraging how many companies are reaching out to their audience during this current social quandary. The gaming world is no exception as you’ll no doubt have seen so many titles available to play for free —another game to add to your list: The Council Episode 1.

The Council, by Big Bad Wolf, is a new approach to the narrative adventure genre where your decisions genuinely have an impact on the outcome of the story, where consequences mean something.

Set in 1793, The Council Episode 1 follows a group of high profile guests such as Napoleon Bonaparte and George Washington have been invited to an island located off the coast of England. You play Louis de Richet, a secret society member of The Golden Circle, whose mother has gone missing on the island, so you engage with these historical figures using a series of manipulative techniques.

The game mechanic is called the Social Influencing System where your response really does affect the direction of the story; your actions cannot be revoked, and some of these decisions may result in permanent physical or mental defects. What is done cannot be undone. The Council Episode 1 is forgiving in that there aren’t any game over scenes, but the decision making progress encourages players to think before they speak.

Louis’ skills develop based on your approach, so no one path is ever the same, having over 15 skills to choose from, The Council offers up an experience-based best on your preferred style of play and decision making prowess.

Without further ado, Focus Home Interactive is offering The Council Episode 1 free for PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers, available from their respective stores. Look out for my preview write up soon!