A Fiendishly Tricky Backstab Simulator: A Review of Solium Infernum

Solium Infernum, developed and published by League Of Geeks, is a strategy game set in the depths of hell where eight Archfiends compete to claim the throne of Pandemonium. The game has undergone a remake for a modern audience, with attempts made to streamline the original’s complexities. However, there are still lingering bugs that need to be addressed.

The game’s premise is intriguing, with Satan having vanished, leaving the throne empty, and the Archfiends vying for the position. The allure of plotting, scheming, backstabbing, and shmoozing to secure victory remains enticing. The original Solium Infernum, launched in 2009, received modest attention, but a dedicated play-by-email multiplayer community kept it alive. League Of Geeks, who developed Armello, discovered the game through one of these groups and have now taken on the task of updating it for a modern audience.

Solium Infernum offers a variety of game modes for both solo and multiplayer experiences. For solo players, there is a lengthy tutorial, a single match skirmish mode, and eight special scenarios called Chronicles, each with unique objectives for specific Archfiends. These scenarios can take several hours to complete, providing ample content for players. However, the game is best enjoyed with friends or other human opponents.

The game’s multiplayer modes include real-time and asynchronous play. While real-time matches allow all players to play together in one go, the asynchronous mode is an excellent interpretation of the old play-by-email style. Turns take place over days or weeks, with full games potentially lasting for months. The Steam notification system is used to remind players when new turns are available, making it an essential tool for long-term play.

Solium Infernum is a game of social deduction, similar to Werewolves, Secret Hitlers, and Battlestar Galactica board games. It requires strategic planning, calculating powerplays on the hexagonal fields of hell, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Players can cast spells, hexes, and send notes to form alliances or gather information. They can also invest in power stats, collect artifacts, manuscripts, and praetor champions to strengthen their legions and increase their action points.

Diplomacy is an option, but it comes with risks. Insults can lead to invasions or duels between praetors, and giving in to demands results in a loss of prestige. Prestige is the lifeblood of Solium Infernum, and the marker of a player’s chief seat warming abilities. The player with the most prestige at the end of the game wins.

The game’s mechanics are complex, and the learning curve can be steep. However, the depth and strategic possibilities make it a rewarding experience. The remake has made admirable attempts to streamline the original’s complexities, but there are still some bugs that need to be ironed out. Overall, Solium Infernum is a fiendishly tricky backstab simulator that offers a rich strategic experience, particularly when played with friends.