Flint: Treasure of Oblivion Review: Expressive Comic Art Saves the Day

Format: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 (reviewed)
Platform: Unreal Engine 5
Release Date: December 17, 2024

The gaming world has seen a rising trend of developers diving into out-of-copyright works to create fresh interpretations, and Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is the latest entrant in this wave. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, this role-playing game by Savage Level doesn’t fall into the trap of cheap novelty. Instead, it offers a richly imagined, gritty world that pays homage to Stevenson’s classic while charting its own course.

A Gloomy and Gritty Setting

Savage Level sets the tone right from the start. The world of Flint is scrappy, gloomy, and undeniably pirate-esque. Rum-soaked corpses and eccentric crew members populate the taverns and ship decks. While the game nods to Treasure Island, it introduces dark fantasy elements that deepen the sense of mystery and danger, making it feel like a fully fleshed-out universe rather than a simple adaptation.

Visual Flair: Comic Panels Steal the Spotlight

One of Flint’s standout features is its expressive comic-style art. The game integrates hand-painted comic panels into its storytelling, allowing players to interact with them, highlighting key moments in the plot, or simply showcasing character interactions. This unique approach adds a layer of charm and visual intrigue that keeps players engaged throughout the game. The art style doesn’t just stand out—it elevates the narrative, turning each interaction into a beautifully illustrated vignette.

Gameplay: A Mixed Bag of High Seas Adventure

The gameplay offers a mix of character-driven exploration and large-scale battles. Players assemble teams from a roster of vividly designed pirates, each represented by lovingly illustrated character cards. Early missions involve picking crews and preparing for ship-to-ship assaults, giving a strong strategic feel.

However, large battles—featuring up to 15 characters per side—can feel overwhelming, particularly during ship combat. On the PlayStation 5, these moments occasionally suffer from performance issues, including lag and minor frame drops. While the chaotic nature of battle fits the pirate theme, it can detract from the overall experience when the technical side falters.

Final Thoughts

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion stands out for its remarkable comic-inspired art style and its commitment to crafting a rich, imaginative world. While it stumbles in large battles and performance optimization, these flaws are overshadowed by the game’s creative storytelling and vibrant aesthetic.

For fans of Treasure Island or players looking for a unique, visually expressive RPG, Flint: Treasure of Oblivion offers an adventure worth embarking on.

Rating: 4/5

Would you set sail with Flint: Treasure of Oblivion, or do the rough waters of performance hold you back? Share your thoughts below!