Focus Home Interactive and French indie developer Big Bad Wolf have released the first episode of their new narrative adventure series, The Council. The first episode is titled The Mad Ones, and it’s out today on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Episode one is $6.99, or you can pre-purchase the complete five episode season for $29.99.

The Council is a twist on the concept of the illuminati, a shadowy organization of world leaders that supposedly runs the world behind the scenes. The Council takes place in 1793 and stars the world leaders at the time, including George Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte, as they come together to meet at a private island.

You play as Louis de Richet, who discovers his secretive mother has gone missing on the island.

Gameplay uses a social influence system, using skills and resources during confrontations. Richet can use diplomacy, occultism, science, or play detective to find answers. Players are rewarded for discovering everyone’s personalities, weaknesses, and strengths as they explore and investigate. Consequences are permanent, though failure does not result in a game over. Instead players may be hindered with new physical or mental traits.

Like Telltale’s adventure games, The Council will release in episodes throughout the year. The first episode is out today on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It’s rated M for Mature.


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Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.