Diabolical
" Humorous indie RPG with strategic villainy and engaging world-building but limited story impact "
Diabolical Review
Diabolical is an interactive fiction game where players assume the role of a supervillain, navigating a humorous, campy world filled with heroes, villains, and quirky characters. The writing is witty and entertaining, often embracing a tongue-in-cheek, comic book villain style. Players can customize their villain's style, choose minions, lairs, and solve problems through combat, ingenuity, or terror. The game features a "planning points" system adding strategic depth and multiple endings encouraging replayability.
However, many players express frustration over the game's linearity, noting that choices often feel superficial or inconsequential. Action scenes especially tend to railroad the player, with outcomes rarely affected by decisions. The story is relatively short compared to other Choice of Games titles, and character development and romance options are limited. Despite these issues, many find the game enjoyable for its humor and villainous roleplay, though it is generally recommended to purchase on sale due to its brevity and limited choice impact.
Highlights
Players praise Diabolical's humor and witty writing, which effectively captures the spirit of comic book villains with campy, irreverent tone.
The gameplay mechanics, including the planning points system and multiple villain archetypes (technological genius, military tactician, theatrical villain), add variety and replay value.
The world-building and character interactions, including sidekicks and love interests, are appreciated for adding depth and flavor to the villainous experience.
Many enjoy the freedom to play as a theatrical or pragmatic villain and the engaging narrative that unfolds around player decisions.
Criticisms
A common criticism is the lack of meaningful choice impact, with many decisions leading to similar outcomes or being overridden by the story, especially in action sequences.
The story is considered too short and somewhat linear, with some narrative jumps and underdeveloped characters.
Players also note limited character customization and romance depth.
The absence of save points and skip options frustrates some, and the humor sometimes clashes with more serious moments.
Overall, the game can feel like an amusing but shallow experience that doesn't fully realize its potential as a choice-driven villain story.
Pros
- • Humorous, witty writing captures comic book villain spirit effectively.
- • Planning points system adds strategic depth and replayability.
- • Multiple villain archetypes offer diverse playstyles and approaches.
- • Engaging world-building with interesting heroes, villains, and sidekicks.
- • Good balance of campy humor and occasional serious moments.
- • Choice of romantic interests adds flavor and suspense.
- • Short, digestible narrative segments suit casual play.
Cons
- • Many choices have little to no impact on story outcomes.
- • Action scenes are heavily railroaded regardless of player input.
- • Relatively short story length compared to similar games.
- • Limited character customization and depth.
- • Lack of save points and skip options frustrate players.
- • Some humor feels forced or clashes with serious moments.
- • Narrative sometimes jumps abruptly, leaving gaps in story.
Rating Criteria
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Diabolical released?
Diabolical was released on November 6, 2015.
Who developed Diabolical?
Diabolical was developed by Choice of Games.
Is Diabolical available on Mac?
Yes, Diabolical is available on Mac.
Is Diabolical available on Linux?
Yes, Diabolical is available on Linux.
Where can I buy Diabolical?
You can buy Diabolical on Steam.
Game Details
As a criminal mastermind, choose a lair, rob a bank, hire a minion, and steal the world's largest ball of aluminum foil! Or, destroy the world. FINE.