Disco Elysium Review – A Masterpiece in Writing and Atmosphere

Disco Elysium is, without question, one of the best-written games of all time. It’s in my top 10—an absolute genius masterpiece that transcends typical video game storytelling. This isn’t just a game; it’s an experience, a work of literary brilliance wrapped in a deeply immersive world.

Writing & Story

The writing is Disco Elysium’s soul, and it is flawless. No other game has so perfectly captured the feeling of stepping into an unfamiliar world with no memory, no direction, and no idea who you are. The introspection, the raw existential dread, the sheer beauty of the dialogue—it’s unmatched. The way this game lets you shape its protagonist, Harry Du Bois, is nothing short of revolutionary. Every decision, every thought, every insane tangent feels organic and deeply personal.

And then there’s the voice acting. This is, without a doubt, the best voicework I have ever seen in a video game. The performances breathe life into every character, making them feel real, broken, and fully realized. The sheer depth of characterization makes Disco Elysium something truly special.

Gameplay & Mechanics

The game’s DnD-inspired mechanics serve as the perfect backbone for the experience. Every dice roll feels meaningful, every skill check has weight, and the Thought Cabinet is one of the most interesting role-playing mechanics ever created. You aren’t just choosing dialogue options—you are shaping a mind. The entire game is an internal conversation, a constant battle between the fragmented pieces of Harry’s psyche, and it works so well. I have no complaints about the mechanics—it’s as polished as it needs to be for the kind of game it is.

Atmosphere, Art & Music

The world of Revachol is unlike anything else in gaming. The art direction is a watercolor fever dream, a city rotting in its own history yet still alive with forgotten beauty. Every street corner, every ruined facade, every dimly lit bar tells a story.

And then there’s the music. SEA POWER did an insanely good job crafting the perfect soundtrack. Their score doesn’t just accompany the game—it is the game. It sets the tone, pulls you deeper into the world, and sticks with you long after you’ve put the controller down. I’ve been following SEA POWER for a long time, and to see them contribute to something as special as Disco Elysium is just incredible.

ZA/UM’s Fall & The Death of a Legacy

Unfortunately, as much as I love Disco Elysium, I can’t ignore the disaster that is ZA/UM’s internal collapse. Ilmar Kompus is a parasite who has gutted the future of this franchise. His actions have caused the company to lose value, canning two planned DLCs and an entire sequel in the process. Instead of allowing the original creators to expand on their brilliant vision, he’s clinging to the company like a leech, draining what’s left of its creative potential.

It’s heartbreaking. A studio that gave us something as beautiful as Disco Elysium is now just another cautionary tale of corporate greed swallowing artistic ambition.

Final Thoughts

Despite everything, Disco Elysium remains a singular work of art. No legal battle, no CEO’s greed, and no cancelled sequel can erase what this game achieved. It stands alone as one of the greatest games ever made—something that will be talked about for years to come. If you haven’t played it yet, you need to. Just don’t expect anything else from ZA/UM ever again.

Final Score: 10/10

Where to Play

If you want to experience Disco Elysium without funding the company that ruined its future, consider finding alternative ways to access the game. It can be found archived on archive.org if you want to play it without supporting ZA/UM.