Summary
Game Rant can share exclusive new footage fromThe Stone of Madnessshowcasing how the upcoming game will handle stealth sections involving Agnes Santos, a remarkably resourceful old lady. Agnes is one of several unique characters whom players will be able to control over the course of the upcoming game.
Developed by Spanish studio The Game Kitchen,The Stone of Madnessis a tactical stealth game in which players need to escape an 18th-century Jesuit monastery. To that end, they will switch control between five distinct party members who will open paths and deal with threats for one another. The game is split into nighttime sections dedicated to prep and daytime stealth and exploration.The Stone of Madnessis presently targeting a late January 2025 release.
Ahead of the game’s launch, publisher Tripwire Interactive shared a new promo video dedicated to Agnes Santos, one ofThe Stone of Madness’s playable characters. Despite being an old lady, Agnes promises to pull her weight by casting spells and hexes on enemies to distract them. She can also conduct surveillance by looking through the eyes of stone statues spread throughout the game’s world, thus being extremely useful for scouting locations while staying out of harm’s way.
Sneaking Around as an Old Lady Isn’t Easy
Every character inThe Stone of MadnesspossessesDarkest Dungeon-like traumas and phobias, which need to be managed to avoid a variety of mental breakdowns, ranging from crippling to outright violent. While Agnes’s character vignette doesn’t go into details about her own fears, it does mention that the witch lacks agility, as is to be expected of an old lady. As a result, she’ll find it difficult to sneak around on account of her frequent back pain. While one of her allies, Leonora Guzman, will be able to scale walls, even a flight of steps will potentially be a difficult challenge for Agnes, especially if guards are on her tail.
Overall, making the most of Agnes will require the player to carefully consider when and where to move, all the while supporting her with other characters. Beyond her scouting abilities and spells, she can return the favor by manipulating light sources, whether to create hiding spots for other characters or illuminate an area for one of her allies with a fear of darkness. At night, she can mix potions to restore the party’s health. Agnes could potentially be at the center of some uniquelyunconventional stealth gameplaythroughoutThe Stone of Madness.
The Stone of Madness: Agnes Santos Overview
Exploration Skills
Can cast spells, ignite and extinguish light sources, use stone statues for surveillance.
Weakness
Aging body: limited movement.
The Stone of Madnessis scheduled for release on June 22, 2025. The game is planned to simultaneously debut on the PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and the latest twogenerations of Xbox consoles. Steam users can currently downloadThe Stone of Madnessdemo, which has been available on Valve’s storefront since mid-October 2024.
The Stone of Madness
WHERE TO PLAY
From the studio that brought you theBlasphemousseries comesThe Stone of Madness: a real-time tactical stealth game set in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery. Located in the Pyrenees, this time-worn Jesuit monastery is home to a madhouse and an inquisitorial prison. Five prisoners - plagued by cruel punishment, madness, and despair - pool their skills and resources to face their phobias, stave off insanity, uncover the mysteries of the Monastery, and find a way to escape.Escaping such a well-guarded monastery is no easy task, but Agnes, Leonora, Eduardo, Amelia, and Alfredo are determined to see it through. Alternate control of all five characters and use their unique upgradable skills to cast spells, assassinate targets, distract enemies, stun evil spirits, explore hard-to-reach areas, and more.
