A puzzle game where you decipher languages

Chants of Sennaar is an innovative puzzle game about deciphering cryptic languages. It's the first entry in a new series of indie game recommendations called "Weekender".

=== Get the Game ===

=== Games Shown ===

Venba (2023)
Viewfinder (2023)
Unpacking (2021)
Terra Nil (2023)
Pseudoregalia (2023)
Storyteller (2023)
Rollerdrome (2022)
Chants of Sennaar (2023)
Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)
Heaven's Vault (2019)
Sethian (2016)
Tunic (2022)

=== Credits ===

Music from Chants of Sennaar OST, by Thomas Brunet

=== Subtitles ===

[ShadowthePast]

I cannot overstate how seamless the UI is in this game. Being able to have your guesses be integrated into the gameplay makes the translation experience so smooth, that you can direct all your attention exclusively to figuring out the language.

[square]

Honestly love this series idea, can't wait to see more indie games put in the spotlight!

[morrishansing]

I played the entierty of Sennaar without using the notebook to get the "official translations", it is both possible and highly enjoyable!

[dcmansell]

Chants of Sennaar is a fun game with fun puzzles. But holy hell does it need a map system of some kind. The levels are so maze-like (even outside of the multiple LITERAL maze sections) that navigating your way around is an absolute chore.

[colonelvector]

As someone with a child I cannot express how useful these types of short games are

[FugaceFugite]

I like the idea, though I would appreciate the format to be split in two sections, the first as completely spoiler free as possible (for example no hints about how the language might be constructed) and the second that does go into more details, maybe it could even contain a personal review meant to be watched after we've completed the game for ourselves.
I don't know if I'm among a minority but I personally enjoy new experiences the most when going in blind, or almost without any info past the minimum to get an idea of whether or not I'm interested, especially for things based on discovery : plot twists, obscure puzzles, stories, etc.

[MH_Binky]

In discussing the simplicity of the languages, you mentioned that the languages only consist of so many words. One of the rosetta stones in the game actually has a devotee glyph that isn't included in the dictionary - cut off, but easily identifiable. It uses the building/location radical, containing the symbol for warrior. Which implies that the languages do expand beyond those limited concepts, but only those that are necessary for the player character to know are used.

[GingerBreadSed]

As a linguistics lover that game looks absolutely amazing! I'm also working on a language puzzle game so this is hugely inspirational 👀

[EdenHellCipher]

I forgot that I started watching this video, stopped watching to download this game, and never got back to watching this.

Having now played the whole game and found this video in my backlog, might I say, thank you for giving this game a shoutout. It vastly exceeded all expectations, and I wish more games like this existed.

[micahpayton]

This is such a great idea for a series! It’s like a book club but for video games. I think I’ll follow along and play all the games you talk about.

Great work once again Mark!

[flummoxd]

Kinda like Heaven's Vault, only more puzzley. Love it!

[primaneutrina]

I’ve been really enjoying Chants so far! I call the games with deduction/adventure elements a “Metroidbrainia” because progression comes from your knowledge

[spybloom]

I wonder if a game like this could work with real languages. That'd be a fun way to passively learn a new language, because you'd get all the common words and grammar through context

[HeisenbergFam]

Weekender is a new series I wholeheartedly support, always a vibe to see indie games being appreciated

[higgy]

Just played through this game after seeing this video. It's fantastic. I love it so much! The visuals are stunning, the ending has some fun surprises, and the whole game is surprisingly cohesive for a game about several different cultures and languages! The ending wraps it in a wonderful message that is thought-provoking, and the role of the player is a really cool interesting one.
Thank you so much for this video!

[duneysands]

Every game in the intro sequence is also 100% worth playing. Special shout-out to Pseudoregalia, which is one of my favorite new Metroidvanias

[iraildojunior]

This is why I follow your channel. The game design techniques are very interesting, but the main reason is to see new games with inovative ideas (Or at least a well implemented one). Indie games are the true soul of gaming.

[jakobnolda]

This new series already convinced me. I love the way you are recommending curated games that are really worth our time.

[pgndck]

Stopped at 1:54, bought and got the platinum for this game, returned back to see the video to the end. Thanks for an awesome recommendation!

[kyleowsen]

Its a testament to how well this game works and immerses you that I never once questioned how the people were speaking in visible symbols.