The Stone of Madness Unveils Eduardo de Rojas, The Strongest (But Most Light-Sensitive) Prisoner
The upcoming tactical stealth game, The Stone of Madness, has released new gameplay footage and details about one of its five playable characters: Eduardo de Rojas.
Eduardo stands out as the muscle of the group. This "giant" boasts immense strength, allowing him to break through obstacles, clear blocked pathways, and even construct bridges with his bare hands. However, Eduardo has a critical weakness: a crippling fear of darkness. When left in the dark, his sanity rapidly depletes, potentially leading to violent mental breakdowns.
Developed by The Game Kitchen, the creators of the Blasphemous series, The Stone of Madness throws players into an 18th-century Jesuit monastery. You take control of a band of five prisoners desperate to escape their confinement.
A playable demo has been available on Steam since mid-October 2024. The full game is slated for release in January 2025 on PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Eduardo's Strengths and Challenges
While Eduardo's brute strength is a valuable asset, his size makes him less stealthy compared to other characters who can squeeze into tighter spaces.
The Peril of Darkness
The game emphasizes stealth, but Eduardo's phobia presents a unique challenge. "Sanity" is a core mechanic in The Stone of Madness, and Eduardo's fear of darkness rapidly drains his sanity. When his sanity reaches critically low levels, he, like other party members, can suffer mental breakdowns that turn violent. Ironically, even the "old lady" Agnes might have an easier time staying hidden than Eduardo.
A Symbiotic Bond
Fortunately, Agnes possesses a complementary skill: she can light torches and other sources of illumination, providing Eduardo with much-needed visibility. During nighttime sections, which focus on preparation, Eduardo can craft tools that aid the party's exploration efforts.
Strategic Cooperation is Key
The Stone of Madness hinges on strategically switching between characters and coordinating their unique abilities to overcome the challenges presented by the stealth gameplay.
Release Date and Platforms
The game is scheduled to launch on January 28, 2025, and will be available on PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
