Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit
A point-and-click adventure rooted in Lithuanian history and mystery.
Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit is a point-and-click adventure game from Lithuanian studio Tag of Joy, published by Thunderful Publishing through Headup Games. The story follows Milda, an American who travels to Lithuania after inheriting her grandfather’s house in Vilnius. While sorting through his belongings, she uncovers a mystery tied to Lithuanian history that he had been investigating. Players can customize Milda’s appearance, choose dialogue options, and solve puzzles by using inventory items. Some puzzles offer multiple solutions, which can change depending on earlier choices, such as Milda’s selected occupation.
The game was inspired by the Broken Sword series, and its director previously served as art director on Broken Sword 2.5: The Return of the Templars. It launched for Linux, macOS, and Windows on May 6, 2022, followed by a Nintendo Switch release on September 28, 2023, and versions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on February 27, 2025.
Critical reception was generally positive. GamesRadar praised the puzzles as “perfectly balanced” and highlighted the characterizations. RPGFan noted the game does nothing wrong but lacks memorability, citing a lack of tension and fiddly puzzles despite enjoying the graphics, music, and setting. Eurogamer called it “a fun mystery” that is too charming to resist. Adventure Gamers described it as a must-play with well-executed graphics, music, interface, and voice acting, and awarded it best gameplay of 2022.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit
- Developer
- Tag of Joy
- Publisher
- Headup Games
- Platforms
- Linux / macOS / Windows / Nintendo Switch / PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5 / Xbox One / Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- Linux, macOS, Windows · WW · May 6, 2022 · Nintendo Switch · WW · September 28, 2023 · PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S · WW · February 27, 2025
- Genre
- Adventure
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game follows Milda, an American who goes to Lithuania after her grandfather bequeaths her his house in Vilnius. As she settles his affairs, she discovers that he was investigating a mystery involving the history of Lithuania. Gameplay includes point-and-click mechanics, character customization for Milda's appearance, dialogue choices, and inventory puzzles. Some puzzles have multiple solutions that can depend on previous actions, such as the player's choice of Milda's occupation.
Reader's Guide
Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit received positive reviews on Metacritic. GamesRadar praised the puzzles as 'perfectly balanced' and commended the characterizations. RPGFan noted the game does nothing wrong but is not memorable, citing a lack of tension and fiddly puzzles, though they enjoyed the graphics, music, and setting. Eurogamer called it 'a fun mystery' that is too charming to resist. Adventure Gamers declared it a must-play game with well-executed graphics, music, interface, and voice acting, and awarded it best gameplay of 2022. The game was developed by Tag of Joy, based in Lithuania, and was inspired by the Broken Sword series.
Did You Know?
- The game was directed by the art director of Broken Sword 2.5: The Return of the Templars.
- Players can customize Milda's appearance and choose dialogue options.
- Some puzzles have multiple solutions based on players' previous actions, such as choosing Milda's occupation.
- Adventure Gamers awarded Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit best gameplay of 2022.
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