At last, someone is hard at work on a game that I might play while expecting (just perhaps) the Spanish Inquisition. It is called Inquisitor Simulator, and it finally gives players the chance we've dreamed of by allowing us to become an Inquisitor in charge of our very own abbey.

A press release issued today describes the game as a medieval immersive life-sim. You apparently arrive at the abbey to find that your resources are extremely limited. While working on a tight budget, you're expected to take on all the duties of your garden variety exorcist, while also establishing your authority so people don't think they can get away with murder.

Inquisitor Simulator doesn't have a firm release window yet, but it does have something almost as good: a playtest. You can join it to play the opening chapter of Act 1, which lets you launch an investigation of your prisoners and learn more about their apparent demonic possession.

This you do in the time-test method: with implements of torture. You'll perform experiments in your alchemy lab, the better to brew nasty potions that assist you in your work. And if you should happen to succeed with the exorcism, well, then it's time to battle the demons you've unleashed, just as happened in actual medieval times.

Holding a torch and looking toward a cauldron on a table, which has a spoon next to it.Credit: Edyan.dev/Fulqrum Publishing
Holding a torch and looking toward a cauldron on a table, which has a spoon next to it.A common farmer faces you as you hold a glowing book in your left hand and a sword in your right.Facing a man with glowing red eyes in an underground passage. His shadow has horns but he does not. Options on-screen include removing top clothes, for some reason.Moving along a dark corridor, crucifix held upright, as ahead a dark form turns toward two cowering two priests.A woman with blonde hair reaches up toward the bottom of the screen, in a room with white tile, pews, and an altar.A victim leans back, enjoying the life of luxury as he is tortured on a rack of some sort and you view his delight, torch in hand.

Although you will assume the role of a holy warrior of sorts, you also have to deal with more mundane matters. Your guests will need your input as they decide where to go and how much to cooperate with some of your more unusual ideas and procedures.

Today's press release had the following to say about the playtest:

This is only a small sample of what Inquisitor Simulator aims to offer, with many mechanics, tools, possession types, and other features still to come. The Playtest is an opportunity for players to experience the foundations of the game early and help shape its development by sharing their feedback.

Are you interested in trying the game out for yourself, now that you know all about it? Well, you're in luck. At least for now, you can click to join the Inquisitor Simulator playtest on Steam. Maybe the game will even turn out better for your involvement. Stranger things have happened!