Fatale is an experimental first-person adventure developed by Tale of Tales and released in 2009 for PC and Mac. Inspired by Oscar Wilde's 19th-century play Salome rather than its biblical source, the game is set in the aftermath of the prophet John the Baptist's execution — the quiet, moonlit moment after Salome has claimed his severed head. Players navigate two primary spaces: a cistern below and an open terrace above, exploring a richly detailed tableau filled with references to the Salome legend. Navigation relies on mouse buttons for movement rather than conventional WASD controls, and interaction involves hovering over, clicking, or rolling over objects to uncover subtle responses. An inventory system called the aureola allows players to revisit scenes. The experience is deliberately open-ended, placing little pressure on the player and instead encouraging close observation, personal interpretation, and repeated playthroughs, which unlock an epilogue centered on Salome's dance.
Salome was a first century Judean princess mentioned in the Christian Bible by Matthew and by Mark. But it is Oscar Wilde's 19th century play Salome that really inspired Fatale. In the Bible, Salome is a child who dances for King Herod and asks the head of John the Baptist as a reward. In Wilde's version, Salome falls in love with the prophet. He rejects her and she has him executed. The play ends with her kissing the lips of his decapitated head. Most of Fatale takes place in the aftermath of this event, when all has turned quiet and the moon brings comfort to troubled hearts.
