The first release of French development studio Big Bad Wolf, a branch of Cyanide, it also incorporates RPG elements in the form of leveling and skill systems, which influence the interactions with both the environment and non-player characters.

The game received a mixed to positive reception, with most praise going to the complex story, setting, and art direction, and most of the criticism aimed at the graphics, character animation, and technical issues.

The player chooses between three classes each with a different set of skills: Diplomat (Etiquette, Conviction, Politics, Diversion and Linguistics), Occultist (Science, Occultism, Manipulation, Erudition and Subterfuges) and Detective (Questioning, Vigilance, Psychology, Logic and Agility).

With its sophisticated geopolitical backdrop, occult themes and in-depth RPG style progression and decision systems, The Council sets a compelling blueprint for the episodic adventure to follow.

They also criticized the final episodes, stating "If you’ve taken the time to play Louis as a proper character, as opposed to simply an avatar in a game, this will force you down one particular path that can completely transform his carefully cultivated personality with a few questionable decisions.