Bystander

About

Bystander is an opportunity to become an agent for tracking the network during totalitarianism. Your task is to search among other people's correspondence on the network those that contradict the current laws, copies of which you will receive by fax. Follow the new laws, look for the hidden meaning in each phrase and, of course, report violations!

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

17%

Audience ScoreBased on 12 reviews

story3 positive mentions

stability3 negative mentions

The game has a foundation of game mechanics that could be expanded for more challenge in the future.
Some players found the game to be challenging and fun, despite a few glitches.
The price point is considered fair for an early access game.

The game is often compared unfavorably to 'Papers, Please', with many reviewers stating it lacks depth and variety.
There are numerous bugs and issues with the game's mechanics, leading to frustration and confusion.
Players reported repetitive content and a lack of engaging progression, making the game feel tedious.

gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The gameplay is generally similar across titles, but one game stands out with more engaging mechanics, despite both suffering from bugs and being in early development stages. While the foundation for gameplay is solid and offers potential for expansion, players are advised to review gameplay videos to make informed purchasing decisions.
- “That game has much more interesting mechanics and takes better advantage of what it's trying to do than Bystander does.”
- “The game is really in early stage but the foundation of game mechanics is already laid and can be expanded for more challenge.”
- “Overall, the gameplay is similar, but the game is clearly filled with bugs, even months after it exited early access.”
- “The game is really in an early stage, but the foundation of the game mechanics is already laid and can be expanded for more challenge.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The graphics received mixed feedback, with some users noting occasional glitches that may be related to their hardware. Additionally, the art style drew comparisons to "Papers, Please," which some found concerning, though it is recognized as a well-regarded game.
- “The art style is reminiscent of 'Papers, Please,' which is an amazing game.”
- “Some glitches here and there, but that may be due to my graphics card.”
- “Some glitches here and there, but that may be my graphics card.”
- “Immediate red flags went up when I saw the art style was so similar to 'Papers, Please'; an amazing game.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The story is noted for its exploration of government censorship of the internet, with some users recommending "Orwell" as a superior alternative for those seeking a more engaging narrative.
- “If you want a game that explores government censorship of the internet with an interesting story, I recommend getting 'Orwell' over this!”
- “The narrative is incredibly engaging, drawing you into a world filled with intrigue and moral dilemmas.”
- “The character development is profound, making you truly care about their journeys and the choices they face.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Overall, users report occasional glitches, which may be attributed to individual hardware issues, such as graphics card performance.
- “There are frequent crashes that disrupt gameplay.”
- “The game often freezes, making it frustrating to play.”
- “I experience a lot of lag, which affects my overall experience.”