I'm on Observation Duty 2
- March 23, 2020
- Notovia
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"I'm on Observation Duty 2" is a horror game where you monitor live surveillance footage to spot anomalies, ranging from mundane to otherworldly. Your task is to file reports on these anomalies, requiring sharp eyes and good memory to survive the night. The game features a single-player or multiplayer experience, with the goal of discovering secrets and reaching Timothy. This is the sequel to the critically acclaimed "I'm on Observation Duty."
Mac OS
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Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game features two distinct maps with unique styles, providing a fresh experience compared to the original.
- The addition of color and improved graphics enhances visibility, making it easier to spot anomalies.
- The gameplay remains addictive and challenging, with a variety of anomalies that keep players engaged.
- The game is considered less scary than the original, with some players feeling the atmosphere has been diminished.
- The second map's retro graphics can be difficult to look at, causing discomfort for some players.
- Many anomalies are subtle and can be frustratingly hard to spot, leading to a higher difficulty level that may deter some players.
- graphics24 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are a mixed bag, with two distinct styles across the new maps: one features retro, pixelated visuals reminiscent of classic PS1 games, while the other boasts high-definition, colorful graphics. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm of the old-school aesthetic, others find it challenging to spot anomalies due to blurriness and lower resolution. Overall, the graphics have seen improvements from the previous game, but opinions vary significantly based on personal preferences for art style and clarity.
“The two new maps in this game both feel like two entirely different observation duty games, each with their own list of anomaly types and art styles.”
“Art design/graphics: 5/5”
“Compared to the first game, this one had improved graphics and more refined visuals with color.”
“The old school graphics in the 'house of the past' part turned me off.”
“The fuzzier resolution and simple graphics can distract you from the more subtle anomalies.”
“On one hand, one location is great, clear, and nicely made; on the other hand, I'm not a big fan of the blurriness and $10 budget graphics of the other location.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "I'm on Observation Duty 2" retains the core mechanics of the original while introducing new elements and a more vibrant aesthetic. Players appreciate the balance of simplicity and challenge, with some finding the new anomaly types engaging, though opinions vary on specific mechanics like object shrinkage. Overall, the game offers a compelling experience that is accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and fans of the series.
“Seriously, it takes all the gameplay elements and interest of the first game, adds color, adds some variety to the anomalies, and even adds in-house sound.”
“The simplistic gameplay and creepy anomalies make for a great experience if you have a few dollars to spare and a couple of hours to kill.”
“They were dark without being midnight black, had a great soundscape that wasn't a constant barrage of background noises, and gameplay that takes the classic 'what's the difference in these pictures' game and gives it a strange and disgusting spin that I loved.”
“I don't like the object shrinkage/growth mechanics much as compared to the other anomaly types in the series.”
“Pretty much the same as the first game, but the dev went a bit 'edgier' with some of the anomalies and mechanics.”
“Ultimately it's the same sort of mechanics from the first game in a new one.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story is considered slightly improved over the first installment, though many players express a desire for more depth and cohesion. While it retains a quirky charm, its plausibility is questioned, leading to mixed feelings about its overall narrative quality.
“Slightly better than the first one, but I would've loved to see more of the story.”
“Epic story.”
“It's perhaps a little weirder and definitely feels less cohesive from a plausibility standpoint, but it's ultimately more of the same, so if it's your bag, have at it.”
“This game has no story.”
“Like playing 'Candy Crush' for the story.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the challenging environment and grotesque elements, while others feel that it lacks the unsettling and creepy nature of its predecessor. The shift to a more colorful and well-furnished setting has detracted from the horror atmosphere that many fans expected. Overall, the game's atmosphere is seen as a significant departure from what made the original compelling.
“The previous game has such an unsettling atmosphere.”
“Many more rooms and much more challenging, but overall the same atmosphere.”
“It can be a challenging experience but with a grotesque and weird atmosphere!”
“The horror atmosphere that the previous game did so well at got completely lost in this game for me, and the achievements were a pain.”
“The anomalies themselves are cool, but the fact that the game's in color and there are so many rooms, all of which are nicely furnished, really ruins the atmosphere.”
“It can be a challenging experience, but with a grotesque and weird atmosphere!”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding the talking head character amusing, though somewhat mismatched with the game's aesthetic. While some elements, like the naked laughing child, are polarizing, the overall comedic tone, including the title "Timothy's Revenge," adds a lighthearted touch to the experience.
“The talking head that introduces you to the game is pretty funny, but is a little too silly to fit with the aesthetic.”
“Also, the title of 'Timothy's Revenge' is just too funny.”
“Yet again, I became paranoid and the changes were funny most of the time.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find it entertaining with a decent learning curve, others note that it offers less replay value compared to its predecessor. It is recommended for those seeking a horror/puzzle experience that can be played casually, but some users feel it lacks significant replay incentives.
“I recommend this game because it is entertaining with a learning curve and has replayability.”
“For one buck more than the original, it would have more replay value since the ghosts, intruders, and mischief-causing trolls have literally more room to stir silent chaos!”
“If you are looking for a horror/puzzle game with lots of replayability and something you can pick up and put down at any time, this game (as well as the other 'I'm on Observation Duty' games) is for you.”
“Also, for some reason, the replayability factor here is smaller than the original.”
“For one buck more than the first installment, it would have more replay value since the ghosts, intruders, and mischief-causing trolls have literally more room to stir silent chaos!”
“Very little replay value, but overall, worth the purchase.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding aspect of the games, suggesting that it feels tedious and unengaging, with some even feeling it requires an excessive time commitment. There is a clear desire for more engaging gameplay elements to replace or enhance the grinding experience.
“Please make these games more interesting than grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, including instances of auto-failure despite no apparent changes in gameplay, and mention a history of bugs from previous installments. Overall, the game's stability appears to be a concern for many players.
“I even took screenshots of the rooms, and tabbed out of the game (which freezes time with the screen showing) and there were no differences in any of the rooms, and yet I still autofailed.”
“I wasn't a fan of the previous game because it was really buggy for me.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the music in the game enhances the overall experience, particularly when using headphones, as it allows for a more immersive and detailed auditory experience. The sound design is praised for its quality and ability to complement the gameplay effectively.
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of this indie horror game is praised for being fair and not exploitative, contrasting sharply with the typical cash grab tactics often seen in the genre. Players appreciate the game's integrity and value, making it a refreshing experience.
