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."
Reviews
- The game features two distinct maps with unique art styles and anomaly types, providing a fresh experience.
- The addition of color and more rooms increases the challenge and replayability, making it engaging for players.
- The game successfully combines horror elements with a spot-the-difference mechanic, creating a fun and suspenseful atmosphere.
- The second map's retro graphics can be visually overwhelming and detract from the overall experience.
- Some anomalies are too subtle or arbitrary, making it frustrating to identify changes, especially for new players.
- The inclusion of explicit content and nudity may alienate some players and is considered unnecessary by many reviewers.
- graphics19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are polarizing, with two distinct styles across the new maps: one features retro, pixelated visuals reminiscent of classic PSX games, while the other boasts high-definition, colorful graphics. Players appreciate the artistic design of the first map but find the old-school graphics of the "house of the past" level less appealing and sometimes distracting, making it harder to spot anomalies. Overall, opinions vary significantly based on personal preferences for aesthetics 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”
“"The house of the past" level is a nice poke at old school 3D graphics á la the first PlayStation, while "the cursed house" level got high quality color security cameras, with an option to have a small camera screen of a different room in the corner as well.”
“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.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "I'm on Observation Duty 2" retains the core mechanics of the original while introducing new anomalies and a more vibrant aesthetic. Players appreciate the game's accessibility, with lenient specs and a generally easy learning curve, though some find the object shrinkage/growth mechanics less appealing. Overall, the combination of simplistic yet engaging gameplay and a creepy atmosphere creates a compelling experience for fans of the genre.
“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.”
“It takes a while to learn the rooms and get into the gameplay, but once you get used to the feel and environments, it's well worth the price.”
“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.”
“It's 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!”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with highlights including a funny talking head and the amusing title "Timothy's Revenge." However, some elements, like the naked laughing child, are considered overly silly and clash with the game's overall aesthetic.
“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.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % 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. However, for fans of horror/puzzle games, it remains a worthwhile purchase despite its limited replayability.
“I recommend this game because it is entertaining with a learning curve and has replayability.”
“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.”
“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, feeling that it detracts from the overall experience and makes gameplay tedious. Many suggest that the games should offer more engaging content to alleviate the monotony of grinding.
“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
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % 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.
“The soundtrack is absolutely mesmerizing and enhances the overall experience of the game.”
“The music perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
“Each track is thoughtfully composed, adding depth and emotion to every moment in the game.”
- 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, viewing it as a refreshing change from the norm.
