I'm on Observation Duty 3
- November 13, 2020
- Notovia
- 2h median play time
Get on SteamAn indie psychological horror game. The player has to look for anomalies in a haunted house and report anyhting suspicious (furniture moving, extra objects, intruders). The game has both VR- and non-VR -versions.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The first-person perspective adds a unique and immersive experience, making the anomalies feel more immediate and scary.
- The game introduces new mechanics, such as using a smartphone to report anomalies, which simplifies the reporting process.
- Despite its flaws, the game retains the core tension and creepy atmosphere that fans of the series enjoy.
- The first-person gameplay can be tedious, requiring players to walk around large maps, which detracts from the tension and can lead to frustration.
- Many players experienced motion sickness due to the game's movement mechanics and camera angles.
- The game is considered the weakest in the series, with some players feeling it strays too far from the successful formula of the previous titles.
- gameplay48 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the latest installment in the "I'm on Observation Duty" series has shifted to a first-person perspective with optional VR support, which some players find enhances the horror experience, while others miss the fixed camera mechanics of previous games. While the new mechanics introduce fun and replayability, opinions are divided on their execution, with many preferring the classic gameplay style that emphasized anomaly reporting through cameras. Overall, the game is seen as a bold departure that has potential, but it may benefit from a return to some of the series' original elements.
“This game is a departure from the standard 'I'm on Observation Duty' gameplay by being a first-person game with optional VR support.”
“The fixed camera element of the first two games added a really unique dynamic that helped make the gameplay premise more authentic (as well as scarier, even).”
“And though I prefer the classic gameplay, this works surprisingly well!”
“Unfortunately, first-person gameplay largely works against it too.”
“The game maintains the core mechanics of the first two: the anomaly reporting, the subtle changes, the intruders scaring the hell out of you, but it scraps (arguably) the game's most recognizable mechanic: the cameras.”
“I haven't finished the second level yet, but so far I don't think the ability to move around has added anything to the gameplay from the previous two games.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating the unique style and simplicity, while others express disappointment over the lack of adjustable quality settings and occasional movement issues. Overall, the visuals are described as "semi-great," and while they contribute to the game's charm, there is a desire for more customization options.
“Overall, for the price it's a steal. You get two packed maps with fun things to explore. I will say this though, the graphics are semi-great.”
“I like that it's different from the rest of the franchise; I just wish you could still adjust the quality/graphics like in the other games.”
“I appreciate that they are trying to mix up the gameplay like they did the graphical style in the second game, and I hope they continue to do that.”
“The only thing that I really take issue with regarding OBDuty3 is the visuals.”
“I like that it's different from the rest of the franchise, I just wish you could still adjust the quality/graphics like in the other games.”
“I will say I appreciate that they are trying to mix up the gameplay like they did the graphical style in the second game, and I hope they continue to do that, but I am just not digging the new gimmick.”
- story10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The reviews present a mixed perspective on the game's story, with some players appreciating the depth and epic nature of the narrative, while others criticize it for being minimal or non-existent, likening it to games that prioritize gameplay over storytelling.
“I like that there is a story behind all of this.”
“Epic story.”
“I enjoy playing 'Candy Crush' for the story.”
“This game has no story.”
“Like playing 'Candy Crush' for the story.”
“This game has no story.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its goofy character models and absurd scenarios, often eliciting laughter from players. While some elements, like unexpected sexual content, may feel unnecessary, they contribute to the overall comedic tone. Additionally, the game's balance of challenging levels and humorous intruders enhances the entertaining experience.
“Now the character models look pretty goofy and oftentimes I find myself laughing when I see the characters.”
“The anomalies in this one are usually quite easy to spot relative to the last two games, and the intruders tend to be more funny than scary.”
“Not sure why there are sometimes people having strange interactions and other weird stuff, it was funny all the same but maybe not needed... some of the levels are not easy which was good, it kept it interesting.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players have mixed feelings about the grinding aspect of the game, with some finding the repetitive task of moving around the building to report anomalies tedious and detracting from the overall tension, while others are more accepting of this pacing.
“Reporting anomalies by moving around a building means you spend most of the time tediously walking from room to room, which takes away from the tension at times.”
“Some might find this tedious, but I didn't really mind it.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music, particularly the intro track, is widely praised for its captivating quality, with many users noting that it enhances the overall experience and is enjoyable even when listened to through headphones.
“Before anything, the intro music is very captivating; it's good and my friends loved it.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for being spot-on, but it suffers from issues such as robotic movements of intruders and a lack of immersive equipment for tracking. Reviewers suggest that enhancing the spookiness with flickering lights and more dynamic elements could significantly improve the experience. Overall, while the foundation is strong, there is a consensus that the execution falls short, leading to a lack of recommendation.
“The idea is good, but why use a phone? It would be better with different equipment to track things down. More of a spooky atmosphere would be better; a faster phone would help, along with flickering lights and things moving. Then you could hunt down what you're looking for. It could be so much better, so I can't recommend it at the moment. Shame, but that's it.”
“Atmosphere is spot-on, but the intruders clip and move like robots.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game highly replayable, especially after adapting to new mechanics that enhance the experience and increase the thrill. However, many express a desire for a multiplayer option to further enrich the gameplay. Overall, the game offers a fun and engaging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.
“At first, I didn't like the new mechanic very much, but once I got used to it, it was so much fun! It gave me a whole new experience that was way scarier (for me personally), but overall, it's very replayable and fun! <3”
“The variety of choices and outcomes in the game makes it incredibly replayable. Each playthrough feels fresh and exciting!”
“I love how the game encourages you to try different strategies. Every time I play, I discover something new, which keeps me coming back for more.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game generally performs well on high-fps systems, but users report frequent freezing issues, particularly when accessing the phone feature, which can disrupt gameplay with repeated loading delays.
“It's a good game, I would recommend it if your computer has high FPS. However, when I pull out the phone, the game freezes for about three seconds, then loads back and keeps repeating over and over again.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report mixed emotional experiences, with some enjoying the game despite feeling nauseated due to the constant movement and field of view issues. The emotional engagement is present, but physical discomfort can detract from the overall enjoyment.
