I'm on Observation Duty 4

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,106 reviews
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
  • replayability
I'm on Observation Duty 4 Game Cover
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"I'm on Observation Duty 4" is a spot-the-difference horror game where players monitor surveillance cameras to find anomalies and intruders in various rooms. Gameplay involves reporting and fixing issues such as moved objects or ghostly apparitions to avoid game overs. With randomized anomalies and a goal to survive until 6:00 AM, the game aims to keep players on edge with its psychological horror elements.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,106 reviews
gameplay20 positive mentions
story4 negative mentions
  • The game returns to its roots with monochrome camera footage, enhancing the eerie atmosphere and tension.
  • It features three challenging levels, increasing replayability and providing a fresh experience with varied anomalies.
  • The gameplay is engaging and fun, especially when played with friends, creating a unique blend of horror and puzzle-solving.
  • Some players find the gameplay repetitive over time, as the core mechanics don't change much between maps.
  • The game lacks a deeper narrative or character development, focusing primarily on gameplay mechanics.
  • The learning curve can be steep, making it frustrating for some players to identify subtle anomalies.
  • gameplay76 mentions

    The gameplay of "I'm on Observation Duty 4" is praised for its unique mechanics centered around monitoring footage for anomalies, providing a fresh twist on the horror genre. While the varied environments keep the experience engaging, some players note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, lacking deeper narrative elements. Overall, it offers a solid challenge with smooth mechanics and a spooky atmosphere, appealing to both casual and dedicated players.

    • “This is at its core simply a spot the difference with horror themes and a survival mechanic, but the fear and paranoia playing induces goes to show how well executed it is.”
    • “The core gameplay of spotting discrepancies and reporting them is surprisingly engaging, providing a fresh twist on the horror genre.”
    • “The variety in locations, from creepy houses to unsettling office buildings, keeps the gameplay fresh and interesting.”
    • “Despite its intriguing concept, some players find the gameplay becoming monotonous over time.”
    • “The core mechanics can start to feel repetitive after a while, as the gameplay loop doesn’t change much between different maps.”
    • “The game focuses heavily on gameplay mechanics but doesn’t provide much in terms of story or character development.”
  • atmosphere32 mentions

    The atmosphere of "I'm on Observation Duty 4" is widely praised for its eerie and unsettling qualities, effectively creating a tense environment that enhances the gameplay experience. The use of a black and white aesthetic contributes to a spooky, found-footage feel, immersing players in a world where they feel constantly watched. While the game excels in atmospheric tension, some reviewers note that it lacks a deeper narrative, focusing instead on the challenge of spotting anomalies amidst the chilling ambiance.

    • “Great atmosphere with simple but challenging gameplay.”
    • “The black and white really lends itself to the spooky, desolate, quiet atmosphere.”
    • “While not many jumpscares, the game makes itself horrifying off of its atmosphere and a healthy dosage of uncanny valley.”
    • “The eerie atmosphere and unsettling events that unfold through the security cameras make you feel like you’re truly being watched.”
    • “[I'm on Observation Duty 4] is a distinctive horror experience that leverages tension and vigilance to create a chilling atmosphere.”
  • replayability20 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it highly enjoyable and note that even a single additional level significantly enhances replay value, others criticize its repetitive nature and limited narrative depth, suggesting that these factors may hinder long-term engagement. Overall, the experience can vary greatly among players, with some appreciating the challenge and variability of levels, while others feel the game lacks sufficient content to warrant repeated playthroughs.

    • “Even a single additional level extends the replayability quite a bit, as all three levels are quite tough (though one is clearly harder than the other two).”
    • “They are super replayable; the anomalies vary from obvious to so small that I'm sure there are ones that have repeated and I've just not noticed.”
    • “This game is very fun and has a very high replay value!”
    • “I wish there were more achievements or a hard mode to add more replay value.”
    • “A common critique is the game's limited replayability.”
    • “However, the game’s repetitive nature, limited narrative depth, and replay value may limit its appeal for some players.”
  • story16 mentions

    The game's story is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that it feels more like a gameplay-focused experience akin to "Candy Crush" rather than a narrative-driven adventure. While the atmosphere and tension are praised, the lack of character development and deeper narrative leaves players wanting more.

    • “Epic story.”
    • “Like playing 'Candy Crush' for the story.”
    • “This game has no story.”
    • “While the game excels in atmosphere and tension, it lacks a deeper narrative or backstory.”
    • “The game focuses heavily on gameplay mechanics but doesn’t provide much in terms of story or character development.”
  • humor14 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a blend of funny and creepy elements, providing a lighthearted contrast to the horror atmosphere. Players enjoy the comedic aspects, especially during multiplayer sessions, where the tension of jumpscares is balanced by laughter. Overall, the game successfully maintains a sense of fun while still delivering scares, making it less intense than its predecessor.

    • “The horror overtone keeps things feeling tense, but there's also a mild sense of humor that keeps the game from feeling like it's taking itself too seriously.”
    • “You’ve frustrated me, disturbed me, and made me laugh.”
    • “Very funny and scary at times.”
  • graphics12 mentions

    The game's graphics feature a return to a black and white aesthetic reminiscent of the first installment, creating a compelling found-footage atmosphere. However, players note that the reliance on photographic memory and luck to identify subtle changes can make gameplay challenging and lengthy. Overall, the visuals are praised for their unique style but may frustrate those not adept at spotting anomalies.

    • “Fantastic for testing your photographic memory skills.”
    • “---{ graphics }---”
    • “Going back to the black and white aesthetic from the first game was a smart choice, as it coats this game in a nice found-footage-esque atmosphere that hasn't been in the series since the first game.”
  • grinding6 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and monotonous, often leading to the creation of community tools to coordinate play sessions. Despite its grind-heavy nature, some users have adopted it as a casual, relaxing game to unwind after more intense gaming experiences.

    • “Very grinding and boring.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “So much that we ended up making a server poll to ping anyone interested in playing the game. It's become our little 'wind-down' game after some rigorous other-game team grinding.”
  • music4 mentions

    The absence of music in the game enhances the sense of paranoia and horror, creating an immersive experience where players feel the tension is generated by their own minds rather than external cues. This unique approach to sound design effectively amplifies the game's psychological impact.

    • “The lack of music mixed with the paranoia of not finding the correct anomalies is so cool and makes it seem like all the horror is made by your mind rather than the game.”
  • character development4 mentions

    The game has been criticized for its limited character development and narrative depth, with a strong emphasis on gameplay mechanics overshadowing the storytelling elements. Players feel that this focus detracts from the overall character growth and emotional engagement.

    • “The game focuses heavily on gameplay mechanics but doesn’t provide much in terms of story or character development.”
    • “Limited narrative and character development.”
    • “Limited narrative and character development.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The game is not well-optimized for 1920x1080 (16:9) resolution, resulting in cut-off sides, particularly noticeable when played alongside friends using wider 21:9 monitors.

    • “The game is not optimized for 1920x1080 (16:9) as it cuts off some of the sides. I've noticed this while playing with friends who have widescreen monitors (21:9).”
    • “The game is not optimized for 1920x1080 (16:9) as it cuts off some of the sides. I've noticed this while playing with friends who have widescreen monitors (21:9).”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

9hMedian play time
8hAverage play time
7-9hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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