I'm on Observation Duty 6
- September 1, 2023
- Dreamloop Games
- 10h median play time
"I'm on Observation Duty 6" is a horror-themed spot-the-difference game with six levels. Players monitor surveillance cameras and report anomalies such as moved objects or intruders, with the goal of surviving until 6:00 AM. Anomalies appear randomly, increasing the challenge and tension.
Reviews
- The new reporting system is intuitive and simplifies the process of identifying anomalies, making it more engaging.
- The graphics and overall presentation have significantly improved, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the game.
- The addition of hard mode provides a challenging experience for veteran players, increasing replayability.
- The game feels easier compared to previous installments, with many anomalies being too obvious and predictable.
- Some players feel that the creepiness and tension have been reduced, lacking the unsettling nature of earlier games.
- The lack of variety in anomalies and the reduced number of rooms per level make the gameplay feel less challenging and engaging.
- graphics66 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread acclaim, with many users praising the improved detail, vibrant colors, and overall aesthetic that enhances the gameplay experience. While some feel that the updated visuals detract from the game's atmosphere, the consensus is that the graphics represent a significant step up from previous entries in the franchise, contributing to a more immersive and visually stunning environment. Overall, the combination of better graphics and sound design has been highlighted as a major positive aspect of the game.
“Overall it has way more content and especially the graphics are a huge step up from the previous games.”
“Graphics are beautiful, new anomaly reporting is really cool, hard mode is.. hard, and generally a very awesome game.”
“The graphics are amazing and the game makes me laugh sometimes and of course crap my pants.”
“Now, let's talk about 6... this game is a downgrade, this game has some overall improvements in color, graphics and even sound effects, but gameplay wise, it was boring, predictable, and has absolutely 0 replayability.”
“So the hard mode update changed most things I had an issue with, but I still prefer the art styles of the older games.”
“I think the devs popped off with the sound mastering and graphic updates... but it almost feels like many of these anomalies were spoon-fed to me compared to the previous games.”
- gameplay54 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "I'm on Observation Duty 6" introduces innovative mechanics, particularly a new reporting system that simplifies anomaly detection while adding tactical elements. However, some players feel that these changes have made the game less challenging and more predictable, leading to concerns about replayability. Overall, while the game features improved graphics and a hard mode, opinions are mixed on whether it successfully evolves the series or falls short of expectations.
“I'm on Observation Duty 6 evolves the series with its innovative mechanics and the challenging hard mode.”
“It has improved on the observe & detect mechanic to the point where reporting is simple, fun, and challenging.”
“The new reporting mechanic is such a major improvement, please keep it!”
“So while the new system seems to have been made for easier gameplay, the fact that the reporting system is split into two like this is actually more of an extra hurdle, or a roadblock, for getting into the game.”
“And you've turned it into more of a pure 'find the difference' game, because the tiny bit of puzzle gameplay that was there (finding the right combination of anomaly type and room) has practically been removed, and with it also the fear that comes from having to choose correctly in a stressful situation.”
“Now, let's talk about 6... this game is a downgrade, this game has some overall improvements in color, graphics, and even sound effects, but gameplay-wise, it was boring, predictable, and has absolutely 0 replayability.”
- music30 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for enhancing the atmosphere, particularly during the final hour, where it effectively heightens tension and adds to the overall experience. While the lack of a soundtrack in earlier parts creates a somber mood, the introduction of spooky music and sound effects during critical moments makes the game memorable. However, some users noted that on Linux, music is absent until the final hour, which detracts from the experience.
“Everything from the wide range of clever anomalies to the sound effects and music make this game super memorable!”
“I enjoyed the spooky music they added to the final hour.”
“Loved the addition of music during the final hour, that really increases the tension.”
“The somber nature, the lack of a soundtrack during most parts of the game, and the simplistic point-and-click style all contribute to an experience that causes me to squirm in my chair and take frequent 'water breaks' just so I can calm myself down.”
“Con: on Linux, there is no in-game music until 5:00, and clicking on some places on the map will register in a completely different location.”
“The graphics are better, the little music playing at 5 AM adds to the stress that we all feel when we know that there's only one hour left and we're not sure that we might make it.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is described as both creepy and immersive, enhanced by improved textures, lighting, and sound design that contribute to a sense of unease and tension during gameplay. However, some players feel that overly clean graphics and sparse map designs detract from the overall atmosphere, making it less engaging. Overall, the atmosphere is a significant draw for those who enjoy unsettling experiences, despite some criticisms regarding visual cleanliness.
“I love the creepy atmosphere and the challenge it provides when searching for anomalies.”
“Visually, the game has stepped up, with improved textures and lighting that enhance the eerie atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is amazing though, creepy and gives off a lot of stress when you find an intruder or when a lot of anomalies are active.”
“The maps you can play just seem super clean, which takes away from the atmosphere. When we were playing quite a few of the maps, I was already saying at the start that it would be easy as there are simply so few objects in most maps.”
“The atmosphere feels lacking due to the overly clean maps, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The game has improved in many areas, but the atmosphere suffers from the sparse object placement in the maps.”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The story in this game is praised for being richer and more fulfilling than previous entries in the series, with players appreciating the depth and world-building elements. The inclusion of choices that impact the narrative allows for a personalized adventure, enhancing the overall experience.
“I've long loved trying to piece together a storyline between the games, and this made it so much more rich and fulfilling.”
“The story of my lifetime.”
“And they told me that you have to make choices that affect the story, so it's like you're writing your own adventure.”
“Thanks for adding backstory to the levels for some world building and creepiness factor.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers a decent level of replayability due to its variety, though some players find certain challenges overly difficult, which can hinder enjoyment. While it may not have massive replay value, its simplicity makes it accessible and enjoyable for casual play with friends and family. Players express hope that future updates, like a hard mode, could enhance replayability by introducing more challenging elements.
“Other games were great, I hope hard mode will have harder anomalies to spot so it has more replay value and you can't finish it in one go.”
“It's good because of the variety and the replayability.”
“The simplicity of the game makes it approachable and fun to play with friends and family who may not do as much gaming as you do.”
“I would say that it does not have massive replay value, but the simplicity of the game makes it approachable and fun to play with friends and family who may not do as much gaming as you do.”
“Other games were great; I hope hard mode will have harder anomalies to spot so it has more replay value and you can't finish it in one go.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its smooth and quiet performance on Mac, making it an ideal choice for players seeking a subtle distraction without disturbing their environment. The ability to control the camera with arrow keys further enhances its usability, contributing to a seamless gaming experience.
“This game runs smoothly and, most importantly, quietly on my Mac. The ability to operate the camera system with the arrow keys rather than clicking makes it a noiseless, subtle activity that provides the stimulation I need without disturbing anyone.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the emotional impact of the game is heightened in hard mode, with some expressing that it brought them to tears.
“Playing on hard mode brought me to tears.”
“The emotional depth of the story left me in tears.”
“I was overwhelmed with emotion during the final scenes.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The reviews do not provide specific insights into the monetization aspect of the game, focusing instead on graphics and the atmospheric music. There is no mention of in-game purchases, ads, or any financial model, leaving the monetization strategy unclear.
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game appears to be lacking, with players noting a notable absence of comedic elements or amusing characters typically found in similar titles. While there is hope for more humorous moments in future rounds, the current experience has not elicited much laughter.