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Observer

A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.
Observer Game Cover
71%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
grinding, stability
76% User Score Based on 2,961 reviews
Critic Score 60%Based on 10 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchLinuxXbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5Mac OSPlaystation 4Xbox OneXboxWindowsPlayStation
Observer Game Cover

About

Observer is a single player action adventure game with horror, mystery, thriller and science fiction themes. It was developed by Bloober Team SA and was released on August 15, 2017. It received neutral reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

Observer is a single-player horror action game with an intriguing story and atmospheric environment. It boasts good game mechanics, delightful graphics, and an outstanding soundtrack. Despite some bugs and grinding, players will find themselves immersed in its highly emotional and suspenseful setting. The game describes itself as a first-person perspective horror experience with a focus on a dark, atmospheric environment and deep storytelling.

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76%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,961 reviews
story703 positive mentions
grinding66 negative mentions

  • Stunning art direction and visuals that create an immersive cyberpunk atmosphere.
  • Engaging story with deep themes of identity, memory, and technology's impact on humanity.
  • Strong voice acting, particularly from Rutger Hauer, adds depth to the protagonist's character.
  • Gameplay can feel tedious with repetitive stealth sections and limited interactivity.
  • Mind-hacking sequences are often long and disorienting, leading to potential motion sickness.
  • The game lacks replayability due to a linear narrative and no chapter select option.
  • story
    1,790 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of *Observer* is a complex and immersive narrative set in a dystopian cyberpunk world, focusing on themes of technology, identity, and familial relationships. While it features intriguing elements and a rich atmosphere, many players find the plot convoluted and at times difficult to follow, with some criticizing its pacing and reliance on surreal sequences that detract from the main storyline. Overall, the game is praised for its visual storytelling and voice acting, particularly Rutger Hauer's performance, making it a compelling experience for fans of narrative-driven games, despite its flaws.

    • “This game does a great job at visual storytelling in an interesting cyberpunk environment.”
    • “The environmental design is not only visually impressive but also packed with storytelling elements—graffiti, media broadcasts, and environmental clues provide context and deepen the worldbuilding.”
    • “Observer is a masterpiece in storytelling and I hope Bloober makes another game one day!”
    • “The story is crap like in all their games.”
    • “The story left much open to interpretation, allowing for personal choices and shaping the outcome.”
    • “The story was terrible and made very little sense to me.”
  • graphics
    838 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and immersive cyberpunk aesthetic, often compared to iconic works like "Blade Runner." While many players appreciate the detailed environments and artistic design, some have noted issues with excessive visual effects that can be disorienting or overwhelming, leading to mixed experiences. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a highlight, contributing significantly to its atmospheric storytelling, despite some technical drawbacks.

    • “The game’s art direction draws heavily from classic cyberpunk aesthetics, with a mix of high-tech gadgets and grimy urban decay.”
    • “Some of the most photorealistic graphics that give good ambience that I have seen in a while.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, the story is deep and vivid, and the sound design is impeccable.”
    • “While the story is really cool and the mechanics are super interesting (albeit unfortunately very underutilized...), the graphical issues made this a bit of a slog.”
    • “The graphics are terrible, oversaturated with the various visual effects, and feel like a Unity tutorial asset flip.”
    • “A story that fails to compel, an aesthetic of confusing visual overload and the use of questionable graphical effects such as field of view and chromatic aberration that, while supporting the chosen aesthetic, are actually just distracting, combine to make this game difficult and distracting to play, in which any qualities it does present are lost.”
  • gameplay
    694 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of *Observer* is primarily characterized as a walking simulator with detective elements, where players engage in exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative discovery. While the game features intriguing mechanics like mind-hacking and investigative tools, many players feel these elements are underutilized, leading to a repetitive experience that often prioritizes atmosphere over engaging gameplay. Overall, the game is visually stunning and narratively rich, but its gameplay can feel tedious and lacks depth, making it more of an interactive story than a traditional game.

    • “Set in 2084 Kraków, the game masterfully blends a gritty sci-fi atmosphere with deep narrative exploration and investigative gameplay, creating an experience that is both immersive and psychologically intense.”
    • “This mechanic is central to the gameplay and narrative, offering a unique blend of detective work and surreal exploration.”
    • “The gameplay consists of investigating, solving puzzles, and scary encounters, of course.”
    • “The gameplay for the most part feels like it's just there to move the story along, not much besides interviewing people, searching for clues, and analyzing objects with your vision.”
    • “The gameplay is a bit of a walking sim, as the detective elements aren't utilized to their fullest potential.”
    • “The gameplay is mostly a glorified walking simulator, and what little actual 'gameplay' there is consists in a not particularly interesting or enjoyable stealth mechanic.”
  • atmosphere
    624 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in *Observer* is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing a dark, dystopian cyberpunk world reminiscent of classics like *Blade Runner*. Players commend the game's rich visual and sound design, which work together to create a psychologically intense experience filled with tension and unease, often without relying on traditional jump scares. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its strongest aspects, drawing players into a deeply unsettling narrative and environment.

    • “Set in 2084 Kraków, the game masterfully blends a gritty sci-fi atmosphere with deep narrative exploration and investigative gameplay, creating an experience that is both immersive and psychologically intense.”
    • “The lighting and sound design work in tandem to build tension and atmosphere, with eerie ambient noises, unsettling sound effects, and a haunting soundtrack that keeps players on edge throughout their investigation.”
    • “Observer is a game that captivated me with its futuristic polish setting and cyberpunk atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere was truly astonishing.”
    • “The world you get to explore in this game is relatively small but it is so drenched in detail and atmosphere that it feels more than enough to enjoy.”
    • “The atmosphere is thick, dense, wet, cold, illuminated with neon lights, broken displays, and CRT TVs, and cables, wires, cybernetic implants everywhere, and it's pretty terrifying sometimes.”
  • music
    158 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many reviewers noting its eerie, ambient qualities that effectively build tension and dread. Influenced by iconic works like "Blade Runner" and "Ghost in the Shell," the soundtrack is described as haunting and immersive, contributing significantly to the game's psychological horror elements. However, some players found the music to be inconsistent or forgettable at times, suggesting that while it excels in creating mood, it may not always stand out on its own.

    • “The soundtrack pulls in classic synths, high vocals, and oppressive bass to absolutely nail the mood of feeling out-of-control, and overall the presentation meshes wonderfully with the story to further up your immersion.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game is awesome; I could detect elements of 'Ghost in the Shell' both in the story and the music, also elements from 'Blade Runner' which is more obvious than the last one.”
    • “Amazing horror game, good mix of jump scares and ambience, characters and plot that makes you think and become invested in the story, outstanding visuals and graphics, and by far one of the greatest soundtracks I've heard in a video game.”
    • “The music is bland and forgettable; I did not even notice any when playing.”
    • “They are not enjoyable or scary, and the only thing you get out of them is a migraine thanks to screaming, flashing lights, unbearable music, warped levels, and other cheap genre tropes that exist to cover up the fact this is an extremely limited walking simulator.”
    • “While clearly taking visual and musical inspiration from Blade Runner (I mean, come on, they got Rutger Hauer), this game lacks the depth and philosophical themes that underpin both.”
  • optimization
    120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates, stuttering, and crashes across various systems. While some users experienced stable performance on high-end hardware, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, detracting significantly from the experience. Many reviewers expressed disappointment, suggesting that better optimization could have elevated the game considerably.

    • “Technically, Observer runs well on a variety of systems, with stable performance and few notable bugs or glitches.”
    • “Performance was really great considering how amazingly the game looks.”
    • “Performance wise I ran everything on maximum quality and encountered no issues on my GTX 1080 Ti card, which is to be expected.”
    • “I guess I'm reviewing something that you cannot purchase anymore, and for good reason; this was really poorly optimized and even on the lowest settings I had to suffer through a 20fps experience the whole way through.”
    • “The game's optimization is awful but it seems to work after a restart or sometimes just changing in-game resolution, but when the game is running well it's one of the most original psychological detective stories/games I've played, all while being presented in a very unique, if not somewhat frustrating, package.”
    • “The biggest downside of the game is probably its abysmal performance.”
  • grinding
    68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews consistently highlight that the grinding aspects of the game, particularly in the form of tedious sequences, repetitive gameplay, and lengthy stealth or mind-reading sections, detract significantly from the overall experience. Players often find themselves frustrated with the slow pacing, excessive dialogue, and convoluted mechanics that feel more like filler than meaningful content, leading to a sense of boredom and a desire to rush through these segments. While some appreciate the game's atmosphere and story potential, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding elements can make the gameplay feel laborious and unengaging.

    • “It can be a bit grindy sometimes, but the rewards make it worth it.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding, but the sense of achievement is incredible.”
    • “Tedious stealth sections ruin the pacing of the game.”
    • “The mind sequences are tedious and frustrating.”
    • “The story concept was interesting and the visuals were great, but ultimately, it was a lot of tedious walking around to reach an ending of a confusing story.”
  • stability
    63 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a range of glitches and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, including freezing issues and graphical anomalies. While some users appreciate the intentional use of glitches as part of the game's aesthetic, others find them frustrating and detrimental to the experience. Overall, the game's performance varies significantly across different systems, with some players reporting smooth experiences while others encounter frequent technical problems.

    • “It was put together well, no bugs, no glitches, no pun intended.”
    • “The graphics are fantastic and the movement is fluid and bug-free.”
    • “After 1 minute and 15 seconds, the game freezes and goes to the desktop every time I access it.”
    • “The graphical glitches and anomalies supposedly a result of your character's augmentations get old after 5 minutes and quickly become annoying.”
    • “It's a buggy mess right now, and all the developers' advice is to replay the game from the start when fixes are released.”
  • replayability
    48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is generally viewed as limited, with many players noting its short length and lack of depth as factors that diminish the desire to replay. While some aspects, such as multiple endings and collectibles, offer slight incentives for a second playthrough, the overall sentiment leans towards it being a one-time experience for most players. A few reviewers appreciated the potential for revisiting the game for completionist purposes, but many felt that once the story is known, the charm fades significantly.

    • “This game is enjoyable to play and has a high replay value.”
    • “The game's multiple endings and varying choices added replayability, although the thought of revisiting the stealth sections dampened my enthusiasm.”
    • “The collectibles and possible multiple endings add replay value to the game.”
    • “However, the game’s relatively short length and limited replay value may leave some players wanting more, especially after the narrative’s conclusion.”
    • “There is no replayability for me... the game is great for a first run, but when you know what's going to happen, I guess it loses its charm.”
    • “The game is worth the price but doesn't have much replayability unless you're a completionist.”
  • emotional
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by standout voice acting, particularly Rutger Hauer's performance, which adds depth to the protagonist's character. Players report a mix of intense feelings, from discomfort and emotional strain to moments of profound resonance, though some find the mechanics and story lacking in emotional payoff. Overall, the game offers a uniquely cerebral experience that challenges perceptions of reality and identity, but it may not appeal to those seeking traditional gameplay or a straightforward narrative.

    • “The voice acting and writing are standout features, with Rutger Hauer delivering a memorable performance as Daniel Lazarski, adding gravitas and emotional depth to the protagonist’s weary, conflicted character.”
    • “While it may not cater to those seeking fast-paced action or traditional scares, Observer excels in delivering a uniquely cerebral and emotionally resonant experience that challenges perceptions of reality and identity in a bleak technological future.”
    • “The loss of such an incredible talent to the gaming community is heartbreaking, but his presence in Observer will always remain a joyous memory and a reminder of what a powerful performance can add to digital storytelling.”
    • “Clunky game mechanics coupled with overly long segments and an ultimately boring story just didn't work for me.”
  • humor
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, featuring a blend of funny, interesting, and awkward moments, with standout dialogues that balance humor and horror effectively. While some segments are laughably bad, others showcase clever writing that captures the absurdities of human experience, particularly in a sci-fi context. Overall, the game's humor resonates well with players, especially those familiar with its cultural references and character-driven interactions.

    • “My favorite part was the dialogues with the different tenants; they were so diverse and funny/scary at the same time.”
    • “Parts of the game are so bad that they're merely laughable. The segment in which you explore Victor's (the werewolf dude) mind and get to the bicycle section is hilarious, especially when the bike falls and you get teleported back 5 feet, repeating this 6 times in a row while a father angrily yells at his son. It's not scary, it's funny.”
    • “Excellent game, with a cyberpunk setting that mixes elements of the 60s and the movie Tron, all wrapped in a fine humor and a Polish film noir detective flair.”
  • character development
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in this game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing it as nonexistent and clichéd, particularly in relation to the antagonist. While a few appreciate the voice acting's contribution to character depth, many feel that the overall narrative development is lacking, overshadowed by poor character designs and illogical plot twists. Conversely, a minority highlight the game's ability to evoke empathy through its characters amidst a beautifully crafted environment.

    • “By character development, I mean narrative development, not leveling up.”
    • “Some of these games rely on clever systems, some in character development and some in world building, but all of them have a great story to tell.”
    • “A delightful and uplifting trot through beautiful environments with profound character development at every corner.”
    • “I do not recommend this game, due to the audio becoming headache-inducing, visuals being lackluster at best, and a complete lack of character development.”
    • “The climax left me in disbelief as I could not even comprehend why they went with such a terrible, clichéd character design for the antagonist.”
    • “The plot twists are not logical, the character development is nonexistent, and the gameplay time is a bit short, but it's a good story with nice characters and what's most important for this genre - the ambience and environment are to die for.”
  • monetization
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game is heavily criticized for its intrusive in-game advertisements and the presence of a separate launcher filled with ads, detracting from the overall experience. While some players appreciate the contextual emails and environmental storytelling, the lengthy ads are seen as tedious and disruptive. Additionally, technical issues related to performance and user interface further exacerbate the negative perception of the game's monetization strategy.

    • “The emails are actually quite fun to read, as they provide some context to the environment you're in... but the ads were just painfully long and quite boring to get through.”
    • “Having another launcher with literal ads is disgusting.”
    • “The walls are full of megacorp ads, etc. The dream sequences have a fever dream and almost Lovecraftian vibe to them.”
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7h Median play time
9h Average play time
7h Main story
12h Completionist
6-12h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 25 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Observer is a action adventure game with horror, mystery, thriller and science fiction themes.

Observer is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

The main story can be completed in around 7 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 12 hours to finish. On average players spend around 9 hours playing Observer.

Observer was released on August 15, 2017.

Observer was developed by Bloober Team SA.

Observer has received neutral reviews from players and neutral reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Observer is a single player game.

Similar games include State of Mind, The Medium, SOMA, Call of Cthulhu, Moons of Madness and others.