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Obsidian

82%Game Brain Score
atmosphere, optimization
story, graphics
95% User Score Based on 38 reviews

Platforms

Mac OSMac OSPCPCSteam DeckSteam DeckWindowsWindowsLinuxLinux
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About

"Obsidian" is a surrealistic puzzle-adventure game where players, as a stranger in a strange land, search for their partner Max while contending with a world that defies expectations. Characters behave unpredictably, physics are distorted, and every solved puzzle leads to a new enigma. The game's narrative unfolds as players piece together the larger mystery, challenging them to make the right choice when the time comes.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
Obsidian screenshot
+31

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 38 reviews
atmosphere4 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • The puzzles are engaging, logical, and provide a satisfying sense of discovery, making players feel clever when solved.
  • The game features a unique and surreal visual style that immerses players in its imaginative environments.
  • Despite its age, the game has been well-portable to modern systems, allowing for a smooth gameplay experience without technical issues.
  • The game is relatively short, leaving players wanting more content and exploration.
  • Some puzzles can be quite difficult and not intuitive, which may frustrate players unfamiliar with the genre.
  • The dated graphics and interface may be challenging for younger gamers or those not accustomed to retro adventure games.
  • story
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in Obsidian is described as a complex and thought-provoking narrative that unfolds amidst a creatively designed world filled with challenging puzzles. While the game starts slowly with extensive exposition, it ultimately rewards players with a captivating plot that enhances the overall experience. Despite some confusion, many players appreciate the depth and engagement of the story, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of narrative-driven puzzle games.

    • “Enter the fever dream that is Obsidian and discover puzzles that challenge you, a marvelous world bursting with creative design, and a mind-bending story that will turn everything upside down.”
    • “Top it all off with a story that surprisingly feels like it actually had a lot of thought put into it, and you have a game that almost any fan of myst-likes should enjoy.”
    • “Somewhere between all this weirdness is a story, but I did not quite get it.”
    • “It starts a bit slow; there's a bunch of exposition at the beginning (in the form of a laptop you find in your tent and a number of text and video files to watch on it) that may feel tempting to skip, but it delivers quite a bit of plot and context that makes everything that happens next make more sense.”
    • “Obsidian broke a lot of ground at the time of its release, and the story and gameplay are well worth any time spent learning the interface.”
  • graphics
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's graphics are considered dated by modern standards, though they were impressive at the time of release. Despite this, many players find the visuals and surreal gameplay to be engaging, often evoking nostalgia for the late 20th century aesthetic. Overall, while the graphics may not hold up today, they do not detract from the entertainment value of the game.

    • “But, the visuals and surreal gameplay make this a treat for the willing point & click adventure player.”
    • “I first played this game as a small child in 1997, and it left such an indelible mark on my imagination and sense of aesthetics.”
    • “It was a good looking game at that time with state of the art graphics.”
    • “I was not bothered by the dated graphics; I was well entertained playing this game.”
    • “Playing it again is like taking a step back into that late 20th century Gen X era of cynical excess and postmodern aesthetics.”
  • gameplay
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by its surreal and imaginative elements, offering a unique point-and-click adventure experience that rewards players willing to engage with its intricate interface. Notable moments, such as being consumed by a giant mechanical spider only to enter a different world, highlight the game's creativity and depth, making it a memorable experience. Overall, the combination of innovative gameplay and compelling storytelling has left a lasting impact since its release.

    • “The visuals and surreal gameplay make this a treat for the willing point & click adventure player.”
    • “You get eaten by the mechanical spider and instead of dying in the burning furnace, you enter a whole different world.”
    • “You get eaten by the mechanical spider and instead of dying in the burning furnace you enter a whole different world.”
    • “Obsidian broke a lot of ground at the time of its release, and the story and gameplay are well worth any time spent learning the interface.”
    • “But, the visuals and surreal gameplay make this a treat for the willing point & click adventure player.”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its creativity and dream-like quality, enhancing the overall experience despite some challenging and non-intuitive puzzles. Players appreciate the immersive storytelling that complements the atmospheric elements, making it enjoyable even after repeated playthroughs.

    • “Some of the puzzles are quite difficult and not intuitive, but that adds to the dream-like atmosphere.”
    • “Incredibly creative and atmospheric.”
    • “I still enjoy it for the story and atmosphere, even if I have memorized all the puzzles.”
  • music
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game features an unusual blend of digital and MIDI elements, creating a dynamic experience that can shift from beautiful to jarring unexpectedly.

    • “The music is a strange combination of digital and MIDI that drifts from lovely to piercing or grating without warning.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is reported to run smoothly on modern operating systems, with users generally experiencing no significant technical issues. Overall, optimization appears to be well-executed, contributing to a positive gameplay experience.

    • “I read in another review that the game runs smoothly on a modern operating system, so I was expecting no technical problems.”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is subtly integrated, providing lighthearted moments without overwhelming the overall experience.

    • “There's also a bit of humor sprinkled here and there without going overboard.”

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