Obsidian

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

Adventure

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

+31

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 19 reviews

optimization1 positive mentions

gameplay2 negative mentions

The puzzles are well-designed, logical, and provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved.
The game features a unique and surreal visual style that enhances the overall experience.
It successfully immerses players in a creative and imaginative world, making it a memorable adventure game.

The game is relatively short, leaving players wanting more content.
Some puzzles can be quite difficult and not intuitive, which may frustrate some players.
Technical issues such as crashes and freezes can detract from the overall experience.

story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
25%
38%
The story in Obsidian is described as a complex and thought-provoking narrative that unfolds amidst a creatively designed world filled with puzzles. While the beginning may feel slow due to extensive exposition, it ultimately enriches the plot and context, making the experience rewarding for fans of story-driven puzzle adventures. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging storytelling and memorable atmosphere, making it a worthwhile revisit for players.
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “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
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's graphics are considered dated by modern standards, yet they were once state-of-the-art and continue to evoke nostalgia for players who experienced them in the late 20th century. While some may find the visuals lacking today, many appreciate the surreal gameplay and the aesthetic charm that resonates with their childhood memories. Overall, the graphics may not impress everyone, but they contribute to a unique and entertaining experience for fans of the genre.
- “But the visuals and surreal gameplay make this a treat for the willing point-and-click adventure player.”
- “It was a good-looking game at that time with state-of-the-art graphics.”
- “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.”
- “The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
- “The visuals are underwhelming and do not hold up to current standards.”
- “The art style is inconsistent and detracts from the overall experience.”
gameplay
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
The gameplay is characterized by its surreal and engaging point-and-click mechanics, offering unique experiences such as navigating through bizarre scenarios like being consumed by a giant mechanical spider. Players appreciate the innovative design and storytelling, which enhance the overall experience and justify the time invested in mastering the interface.
- “The visuals and surreal gameplay make this a treat for the willing point-and-click adventure player.”
- “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.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
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.
- “I still enjoy it for the story and atmosphere, even if I have memorized all the puzzles.”
- “Some of the puzzles are quite difficult and not intuitive, but that adds to the dream-like atmosphere (and there are still walkthroughs available online for when you become stuck).”
- “Incredibly creative and atmospheric.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
- “Despite the game's potential, the atmosphere is marred by repetitive environments that fail to evoke any real sense of wonder.”
- “The overall ambiance is dull and lifeless, making it hard to stay engaged with the game's narrative.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
200%
300%
The music in the game features an eclectic mix of digital and MIDI elements, creating a soundscape that can shift unexpectedly from beautiful to jarring.
- “The soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing every moment with its unique blend of genres.”
- “Each track feels meticulously crafted, creating an immersive experience that draws you deeper into the game world.”
- “The music is a strange combination of digital and MIDI that drifts from lovely to piercing or grating without warning.”
- “The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “The audio quality is inconsistent, with some tracks sounding muffled and others overly sharp.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, users report that the game is well-optimized for modern operating systems, leading to a smooth gameplay experience with minimal technical issues.
- “I read in another review that the game runs smoothly on a modern operating system, so I was expecting no technical problems.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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.”