Owl Watch
- November 12, 2018
- agelvik
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreOWL WATCH is a short atmospheric adventure game where you travel around in different biomes. Awaken from your slumber as you venture out to seek ancient technology to aid you in a time of darkness.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features charming hand-drawn cutscenes and a beautiful art style that enhances the overall experience.
- It's a quick and fun game, perfect for casual players and speedrunners, with easy achievements to unlock.
- The atmosphere is relaxing and the gameplay mechanics, while simple, are enjoyable and accessible for all ages.
- The game is extremely short, taking only about 10-20 minutes to complete, leaving players wanting more content.
- The story is abstract and uninspiring, lacking depth and engagement throughout the gameplay.
- Controls can feel imprecise and clunky, which may lead to frustration during platforming sections.
- gameplay46 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity, primarily involving basic movement and dashing mechanics, which some players found enjoyable despite the lack of depth. While the game offers a short experience of about 15-20 minutes across three levels, it is considered fun and replayable, though some players wished for more engaging mechanics and level design. Overall, the gameplay is smooth and aesthetically pleasing, but it may leave players wanting more due to its brevity and minimal story integration.
“Gameplay is simple but not boring.”
“The gameplay is very smooth and the controls are nearly non-existent, making it a very simplistic game to learn.”
“The gameplay mechanics are very enjoyable.”
“It left me with a 'wait, that's over?' feel at the end, after 10 minutes of gameplay.”
“Gameplay-wise and aesthetically pleasing, but extremely short.”
“But there is literally nothing during gameplay that adds anything to the story.”
- graphics32 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique and beautiful art style, contributing to an enjoyable aesthetic experience. However, some players noted that the game feels short, with only the first level fully utilizing the vibrant visuals, while others expressed frustration with the game's high graphics card requirements. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, but the game's brevity and technical demands may detract from the experience for some players.
“The art style is great and the game is fun.”
“Though, Owl Watch's art style is beautiful and very unique to say the very least.”
“Fun little game with nice aesthetics.”
“The graphics card requirements annoyed me.”
“Ok, mine is outdated, I know, but there are so many more games and more demanding games that I can play fine (or with slightly adjusted resolution) with my outdated graphic card.”
“But why couldn't it be more open to more graphical card options?”
- story30 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The story is largely criticized for being abstract, uninspiring, and lacking depth, with many reviewers noting that it feels forced and underdeveloped. Despite a promising introduction, the gameplay fails to expand on the narrative, leaving players with a simplistic and empty experience. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a missed opportunity, with calls for better presentation and more engaging lore.
“20 minutes of gameplay with a simple story that, from what I can interpret, is about unsung heroes.”
“Short game, 15 minutes of gameplay, nice little story.”
“The intro sets the storyline and makes you expect more along the way.”
“The story is almost non-existent.”
“But there is literally nothing during gameplay that adds anything to the story.”
“It doesn't even have to be complicated... although the intro sets a purpose, it now just feels like the story is empty.”
- music20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its ability to set the mood and enhance the atmosphere, particularly in the context of a cute and visually appealing design. However, some users noted that the soundtrack is limited, with only a few tracks, and in certain instances, the music can evoke unsettling feelings. Additionally, games like "Owl Watch" opted for calming ambient sounds instead of traditional music, which some players found more enjoyable during exploration.
“The atmosphere is very, very good and the soundtrack is nice too.”
“I love the design and the music is also very fitting and relaxing.”
“The game is pretty looking, has some nice music and universe.”
“A nice looking little platformer with an ominous 250% reverb music and audio effects.”
“Music... gave me an unsettled feeling, at least the last level.”
“There's basically no story and only a few music tracks, and really each level only has one mechanic to it beyond the basic movement mechanics.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its charm, enhanced by hand-drawn cutscenes and a pleasant soundtrack, creating a chill experience despite its short length of around 10-15 minutes. While not groundbreaking, it offers a nice aesthetic that may appeal to those looking for a quick, atmospheric game, especially if available at a reduced price.
“The atmosphere is very, very good and the soundtrack is nice too.”
“Really short game (about 10 minutes) but very atmospheric and chill.”
“So hey, if this is reduced in price, you generally enjoy games with good atmosphere and art, and don't mind the game only being about 15 minutes long, go for it, I'd say.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Owl Watch lacks a traditional post-game but offers some replayability due to its short length and engaging, colorful levels. Players may find themselves returning for a casual experience, though it may not be immediate. Overall, it receives a moderate score of 6 out of 10 for replayability.
“Owl Watch itself has no post-game, but I do believe it has some replayability. Being a short game, it won't be right away, but I do see myself going at it again someday for a nice and casual experience.”
“The colorful levels and simple presentation lend well enough to replayability.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its wholesome nature, evoking feelings of warmth and positivity among players.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be minimal, as it consists of only four easy levels that can feel tedious due to repetitive tasks like crossing small islands. Achievements are awarded for completing each level, but the overall experience may lack depth and challenge.
“The game only has 4 levels, and you get an achievement for completing each of those levels. They are very easy, but at times a bit tedious crossing the small islands.”
