The Operator

About

"The Operator" is a detective simulation game where you solve criminal cases for the FDI. Utilize advanced software to analyze evidence, evaluate documents, and connect clues to bring criminals to justice. Each case is a complex, mind-bending story that requires you to dig deep and uncover the truth. Assist field agents by providing critical support and follow the evidence wherever it leads.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,943 reviews

story582 positive mentions

replayability24 negative mentions

Unique and immersive gameplay that makes you feel like a real investigator.
Engaging story with unexpected twists that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
High-quality voice acting and sound design that enhance the overall experience.

Very short playtime, typically around 3-4 hours, which may not justify the price for some players.
Linear storyline with little to no impact from player choices, leading to a lack of replayability.
Some puzzles and mechanics are only used once, missing opportunities for deeper gameplay.

story
1,334 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
54%
2%
The game's story is a central focus, often described as engaging and filled with intriguing plot twists, reminiscent of 90s conspiracy themes like those found in "The X-Files." However, many reviewers note that the narrative is quite short, typically lasting around 3-4 hours, and lacks replayability due to its linear structure where choices have minimal impact on the outcome. While the storytelling is praised for its immersive quality and strong voice acting, some players express disappointment with the predictability of certain plot points and the abrupt ending, leaving them wanting more depth and additional content.
- “The story is gripping, filled with twists, and kept me on edge until the very end.”
- “This game delivers an incredible story and offers a genuinely engaging experience.”
- “The narrative is engaging, with excellent voice acting and a compelling plot that keeps you hooked.”
- “Sure, I suppose the story is concluded and the loose ends tied, but in a very disappointing and somewhat lazy way.”
- “None of your actions really make a difference since the story ends only one way, which is usually fine when the one ending is satisfying in some way, shape, or form.”
- “The story feels like it comes to an abrupt stop at the end, and while it was very interesting, I was very disappointed with the ending.”
gameplay
343 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
56%
3%
The gameplay of "The Operator" is primarily narrative-driven, resembling a visual novel more than a traditional detective puzzle game, which some players found disappointing given the potential of its detective mechanics. While the mechanics are well-designed and engaging, many are underutilized, leading to a linear experience with limited replay value and a relatively short playtime of around 3-4 hours. Overall, players appreciated the immersive atmosphere, intuitive controls, and the blend of storytelling with gameplay, but expressed a desire for more depth and opportunities to explore the mechanics introduced throughout the game.
- “The mechanics are expertly designed and controls are smooth and intuitive, letting you focus on the story without distraction.”
- “The gameplay is engaging, the story is enthralling, and the whole package is very polished from the voice acting to the sound design to the game's soundtrack.”
- “The gameplay concept and execution are really good.”
- “It plays a bit more like a visual novel than a detective puzzle game in that it focuses a lot more on story than it does on detective mechanics, which is maybe a bit of a shame given how the detective puzzles are really good but somewhat underused while the story is okay but not necessarily great.”
- “Only critiques I could give is that the gameplay is incredibly linear so there isn't much in terms of replay value and it is very, very short for its price tag.”
- “The gameplay is very limited and simple, the choices in the dialogues don't affect anything.”
music
173 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
65%
34%
2%
The music in the game is widely praised for its high quality and effective integration into the gameplay, enhancing tension and immersion during key moments. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to complement the narrative, with dynamic changes that align with plot developments, creating a captivating atmosphere. Overall, the sound design, including voice acting and ambient effects, is considered exceptional, contributing significantly to the game's engaging experience.
- “What elevates it for me is the music kicking in at certain moments to heighten tension.”
- “The soundtrack and the timing of the music whenever certain information is revealed is something I appreciated, as it makes the story more immersive.”
- “The music is phenomenal, voice acting is great, and the story kept me totally engaged.”
- “The music, while inoffensive in quality, broke the sense of immersion for me.”
- “Not to mention an 'original soundtrack' for another 10€.”
- “When I calculate the 'price per hour' of the main story, this game is undoubtedly the worst in my entire game library (7€ per hour, almost 12€ if you buy the 'original soundtrack'), including cutscenes and dialogues.”
atmosphere
66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
65%
30%
5%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and gripping qualities, effectively drawing players into a tense and nostalgic experience reminiscent of the 90s. Reviewers highlight the excellent sound design, voice acting, and music, which collectively enhance the storytelling and emotional engagement. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, making it a compelling choice for fans of detective and narrative-driven games.
- “From the start, the game immerses you in a gripping atmosphere that keeps you on edge.”
- “The game's atmosphere, set in the 90s with its authentic CRT visuals, was nostalgic and immersive.”
- “The attention to detail and realistic scenarios create a captivating atmosphere.”
- “There's unnecessary padding, in full blur cut scenes that take place between each 'day', and they seem to exist either for 'atmosphere' or more cynically, just to pad the game out so you go over the 2 hour refund mark.”
- “The atmosphere was so true and intense.”
- “The game is simple, but with a special atmosphere - you are doing some basic tasks to get fast into the sad story without knowing...”
replayability
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
50%
40%
The game suffers from a significant lack of replayability, primarily due to its linear narrative and the absence of multiple endings, with most players completing it in about 3-4 hours. While the story and gameplay are generally well-received, the inability to make meaningful choices or experience different outcomes greatly diminishes the incentive to replay. Overall, it is viewed as a short, one-time experience rather than a game that encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “With high replay value and ongoing updates, this game is a must-play for fans of the genre.”
- “One of the standout features is the replayability factor.”
- “It seems like there are different endings, so some replayability.”
- “The main story can be completed in about 3-4 hours, and there isn’t much replay value since the narrative is linear.”
- “There are no divergent paths, only one ending, and zero replay value.”
- “The ending is a bit disappointing because in a game with these many choices, just a single ending no matter what you do really impedes replayability.”
graphics
51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
43%
6%
The graphics of the game have received high praise for their immersive and nostalgic aesthetic, particularly the retro CRT visuals that enhance the overall atmosphere. While many reviewers noted the stunning visuals and effective sound design, some pointed out limitations in the cutscenes and a reliance on style over substance. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's engaging experience, with ratings often reflecting a strong appreciation for their quality and fit within the narrative.
- “The game's atmosphere, set in the 90s with its authentic CRT visuals, was nostalgic and immersive.”
- “The graphics are stunning, and the real-time command system adds layers of tactical depth.”
- “The writing, visuals, and story all fit perfectly together and give you a super immersive experience.”
- “The visuals were done well although they seemed limited in the cutscenes.”
- “It relies heavily on style over substance, using eye-catching visuals to distract from its shallow gameplay.”
- “The cutscenes were a bit meh, but the UI is nice.”
emotional
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players' deep investment in the storyline and characters, with many expressing feelings of thrill, guilt, and surprise throughout their experience. While some found the emotional beats to be impactful and reminiscent of engaging mysteries, others felt that certain emotional connections were forced or underdeveloped. Overall, the game successfully evokes a range of emotions, leaving players both satisfied and yearning for more.
- “What begins as routine work grows into a gripping, larger-than-life case that pulls you in emotionally and mentally.”
- “This game was amazing. I am not understating when I say I cried at the twist with Evan. I am not joking when I say I felt guilty when Alexandra died because of me. This game made me question everything, and I love it for that. The dev team should be congratulated.”
- “I got so emotionally invested in the characters even though they're just profile pictures, sometimes not even that.”
grinding
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
11%
56%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while the story and puzzle elements are engaging, the slow-paced and repetitive tasks can feel tedious and require significant time investment. Some users noted that the gameplay can become monotonous, particularly during non-interactive segments, leading to a sense of frustration. Overall, the game strikes a balance between interesting content and grind-heavy moments that may test players' patience.
- “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.”
- “The grinding aspect can be intense, but it really enhances the overall experience.”
- “And you, the player, are the computer whose job is to do the tedious work of checking.”
- “Gameplay is slow and tedious, not being able to skip anything.”
- “- The parts in between gameplay where 'the operator' isn't behind his computer are tedious, and you really aren't looking at anything except for some blurry outlines of lighting... you're basically just staring at your screen for a few minutes with some background noise.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
50%
Reviews on the humor aspect of the game are mixed; while some players find it lacking, particularly in comparison to inspirations like *The X-Files*, others appreciate its surreal and fantastical elements that introduce a degree of humor. Overall, the humor seems to be hit or miss, with some players desiring more comedic content while others enjoy the suspenseful and thrilling moments.
- “I really enjoyed this game; I read a few other reviews, and it's funny to see how many people wanted more of the general case working, because I thought the exact same thing while playing, lol.”
- “While the operator builds on suspense, thrill, and high-stake moments, Home Safety Hotline is surreal, fantastical, and even a little humorous.”
- “On a more serious note though (boo, we want a funny review).”
- “Cried, not funny.”
- “The jokes fell flat and felt forced.”
- “I expected humor, but it was more cringeworthy than amusing.”
character development
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
60%
Character development is generally well-received, with users appreciating the quality of voice acting and character designs. However, there is a desire for more missions and branching storylines that allow for varied dialogue choices, which could enhance the depth and personalization of character arcs without risking monotony.
- “The character development, other than not being very personable, was great.”
- “Would it be cool if there were some branching storylines with different endings or character development as you choose different dialogue choices?”
- “There was also good voice acting and character designs.”
- “Allow the character development to progress further by including more missions.”
- “Would it be cool if there were some branching storylines with different endings or character development as you choose different dialogue options?”
- “It didn't need too much more so that it runs the aforementioned risk of becoming stale, but a few more short cases for character development wouldn't have hurt.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
100%
Overall, the game is praised for its strong optimization, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience. However, some users noted that while the performance is generally good, it may not be as impressive as expected given the game's high-quality writing and immersive design elements.
- “1000/10 game, one of the best games I've played in a while. 100% worth the money; it's really optimized and just a fun game that makes you scratch your head a lot and will give you anxiety, especially with the bomb.”
- “With fantastic writing and performances, great attention to detail, and suspenseful vibes, the storytelling through cross-examinations on computer terminals, dreamy bokeh, and immaculate sound design is oh so effective.”
- “It hits all the right notes, but the performance isn't inspiring.”
- “The game has great potential, but the optimization issues make it frustrating to play.”
- “Despite its interesting mechanics, the frequent lag and stuttering ruin the overall experience.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game exhibits notable stability issues, with users reporting multiple bugs and instances of softlocking. Players are advised to adhere strictly to the game's intended sequence of actions, as deviating from it can lead to significant setbacks, including the need to restart their progress.
- “Finally, the game is a bit buggy and softlocks in multiple places. I recommend you follow what the game expects you to do in the exact order it likes, as getting ahead of yourself, either through experimentation or actual foreknowledge, can potentially end your entire run and you'll have to start over.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a potential cash grab, with players feeling misled by its advertising, which suggests a detective experience but delivers more of a story-driven visual novel. This has left some users dissatisfied, especially given the game's pricing relative to its content.
- “I honestly thought the game was just starting when it ended, but it was setting up for a sequel (cash grab at this price).”
- “- Unclear advertisement (detective game vs. very story-driven, more of a visual novel).”