TOBOR
- November 15, 2023
- Cogoo
Get on Steam"Tobor is a narrative-driven spy robot adventure set in the mysterious world of Undercroft, where exploration, puzzle-solving, and multiple endings await. Uncover truths and collect clues within 16 surveillance feeds, while your choices shape the story and outcome in this immersive and atmospheric game."
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an incredibly interesting story with well-developed characters and a unique narrative structure that encourages multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate the lore.
- The art style and atmospheric sound design create an immersive experience, enhancing the overall tension and engagement throughout the gameplay.
- Players appreciate the game's replayability, as small choices significantly impact the plot, making each playthrough feel fresh and rewarding.
- The gameplay mechanics can feel overwhelming and exhausting, requiring intense focus on multiple elements at once, which may detract from the enjoyment of the story.
- Some players have reported frustration with the ending system, where following different characters can lead to repetitive or unsatisfying conclusions.
- The pacing can be inconsistent, with moments of waiting that disrupt the flow of the game, making it feel tedious at times.
- story19 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The story in the game is praised for its intriguing characters and worldbuilding, with a nonlinear narrative that encourages multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate the various perspectives and endings. However, some players feel overwhelmed by the complexity and fear of missing key story elements, leading to frustration when encountering similar endings despite following different characters. Overall, while the storytelling is captivating and immersive, it can be challenging to navigate without losing track of the overarching narrative.
“First playthrough done, incredibly cool characters, world, and an incredible story. Somehow the game kept me engaged until the end of my first playthrough.”
“The story was very interesting to see unfold from all the different angles and perspectives that each of the characters had.”
“The storytelling in the game, along with its visual and auditory effects, is incredibly impressive and captivating.”
“Maybe don't make it so when you follow a character you just get some unrelated character you haven't interacted with's ending, because then what is the point of following anyone else if you get the same ending anyway? I was very interested in the characters and the story, but it was ruined by getting the same ending twice in a row.”
“It feels like there should be an overarching story tying all these splattered chunks together, and not just in your mind, but with a finite ending, a proper closure.”
“It's a bit like taking a tour among set pieces - characters do have an air of theatricality to them, like actors in a play - but nowhere staying long enough to see the end of the story.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a simple yet engaging loop that keeps players invested, despite some mechanics feeling repetitive towards the end. While the nonlinear storytelling and worldbuilding are praised, the slow-paced dialogue and the need to manage multiple elements can lead to moments of frustration and routine. Overall, players find the experience enjoyable, though it may require patience to fully appreciate.
“The gameplay loop is pretty simple, but doesn't feel boring or repetitive.”
“The worldbuilding and nonlinear storytelling in this game is really impressive; gameplay feels really hectic as you're constantly trying to keep track of everything at once.”
“The mechanics definitely overstayed their welcome towards the end, as after you finish gathering all the evidence with the slider (which I was doing on the last two nights in like 30 seconds), you're left just waiting around to press space every now and then.”
“Well, it certainly becomes a routine after a while, but it takes a bit of getting used to as all the gameplay tips are relayed while you're trying to follow what's happening on the camera feeds, so it's easy to miss things.”
“While I don't exactly have the patience with the mechanics and slow-paced dialogue to sit through this game a few more times to get all the endings, I did still really enjoy it!”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a unique art style that showcases Tobor's distinct aesthetic, setting it apart from other games. The visuals are complemented by engaging voiceovers, enhancing the overall artistic experience.
“The art style direction has Tobor's own aesthetic, and it doesn't feel like something I've seen anywhere before.”
“The art style is nice and is brought to life via voiceovers.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is described as atmospheric and stylishly monochrome, creating a compelling dystopian environment that immerses players in a minimalistic yet imaginative world. Interactions may seem inconsequential at first, but they can significantly impact characters' realities and endings, enhancing the overall intrigue and engagement.
“Atmospheric and stylishly monochrome, these visions look as if you've entered the monitor, through a looking glass where interactions are amusing but seemingly inconsequential, until you're presented with a choice that can actually alter characters' realities and influence endings.”
“Other than these complaints, I found Tobor's atmospheric minimalism refreshingly imaginative and its mysteries compelling enough to tickle the peeping tendencies we all have... um, just me?”
“I've quite enjoyed its dystopian atmosphere.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers sufficient replayability, with fresh intel and varied surreal elements that encourage players to start anew. Many reviewers believe this aspect justifies the game's price.
“There is adequate replayability to sustain starting from scratch; obviously the surveilled intel will be fresh, but the surreal parts also show quite a bit of variety.”
“I'd say it's worth the price tag due to the replayability.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its immersive soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience, complemented by quality English voice acting.
“The soundtrack is incredibly immersive and enhances the overall experience.”
“The English voice acting adds a great layer to the music, making it even more engaging.”
“The music perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.”
