Antichamber

 PC
  • Publisher: Demruth
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2013
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 621 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 485 out of 621
  2. Mixed: 85 out of 621
  3. Negative: 51 out of 621

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  1. psylife
    Sep 6, 2023
    3
    I would strongly recommend game designers to play this game in order to learn how NOT to make a puzzle game. In fact how not to make a game, period. Antichamber is a RELATIVELY interesting experimental project that suffers from a severe lack of awareness of the most basic design concepts.

    Simply put, bumping into every wall while being continuously confused and frustrated about your    I would strongly recommend game designers to play this game in order to learn how NOT to make a puzzle game. In fact how not to make a game, period. Antichamber is a RELATIVELY interesting experimental project that suffers from a severe lack of awareness of the most basic design concepts.

    Simply put, bumping into every wall while being continuously confused and frustrated about your actual location and what it is you are supposed to do or solve, is not fun nor clever. It's just bad design. Not only that, but the designer thought judicious to let the player run in circles, and get stuck on - what may or may not be? - a puzzle, only for the player to realize that this particular puzzle - which may or may not be an actual puzzle - is not currently solvable ! If at least the solutions to the puzzles offered a satisfying payoff...

    At the risk of sounding too negative, the visuals hurt my eyes.

    Play Stanley parable, Talos, or Portal instead.    … Expand
  2. xcale
    May 9, 2023
    10
    An incredible FPS puzzle game. Simply a brain twister and mind blogger. Also only 1 yes only ONE person did this game. Can you imagine? Truly a masterpiece.
  3. TheLinkgirl
    May 29, 2022
    1
    I didn't enjoy Antichamber. My experience with all of the puzzles was that they were either preposterously easy, or a total roadblock because the game failed to provide the player with necessary information. For each bit of progress I made, I felt that I was reminded of how pointless everything I was doing was. I never experienced anything that blew me away, or made me think a puzzle wasI didn't enjoy Antichamber. My experience with all of the puzzles was that they were either preposterously easy, or a total roadblock because the game failed to provide the player with necessary information. For each bit of progress I made, I felt that I was reminded of how pointless everything I was doing was. I never experienced anything that blew me away, or made me think a puzzle was clever, or anything like that. It was all just nebulous content, wasting my time away.… Expand
  4. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    9
    Вы просто обязаны в это сыграть! Нет, серьёзно, вот прямо сейчас возьми и запусти и не пожалей!
  5. Plotoyadniycube
    Jan 26, 2021
    10
    I think it is one of the best game on pc, maybe the best. It is so unusual, unique game. Which have incredible atmosphere, music, gameplay and ending. it is also an undemanding game and weighs little, what big + for me.
  6. vaurne
    Dec 24, 2020
    8
    Antichamber sets itself aside from other puzzle games simply by being extraordinarily unique.

    The best way to describe it would be that it is different. Different how? It's abstract but objective. The puzzles it presents you are difficult in the most creative way, each one with it's clever twist. The world it sets you on is distinct and intriguing, allowing you to travel through the    Antichamber sets itself aside from other puzzle games simply by being extraordinarily unique.

    The best way to describe it would be that it is different. Different how? It's abstract but objective. The puzzles it presents you are difficult in the most creative way, each one with it's clever twist. The world it sets you on is distinct and intriguing, allowing you to travel through the puzzles as if you're interpreting a bigger picture.    … Expand
  7. kajt
    Sep 4, 2020
    8
    Do you like mindf**ks? you should definitely check out this game! Not long, not so beautiful, but worth it!
  8. kezzyhko
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  9. Benehime
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    «Antichamber» of abstract philosophic masterpiece

    «Antichamber» is a first-person indie puzzle game released at January 31, 2013 by the developer «Alexander Bruce» and publisher «Demruth». There is almost nothing real in «Antichamber». From the gameplay to the subject: what you will be experiencing going to be abstraction, yet still comfy abstraction. Subject lies in you exploring    «Antichamber» of abstract philosophic masterpiece

    «Antichamber» is a first-person indie puzzle game released at January 31, 2013 by the developer «Alexander Bruce» and publisher «Demruth».

    There is almost nothing real in «Antichamber». From the gameplay to the subject: what you will be experiencing going to be abstraction, yet still comfy abstraction. Subject lies in you exploring and understanding the game’s world mostly. But at some point, some dark entity will be presented to you – again only for you to explore where is it heading to, and yourself think what is it means.

    In the game you are going to solve puzzles. Every puzzle begins with some philosophical wisdom and this verbal wisdom is an answer to the visual puzzle. It is most of the time not the clearest clue, but many puzzles can be solved only if you will relay on the wisdom it gave to you.

    «Antichamber’s» best is playing with your perception. First as a gamer you will be strangely fascinated with what can gameplay be. Gameplay wise this game just dips you into the game like it’s your first-time gaming, because almost nothing is recognizable. Yet the game is still purely intuitive to play therefore it is minimalistic, so to be gamer is required. «Antichamber» will deconstruct your gaming experience to pieces, showing what you never saw before in details flavoring it with good amount of philosophy.

    Then it is a philosophic game because it has many wisdoms with every puzzle and much contemplation to the whole game. Its aesthetics are abstract yet pure, like you are experiencing the new metaphysic world. And the only way you are moving in this world is by universal wisdoms.

    Playing with gameplay mechanics, playing with the concept of a gameplay itself, the game with the narrative through gameplay – «Antichamber» is a true indie-game, vivid and strange even to describe, strangely beautiful and chilling, deserves 10 out of 10 for being niche self.    … Expand
  10. spencerplewe
    Mar 12, 2020
    10
    An M.C. Escher puzzle game that will blow all expectations. No graphical demands, no lives, no bosses. Just a gradually expanding museum of tricks, gadgets, and cerebral satisfaction.
  11. CrazyGhostRider
    Mar 4, 2020
    10
    This is a very interesting puzzle game that breaks the brain.
    It’s a pity that the second time it’s not so interesting to go through it. Since you already know everything.
  12. kelk_1
    Feb 25, 2020
    8
    Dommage que le jeu n'apporte pas de support pour changer les contrôles, obligé d'aller dans les fichiers du jeux ou de changer son clavier, et impossible de jouer à la manette. A part ce léger détail, les graphismes vont parfaitement dans le thème, la bonde son est relaxante à côté des énigmes qui renversent le cerveau. Le système du monde d'Escher est très bien pensé et représente trèsDommage que le jeu n'apporte pas de support pour changer les contrôles, obligé d'aller dans les fichiers du jeux ou de changer son clavier, et impossible de jouer à la manette. A part ce léger détail, les graphismes vont parfaitement dans le thème, la bonde son est relaxante à côté des énigmes qui renversent le cerveau. Le système du monde d'Escher est très bien pensé et représente très bien son oeuvre. Les 120 morales sont toutes bien pensées, et le côté bac à sable / exploration est très bon.… Expand
  13. ReezeTheVampire
    Nov 7, 2019
    6
    You know, this is certainly a cool game, if nothing else. I like how strange and confusing it is. I haven't beaten it yet, but I'm sure I will eventually. It has neat level design, a cool look, and really interesting mechanics. If you like a strange game, or a puzzle game, this is definitely for you.
  14. Napalm007
    Oct 28, 2019
    9
    One of the best game ever, Many triple A companies needs to learn some competence of Indie devs.
  15. lenyakap
    Jul 31, 2019
    10
    Best game ever created in our world. Thanks for that.......................
  16. kuczmcym
    Feb 8, 2019
    9
    A puzzle game like no other. A mindbogglingly unique experience. A must play for anyone who has ever enjoyed a puzzle game.
  17. zkvarz
    Jan 5, 2018
    9
    This game surprised me right from the beginning with it's unique design and challenging puzzles. This is one of the few games that I've played which had an impossible objects. Every turn in the game can bring something new and unexpected. So unexpected that you cannot even return the same way you came.
    Of course not every game needs a character and deep story because it's concentrated on    This game surprised me right from the beginning with it's unique design and challenging puzzles. This is one of the few games that I've played which had an impossible objects. Every turn in the game can bring something new and unexpected. So unexpected that you cannot even return the same way you came.
    Of course not every game needs a character and deep story because it's concentrated on other things. That's a negative side.
    But puzzles... damn! Almost at the beginning of the game we get an interesting puzzle solving 'gun' which is also a unique way to interact with the surroundings and it's so fun. But at some moments in the game I stuck and I thought I'll never finish. I got back to it over and over because of the challenge and desire to see unknown and to explore as much as possible. After many shooters and RPG-s with mostly linear experience this felt incredibly good.
    "If you don’t like where you’ve ended up, try doing something else."    … Expand
  18. RagingPoet
    Nov 8, 2017
    8
    Antichamber is a lot of fun and, just like many other people said it before, you should try it before reading too much reviews. It is a puzzle game, but even if you don't like puzzles all that much you might like this one, especially the first few hours.
  19. auditbadger
    Jul 30, 2017
    6
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  20. reviewfrom19842
    Jun 22, 2017
    7
    Antichamber is a very interstanding game .
  21. Smatt--
    Nov 12, 2016
    10
    This game is very impressive, Would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good think. As thats what you have to do. Think. Personally I got quite a few lessons out of this, And it tries to teach you life lessons in a very "mind **** way. Genuinely, Thats what this game is. A good old mess with your head.

    Graphical stylisation is fab, and sound is fab. 10/10
  22. hezuskhan
    Jan 2, 2016
    10
    ive played my decent share of great puzzle games, and this one might not be the best of them, but it might just be the most original and thought provoking.

    this game might be a tad similar to portal, but on the same time it is quite the opposite. if in portal you feel like the creators are intelligently holding your hand to help you through the trickiest parts, here you simply get    ive played my decent share of great puzzle games, and this one might not be the best of them, but it might just be the most original and thought provoking.

    this game might be a tad similar to portal, but on the same time it is quite the opposite.
    if in portal you feel like the creators are intelligently holding your hand to help you through the trickiest parts, here you simply get thrown in to the world, having to figure out the rules and mechanisms of it all by yourself.

    without saying much, anti-chamber says a lot. i recommend this game for every puzzle game lover out there.    … Expand
  23. k9wazere
    Dec 13, 2015
    2
    Before you get this game, watch a few minutes of it on YouTube.

    There must be something about this game's extremely minimalist graphics, because a significant number of people - myself included - cannot play this game without feeling violently ill. I have never, ever experienced FPS sickness in a gaming career spanning over two decades. But I can only last 15-20 mins in this game. I had    Before you get this game, watch a few minutes of it on YouTube.

    There must be something about this game's extremely minimalist graphics, because a significant number of people - myself included - cannot play this game without feeling violently ill. I have never, ever experienced FPS sickness in a gaming career spanning over two decades. But I can only last 15-20 mins in this game. I had to turn it off, because my head was spinning and my dinner was making a dash for freedom.

    It might be a little unfair to rate this game poorly based on the motion sickness it gives me, but at the end of the day I'm not alone. A Google search reveals that many people have a similar reaction, and could not play the game they spent money on.    … Expand
  24. Overvulture
    Nov 9, 2015
    8
    Confusing and tricky, but more of a traditional puzzle game than you might think at first. Much of the fun of Antichamber comes from figuring out the strange logic that governs things, and using it to make sense out of situations that wouldn't make sense in any other game. It rewards exploration and experimenting more than it does logically deducing the answer on the spot, and fairly oftenConfusing and tricky, but more of a traditional puzzle game than you might think at first. Much of the fun of Antichamber comes from figuring out the strange logic that governs things, and using it to make sense out of situations that wouldn't make sense in any other game. It rewards exploration and experimenting more than it does logically deducing the answer on the spot, and fairly often the solution to something can come about by accident while you try everything you can imagine.

    Having a mostly non-linear map that opens up more as you collect new abilities makes it much more fun to progress through than a straight, linear sequence of puzzles and for the most part there is enough direction that the temptation to look at a guide is rarely there. It's an unusual sort of puzzle game that plays smoothly and maintains a certain level of immersion instead of just leaving you wandering in circles in frustration. It can trick you and mess with you, and it is very satisfying to overcome its illusions and quirks.

    On the negative side, your results may vary, but I did find it very hard on the eyes with all the glaring white backgrounds. You may want to turn down your brightness and play in a well-lit room.    … Expand
  25. DanySK
    Nov 7, 2015
    9
    Somehow more an introspectory trip than a first person puzzle. Puzzles exploit the world rules, which are not the same rules you are used to in your world. Learn step by step, exploit everything, and get to the rewarding end. Definitely worth your time and your money.
  26. everin
    Oct 1, 2015
    9
    Tier 1
    + Conceptually amazing
    + Interesting and innovative puzzle designs
    + One of a kind
    - Somewhat inconsistent in execution
    - A little rough around the edges
  27. dyspeptic
    Jun 15, 2015
    9
    Fiendish puzzles + fortune cookie philosophy = great

    Portal 1&2 took 3 hours to beat (combined). Antichamber took 10. Guess which I think is a better value?

    I do recommend a controller-adapting software (like XPadder) though. Keyboard isn't very well suited to an exploration/puzzle game.
  28. DDilettante
    Jan 17, 2015
    8
    Antichamber is what happens when puzzle game designers strip away all tradition, get drunk, and decide to see how cruelly they can mess with gamers' heads. Then, when they sober up the next day, there's a hint of remorse as they patch over it with a few words of inspiration on the walls.

    To be fair, their minimalistic game design it expertly crafted, to bring highly innovative    Antichamber is what happens when puzzle game designers strip away all tradition, get drunk, and decide to see how cruelly they can mess with gamers' heads. Then, when they sober up the next day, there's a hint of remorse as they patch over it with a few words of inspiration on the walls.

    To be fair, their minimalistic game design it expertly crafted, to bring highly innovative challenges which really make you think. Much is based on perception and pre-conceptions. You may wander down a hallway, stop and turn around, only to find that the way you came has totally changed. You may also look a little closer through a viewing window, step back, and find yourself transported into a different room. This is all completely seamless, which messes with your head that much more.

    This game teaches you that trying something new will be rewarding. It almost always knows which way you'll tackle a challenge first, then give you one of many reassuring messages alluding to the task, or life in general. It gives you motivation to try and try again, in different ways.

    And you will want to, because finally overcoming a challenge that left you stuck for ages, makes you feel like the smartest man alive! I will admit that I sometimes asked for help from a gamer friend smarter than I, but I implore you to hold out on walkthroughs for as long as possible. It would ruin the rush of completing the harder puzzles.

    The lack of story and strange ending might remove you from being enveloped in the experience, but that's not what it's all about. It's about overcoming bizarre and difficult puzzles not like any other game out there.    … Expand
  29. ChoicestGames
    Sep 20, 2014
    7
    For those who are looking for a challenging puzzle game that not only taxes the way you think about puzzles but the way you think about puzzle games you'll probably love Antichamber - unless the game manages to troll you really good by causing you to waste hours of your life on a puzzle with a simple solution or a trick answer. Then you'll probably wish you never bought the game. AfterFor those who are looking for a challenging puzzle game that not only taxes the way you think about puzzles but the way you think about puzzle games you'll probably love Antichamber - unless the game manages to troll you really good by causing you to waste hours of your life on a puzzle with a simple solution or a trick answer. Then you'll probably wish you never bought the game. After something similar happened to me, I just didn't have the heart to keep playing. Those who are more persistent and have copious amounts of time might fare better.… Expand
  30. MikComposer
    Jun 30, 2014
    6
    The game is ok. There are some very clever ideas followed by some terribly confusing ones. That's fine in the beginning, but later on navigating locations becomes absolute chore. Memorizing the map is pretty much impossible, so whenever you're using the map to teleport, you spend very long time hovering over rooms, to see which room is where. I guess that's the part of the challenge, andThe game is ok. There are some very clever ideas followed by some terribly confusing ones. That's fine in the beginning, but later on navigating locations becomes absolute chore. Memorizing the map is pretty much impossible, so whenever you're using the map to teleport, you spend very long time hovering over rooms, to see which room is where. I guess that's the part of the challenge, and definitely good thing for speedrunners. But for me it was too much. Sound design is really cool. But the minimalistic art style becomes very tedious after a while. I don't know why is that exactly, I think later on there is much more detail in rooms, and I was getting bit dizzy. Overall, the experience get's really tiresome with time. But it is a very unique game, and it's definitely worth experiencing.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best PC Game of 2013
60
#60 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. PC Master (Greece)
    Jun 10, 2013
    81
    If you’re looking for the most extreme, bizarre, intelligent and wacky puzzle game, look no further. [April 2013]
  2. CD-Action
    Apr 5, 2013
    85
    I just finished Antichamber. I feel satisfaction I haven’t experienced after completing any game in many years and for the first time in ages I learned something about myself while playing. It’s hard for me to expect anything more from a game. [CD-Action 04/2013, p.82]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Apr 1, 2013
    55
    Antichamber is an intriguing little experiment. It is both a humble imitation and an attempt to avoid all the trappings and clichés of the genre. Alas, it fails to excite. Unlike Echochrome and Braid, where we bending realities to our will, in this game its creators simply tease us whenever they feel like it.
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