Beholder

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 290 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 199 out of 290
  2. Mixed: 67 out of 290
  3. Negative: 24 out of 290

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  1. Underpants158
    May 8, 2018
    7
    It is pretty stressful trying to keep you and your family afloat by screwing over pretty much everybody who dare live in your building. It's a solid 7. It's a cool concept and it executes it well I just think there is a ceiling on how good a game can be with this as your game loop.
  2. Skulb
    Dec 10, 2016
    8
    At first this reminded me a bit of "Papers Please!", because the setting is similar: you're a low grade enforcer in a totalitarian state, trying to balance your conscience with doing your job so you and your family can survive. But Beholder is far more developed and attractive than that game was, and offers a very deep game play experience. As the manager of a tenement building your job isAt first this reminded me a bit of "Papers Please!", because the setting is similar: you're a low grade enforcer in a totalitarian state, trying to balance your conscience with doing your job so you and your family can survive. But Beholder is far more developed and attractive than that game was, and offers a very deep game play experience. As the manager of a tenement building your job is to find people to move into your apartments and then spy on them, do favors for them, blackmail them or simply turn them in to the authorities. Each choice has its own rewards and disadvantages, and you can replay the game quite a bit because of the different solutions available in each case. If the state wants someone evicted, just to take one example, it is enough to plant something illegal in their apartment, record it as evidence and report them. But most of the time things will be a little more complicated than that, because some renters are quite advantageous to have around. Who knows who might move in next?
    You also have your extremely needy family living with you down in the basement of the building. Ensuring their well being is really the motivation of your character, but it is far from easy. Or cheap. They can even commit crimes of their own, as can you.
    After a few hours of playing Beholder, and dying twice and being arrested for embezzlement once, I am still interested. Certain early parts can feel a bit repetitive after a few restarts, because the game does have a certain linearity to it, but this is not really a big problem. It looks and sounds great and has a very distinct feel to it all the way. It could use some further development though, because it is a tad short. A second game mode would be a very good idea, to give an alternative once the campaign mode starts to wear thin. In the current game the same tenants appear in the same order every time, which makes sense because each one has his or her own story and problems. But a more open mode where the player could choose the size, layout etc of the tenement and more random influx of renters would be fun. Hopefully this will be possible in the announced expansion of the game, if it can be done without conflicting with the vision of the game.

    Pros:
    - Graphics and sound.
    - Unique setting.
    - Replayability
    - Interesting moral, political and philosophical dilemmas.

    Cons:
    - Repetitive, especially at the start of the game after a few inevitable deaths.
    - A little frustrating/confusing when you have many tenants.
    - A pause shortcut would have been nice.
    - Occasionally poor English, which makes the dialogues passable.
    - Stressful time limits.
    - Somewhat linear gameplay.
    - Short campaign and no sandbox/infinite mode.    … Expand
  3. iseeall
    Dec 10, 2016
    7
    It's an innovative and atmospheric game, close to Papers Please. It has similar flaws, too: fun at first, it fails to stay fun for long, no matter what material the scripted storyline and quests send your way.

    The good: - a great sense of hopelessness and oppression, maybe even more than in Papers Please - nice graphics, nice music The so-so: - too much dialog, which you get tired    It's an innovative and atmospheric game, close to Papers Please. It has similar flaws, too: fun at first, it fails to stay fun for long, no matter what material the scripted storyline and quests send your way.

    The good:
    - a great sense of hopelessness and oppression, maybe even more than in Papers Please
    - nice graphics, nice music

    The so-so:
    - too much dialog, which you get tired of reading pretty soon, since much of it is polite drivel you have too much in real life anyway.
    - clumsy controls, requiring 2 clicks to interact with most objects. And in general, just too much hassle doing the simplest things. E.g. need to repair something? Oops, not enough tools for that. Open the shop window separately, buy an item, repair again. Why not just make the "repair" action simply spend $?
    - unneeded complexity when filing reports. Why do dates matter? Why do I have to choose correctly in which apartment the tenant lives? The game would be better off without that

    The bad:
    - quests keep piling up and usually have timers. E.g. "your daughter needs aspirin". Most quests have you running around, talking to the tenants, asking if they have this, or that, and usually the tenants don't have what you need, with no clues on where to get that. Then again, now for another item needed for another quest. Add to that that you generally don't know where each tenant is (at work? at home? sleeping?), and if you knock on their door it takes ages for them to come to the door to open it. The game felt pretty soon like a huge chore. And a stressful one, since you have limited time and no idea how to complete those quests, at least in the first playthru.
    - no clear way to turn in quests. E.g. if someone asked you to bring X, next time you talk to the npc you don't see a line like "I got an X for you", instead there is the same line like you came to the npc when taking the quest. You have to click though 3-4 lines of the npc complaining he needs X before you can finally turn the quest in. Also, you can't easily see if you really have the X for that guy. E.g. you have glasses in your inventory, but no, the guys need some other glasses. If they use "!" to mark available quests they should have used "?" (WoW-style) for quests you can complete.
    - many consequences don't make much sense and also you can't save the game at will (instead there are checkpoints). E.g. a guy asks you to give a box to someone - ok, I wanted to bring that box straight to the police and picked the line "bring it to your basement" - bam, after looking at the box the pistol (which is illegal to have) is evidence against YOU and not that guy! WTF! Ok then you talk to the guy who was waiting for the box. I had the pistol on me when that guy attacked me with a knife, but no, i can't shoot him, instead the game goes into a "cutscene" mode and you die. WTF! Things like this break the whole immersion and force you into reloads, in an attempt to navigate an illogical maze of branching storylines.
    - taking care of needs of your family and all those tenants is definitely not fun, especially after a while. The fun things to do in this game is putting cameras, gathering evidence and calling police. Searching for a chocolate bar for a virtual character just because he/she wants one is garbage which muddles the game.

    A great game in the first couple of hours, and definitely worth a look for just about anyone. Just don't expect any lasting entertainment. Just like Papers Please, it's rather a "statement" or "art" than a game.    … Expand
  4. Klewer
    Aug 16, 2017
    6
    Interesting concept, but I did struggle to really get drawn in to. You are a landlord who spies on your tenants and must decide to either report them to the Government or support the resistance. It has it's moments but overall I found it a bit dull.
  5. ExpertPL
    Dec 26, 2016
    8
    Very fun and relaxing game similar to Papers, please! and Replica. The game surely has some bugs and technical issues, it's also very short, but just as games mentioned before has multiple endings. Definitely worth trying.
  6. EvanGamer2008
    Jun 29, 2017
    6
    Fun but not fun. its kind of fun id recommend it but I decided to get a refund on the game for different games so you can play it if you have some money laying around or just get it or just don't.
  7. GReviews
    Apr 30, 2018
    7
    By and large the quests do flow in at a decent pace so you’re only rarely left at a loose end with no pressing matters. But occasionally this does happen and it’s a little off putting when it does as the game’s theming only really works when your character is over burdened with worries and demands. Thankfully this doesn’t occur too often and Beholder generally piles on the worries andBy and large the quests do flow in at a decent pace so you’re only rarely left at a loose end with no pressing matters. But occasionally this does happen and it’s a little off putting when it does as the game’s theming only really works when your character is over burdened with worries and demands. Thankfully this doesn’t occur too often and Beholder generally piles on the worries and horrible moral choices throughout the experience. Beholder is a satisfying, darkly comic trip down a morally dubious rabbit hole and will be a delight for anyone who wants to see what their ethical limits are.… Expand
  8. aditya1101
    Oct 5, 2017
    5
    Similar to Papers, Please, but I didn't like it nearly as much. Papers, Please really did a great job of keeping the gameplay simple and forcing you to focus on the unnerving story elements, but in Beholder I felt like I was getting too bogged down in the specifics to enjoy the atmosphere of the game that much. And because I didn't like the specifics very much, the atmosphere wasn't enoughSimilar to Papers, Please, but I didn't like it nearly as much. Papers, Please really did a great job of keeping the gameplay simple and forcing you to focus on the unnerving story elements, but in Beholder I felt like I was getting too bogged down in the specifics to enjoy the atmosphere of the game that much. And because I didn't like the specifics very much, the atmosphere wasn't enough to save this game for me.… Expand
  9. atomlord
    Dec 28, 2018
    6
    Скучная адвенчура где нужно страдать фигней угадывая что нужно сделать а время ограничено. Проходить разве что ради сюжета который раскрывается через унылые диалоги. Не осилил.
  10. Crimert
    Feb 15, 2021
    7
    I kinda liked this game. I enjoyed the time I spent whıle I am playing Beholder and its DLC. 4hrs on record.
  11. Renaigse
    Nov 29, 2020
    8
    Топ симулятор путенской раиси: нищая экономика, куча патриотов, мафиозное тоталитарное государство, куча внешних врагов, которые отвлекают население от внутренних проблем, адекватная образованная молодежь, выступающая против этой ОПГ, короче интересноТоп симулятор путенской раиси: нищая экономика, куча патриотов, мафиозное тоталитарное государство, куча внешних врагов, которые отвлекают население от внутренних проблем, адекватная образованная молодежь, выступающая против этой ОПГ, короче интересно
  12. Tomicsavo
    Jan 5, 2022
    7
    A good idea, liked it, and fun. Even in easy mode it's impossible to complete unfortunately.
  13. Wrathzo
    Mar 24, 2022
    7
    Beholder is a Russian adventure video game developed by Warm Lamp Games and published by Alawar Entertainment. The game offers the player the choice of either following the commands of the Government or siding with the people who suffer from the oppressive directives. Each game character has their own personality, circumstances, and issues. Every decision that a player makes affects theBeholder is a Russian adventure video game developed by Warm Lamp Games and published by Alawar Entertainment. The game offers the player the choice of either following the commands of the Government or siding with the people who suffer from the oppressive directives. Each game character has their own personality, circumstances, and issues. Every decision that a player makes affects the way the story unfolds. The game has multiple endings, each of them being a sum of the decisions made by the player.… Expand
  14. Baltifru
    Apr 19, 2020
    5
    I feel a bit bad giving a yellow score, but if I have to choose, the feeling that remains after playing this game is frustration.

    As already pointed out in other reviews, the main selling point of the game was the freedom to be a good or a bad guy, the possibility to choose different paths in the story. The sensation of freedom quickly falls apart when you realise that Beholder actually    I feel a bit bad giving a yellow score, but if I have to choose, the feeling that remains after playing this game is frustration.

    As already pointed out in other reviews, the main selling point of the game was the freedom to be a good or a bad guy, the possibility to choose different paths in the story. The sensation of freedom quickly falls apart when you realise that Beholder actually consists of parallel ultra scripted scenarios, many of them driving you to a premature game over. Yes, there is this nice sensation that you are always in a rush of making difficult decisions, but at the end of the day, either you decide for something that opens one of the scenarios, or you die. And the "die and retry" philosophy doesn't fit this game at all and makes it quite frustrating.

    It is a pity because Beholder had nice arguments, like this very dark atmosphere you feel from the beginning, and a very good storytelling. But dying so many times, especially after seemingly rational decisions, doesn't encourage me to play further.

    It is to be noted that the French translations are a catastrophe, about as good as average online translators.    … Expand
  15. Chubac
    May 13, 2020
    8
    Not as good as Beholder 2, but still a great experience! The gameplay feels like Papers please! (just like in the 2nd game).
  16. YigidOx2
    Mar 6, 2021
    8
    It is a very nice but challenging game. As if you are not enough to deal with all the political problems in a country where the hierarchy has taken over, you have to solve the problems of the apartment and tenants in the apartment you manage. While dealing with these, you should not disrupt your family at the same time, and you should always earn money at an absurd level. Even though thisIt is a very nice but challenging game. As if you are not enough to deal with all the political problems in a country where the hierarchy has taken over, you have to solve the problems of the apartment and tenants in the apartment you manage. While dealing with these, you should not disrupt your family at the same time, and you should always earn money at an absurd level. Even though this game is difficult, you feel like you are living in the world it reflects, the stories it tells.… Expand
  17. tommydlbass
    Aug 16, 2020
    7
    Fun strategy game in a 1984 like world. Some of the magic goes away when you find the stories repeat themselves on new games, but for the price on PC for this game it's a no brainer to get it. The story it's fine and you will keep playing for more.
  18. Roman_Schreier
    Jul 3, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can say with confidence that this is an interesting and exciting game. However, it has several disadvantages that spoil it compared to the Supplement (Blissful sleep). But let's go through the pros. Beholder certainly has a huge replayability. The game absorbs you again and again, forcing you to go through it to many endings. And to my surprise it doesn't tire! But this implies THE most IMPORTANT and SIGNIFICANT disadvantage: all these replays take a lot of time and effort. Every roommate at home prevents you from doing anything, you are driven by the treatment of your daughter, for which you still do not have enough money and very annoying notifications of new directives.The atmosphere is gorgeous, the endings are all amazing, but really it was impossible to switch between the tabs on the right on the keys?! Still, I recommend playing this game for people who are completely immersed in the atmosphere and who do not find it difficult to spend too much time. A blissful sleep is still cooler.… Expand
  19. Outcast3241
    Aug 26, 2022
    8
    Мне игра очень понравилась. Есть, конечно, огрехи в сюжетном и гемплейном плане, но надеюсь в следующих частях это поправили.
  20. ErayTellezi
    Nov 17, 2020
    7
    Otoriter bir dünyanın absürtlüğünü, bireylerin buna rağmen hayatta kalmak için ahlaklarından verebilecekleri tavizleri en iyi anlatan oyunlardan.
  21. L140
    Jun 16, 2021
    8
    хорошая атмосферная игра, но на один раз. К сожалению главным минусом игры является геймплей - он скудный и неинтересный, и если он завораживает в начале, под конец игры ты просто заебываешься писать ебаные характеристики, проверять6 новых жильцов. Но интересные квесты, персонажи и моральные выборы перекрывают отсталость геймплея. Игра на один разхорошая атмосферная игра, но на один раз. К сожалению главным минусом игры является геймплей - он скудный и неинтересный, и если он завораживает в начале, под конец игры ты просто заебываешься писать ебаные характеристики, проверять6 новых жильцов. Но интересные квесты, персонажи и моральные выборы перекрывают отсталость геймплея. Игра на один раз
  22. m28
    Jan 9, 2021
    7
    Крепкий середнячок, который можно пройти пару раз, но не больше. Очень хорошо, что авторы предусмотрели сложный и нормальный режим, поскольку сложный не оставляет никакого выбора, кроме как быть сволочью. Игра очень радует насыщенностью событий, множеством решения спорных ситуаций с грядущими последствиями, что заставляет игрока действительно думать и не допускать поспешных решений. ОднакоКрепкий середнячок, который можно пройти пару раз, но не больше. Очень хорошо, что авторы предусмотрели сложный и нормальный режим, поскольку сложный не оставляет никакого выбора, кроме как быть сволочью. Игра очень радует насыщенностью событий, множеством решения спорных ситуаций с грядущими последствиями, что заставляет игрока действительно думать и не допускать поспешных решений. Однако непредсказуемость может иногда заставлять начинать игру с самого начала. Наломав дров, не стоит надеяться на счастливый финал. Немножко бьет по атмосфере обилие юмора и стереотипов, а также некоторые очевидно недоделанные вещи. Игру покупать однозначно стоит, особенно ценителям игр старой школы.… Expand
  23. JustinForgueims
    Feb 18, 2022
    5
    Simple and short game about politics and moral decisions.
    A little bit challenging at the beginning but boring at the end when you're so rich that don't care about nothing.

    I would have enjoyed it more if it had some randomness instead of predefined stories that you learn from trial and error.
  24. Bushido95
    Sep 28, 2021
    7
    Не плохая задумка, приятный дизайн, занимательные механики и реализация не плохая.
  25. AliceGross
    May 6, 2022
    6
    Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо
  26. Gornostai
    Jun 1, 2022
    7
    Симулятор СССР. Игра понравилась, но проходить больше двух раз очень скучно. А концовок очень много.
  27. Juliana1
    Nov 16, 2016
    10
    This game is pretty addictive. The story itself, music, sounds, setting, art-style - everything is created in a fresh, unique way. Recommended for those who liked Papers Please and also who isn't afraid to take responsibilities for one's decisions. Nicely done!
  28. Halikhan
    Mar 7, 2020
    10
    Мне игра очень понравилась! Я даже поддержал разработчиков купив обе части на ПК и телефон! Не знаю если игры подобные этой, но когда начал играть первый раз пропал просто на сутки! А дополнение блаженный сон, идейно меня зацепила больше основной компании! Большой респект разрабам за реиграбельность, по моему я до сих пор не попробовал все варианты развитий в квестах, хотя игру прошёл ужеМне игра очень понравилась! Я даже поддержал разработчиков купив обе части на ПК и телефон! Не знаю если игры подобные этой, но когда начал играть первый раз пропал просто на сутки! А дополнение блаженный сон, идейно меня зацепила больше основной компании! Большой респект разрабам за реиграбельность, по моему я до сих пор не попробовал все варианты развитий в квестах, хотя игру прошёл уже раз шесть!… Expand
  29. Rtrer1
    Nov 15, 2016
    10
    This game is like Paper, please on steroids! Great art, awesome story and new gameplay. The atmosphere of dystopian world is so dark you can feel it. Worth to try out!
  30. raternative18
    Nov 16, 2016
    10
    Эта игра подкупает вас своей мрачной атмосферой тоталитарного режима и тяжелыми моральными выборами: Отдать деньги сыну на учёбу или купить лекарства для больной дочери? Быть "добрым" или "злым" полицейским для решения житейских вопросов квартирантов? Быть Человеком со своей точкой зрения или же быть инструментом в руках госаппарата?.. Каждую проблему можно решить по-своему, чтоЭта игра подкупает вас своей мрачной атмосферой тоталитарного режима и тяжелыми моральными выборами: Отдать деньги сыну на учёбу или купить лекарства для больной дочери? Быть "добрым" или "злым" полицейским для решения житейских вопросов квартирантов? Быть Человеком со своей точкой зрения или же быть инструментом в руках госаппарата?.. Каждую проблему можно решить по-своему, что предоставляет возможность переигровки.
    Готовы ли вы замарать руки, пытаясь помочь своей семье выжить? Или вам больше по-душе исполнения долга перед своей родиной несмотря ни на что? Решать вам, но помните:
    У КАЖДОГО ВЫБОРА ЕСТЬ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЯ!    … Expand
  31. PavelKugler
    Nov 16, 2016
    9
    Really good game with nice and stylish visuals, good story and well-crafted gameplay built on time management and making decisions. Played for 10 hours in a row and want more.
    Recommend it to ones who liked Papers, Please or This War of Mine.
  32. IsapS
    Nov 16, 2016
    9
    Не знаю кто минусует игру, видать либо не играли, либо идиоты, которые не разобрались в простой механике. Для меня игра отчасти напомнила "Как достать соседа", но вот цель другая "Как доложить на соседа". Игру интересно перепроходить и смотреть на последствия своего выбора.Не знаю кто минусует игру, видать либо не играли, либо идиоты, которые не разобрались в простой механике. Для меня игра отчасти напомнила "Как достать соседа", но вот цель другая "Как доложить на соседа". Игру интересно перепроходить и смотреть на последствия своего выбора.
  33. Realist_gamer
    Nov 14, 2016
    8
    Good game and good story as well.nice idea to spy on your tenants and send reports to your boss.it's like cold-war era atmosphere and got everything a mini game gotta has to offer.it's kind of fun I guess,of course for those who are that patient to read all the conversations' subtitles,because there ain't no in-game voice actor but in the cutscenes.
  34. Hrodor
    Nov 18, 2016
    9
    Отличный, мрачный стиль, игрушка в тоталитарном сеттинге м.... этого так не хватало. Поначалу вроде бы ничего особенного, но я уже третий день играю только в неё. Рекомендую!
  35. BleedGarrett
    Nov 21, 2016
    9
    Passed Beholder five hours. Incredibly deep gameplay story on a simple model. Interesting gameplay, cool panache, and the graphics in all. One minus: the price is too small.
  36. kezzyhko
    Jul 26, 2020
    5
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  37. MrDrAkoN
    Nov 16, 2016
    10
    Отличная игра. Хорошая атмосфера, геймплей, сюжет который зависит от твоего выбора, графика приятная глазу, вообщем минусов нет. Если только какие нибудь самые маленькие =)
  38. CTAC
    Nov 16, 2016
    10
    Вы – управляющий дома, который… ШПИОНИТ за жильцами! Вы ставите жучки, обыскиваете квартиры, прослушиваете телефоны. Вы собираете компромат и строчите доносы. Или… Возможно, у вас есть другой выбор?
  39. Aldarnas
    Nov 19, 2016
    10
    Игра отличная. Более чем стоит своих денег. Происходящее затягивает, атмосфера прекрасна. Начал играть до патча, который добавил легкий режим и новые директивы, и ощущения от прохождения в первый раз просто непередаваемые. Действительно напряженно, тревожно, а когда узнал цену за лечение и обучение детей - просто выпал в осадок со своими 3к - как-будто я реально Карл, и мне действительноИгра отличная. Более чем стоит своих денег. Происходящее затягивает, атмосфера прекрасна. Начал играть до патча, который добавил легкий режим и новые директивы, и ощущения от прохождения в первый раз просто непередаваемые. Действительно напряженно, тревожно, а когда узнал цену за лечение и обучение детей - просто выпал в осадок со своими 3к - как-будто я реально Карл, и мне действительно срочно нужно в несколько крат умножить свое благосостояние, иначе борода.… Expand
  40. darkness5311
    Nov 17, 2016
    10
    Отличная игрa, играл ещё в бете, но потом она вышла, в полную тоже играл, очень понравилась атмосфера и управление, но сюжет нужно ещё доработать. В общем игра удалась
  41. femmefatal
    Nov 14, 2016
    0
    Too linear, not much fun to be had here. You just mope around spying on npc's and try to frame them and it's pretty easy to do. Lot of useless dialog as well. This is a stocking stuffer at best if you have some spare change after christmas shopping and can get it for like $2.99 at the very least. I mean it's a time burner without much satisfaction after you finish it.
  42. Burkashaman
    Nov 16, 2016
    10
    This game is awesome! You can check youtube and you will see how youtubers likes that new and unique gameplay. I just don't understand why there is almost none Critics reviews yet.
  43. walerk
    Nov 16, 2016
    10
    I adore this game. The most powerful thing inside is making choices. I have to say the game really succeeds at immersing you into its dystopian world. Also, the visual concept is just fantastic.

    Recommended for everyone who grew up in the C.I.S/post-soviet space d(^_^)z
  44. frostytaz
    Oct 10, 2017
    0
    Right-Beholder...I want to love it, but I think that there is more style than substance here at the end of the day...
    I rarely review the games I don't like enough, because I feel what we as gamers like can be so subjective and I want to encourage gaming as much as possible to help grow the industry and community that I love so much - but I can't honestly recommend this game to everyone -    Right-Beholder...I want to love it, but I think that there is more style than substance here at the end of the day...
    I rarely review the games I don't like enough, because I feel what we as gamers like can be so subjective and I want to encourage gaming as much as possible to help grow the industry and community that I love so much - but I can't honestly recommend this game to everyone - even the niche that it speaks to may be more than a little underwhelmed.
    Beholder asks you to do little-but very repetitively; making the quandry of gloomy morality something for you to deal with as the dystopian world you occupy spirals out of control. However, while this may sound enticing, it is not really represented in the game well-it becomes a simple question of family happiness over moral virtue as you spy on your neighbours. The character issues that it raises as you frantically try to spy on every room in your house are really resolved in your own conscience rather than in game-which is far too predictable over time. It had such potential, and may yet-but the formula is not exercised as broadly as it might have been.
    To the positive, it is a stylish little number-sound is intentionally minimal and depressing and each character interaction is concise and brief enough to keep you moving between options. the graphics are evocative and simple-this game doesn't need to tax any system, and indeed, I could see an iOS/android port as a potentially optimal way to play this title - especially given the increasingly frantic movement from room to room to install, loot or otherwise spy on a neighbour.
    I can't recommend this at full price, but it is probably worth a run at sale or bundle price to determine personal enjoyment - I am still willing to give it another few hours of my time, but I think that sums up the title perfectly-a niche experience that doesn't demand much, but doesn't reward as much as you'd like.    … Expand
  45. Yarysya
    Nov 16, 2016
    9
    Good simulator informer.
    A plus:
    Interesting quest
    Addictive gameplay
    Minuses:
    Not only diversity, but that's just nitpicking.
    Gameplay 10 of 10
    Plot of the game 10 of 10
    Musical accompaniment 10 of 10
    worthy project, developers kowtow.
  46. Dmitry_FreeZeF
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Игра оч.крутая! жаль только нету бесконечного режима;( почему бы вам не сделать отдельный режим в меню игры "бесконечный" ?!… Expand
  47. Broyax
    Feb 5, 2021
    0
    Le gros étron du jour est un jeu indé ! quoi de plus naturel en somme pour un indé comme d’habitude à côté de la plaque et à côté de ses pompes ! y compris lorsqu’il prétend nous mettre dans la peau d’un citoyen « modèle » qui espionne ses voisins afin de les dénoncer immédiatement à la mère Patrie pour subversion, déviance ou haute trahison. Ou autres activités politiques. Ou terroristes.Le gros étron du jour est un jeu indé ! quoi de plus naturel en somme pour un indé comme d’habitude à côté de la plaque et à côté de ses pompes ! y compris lorsqu’il prétend nous mettre dans la peau d’un citoyen « modèle » qui espionne ses voisins afin de les dénoncer immédiatement à la mère Patrie pour subversion, déviance ou haute trahison. Ou autres activités politiques. Ou terroristes.

    L’idée semble intéressante mais elle est restée sur le papier seulement ou au mieux comme concept assez vague, très vague… La mise en oeuvre et le développement de cette idée en un « jeu » est un échec total et le résultat d’un bricolage lamentable, rapidement démoulé par une bande de cons qui n’avaient aucune idée de ce qu’ils étaient en train de faire.

    Ainsi, la présentation est exécrable dans sa 2D et demi dégueulasse en 5 couleurs et demi et les contrôles sont pensés en dépit du bon sens le plus élementaire ; tout est à dire vrai dans ce sous-jeu pensé n’importe comment ou pas pensé du tout : c’est le « résultat » des stagiaires qui ont boulotté de la merde sur cet étron indé à la petite semaine !

    C’est en outre très limité, vite répétitif et d’un goût constamment douteux ou carrément mauvais dans tous les compartiments de ce sous-produit qui s’est voulu opportuniste mais qui mériterait un petit stage dans un camp de rééducation par le travail manuel afin -bien entendu- de procéder également à son autocritique. Pour le bien de la Patrie, camarade !    … Expand
  48. Pucks
    Jan 26, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Beholder,
    Ein unglaublich emotionales Spiel mit Unmengen an schweren Entscheidungen. Allein der Vorspann zieht einen schon in den Bann. Man spielt den scheinbar emotionslosen Hausmeister Carl der das Haus für das Ministerium welches stark an die Stasi erinnert ausspioniert und muss sich zwischen Moral und Loyalität entscheiden. Mein einziger Kritikpunkt ist, dass das Spiel unglaublich schwer ist meiner Meinung nach unmöglich wenn man alle aus der Familie retten will um das Happy End zu erreichen.    … Expand
  49. falmavar
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Awesome atmosphere, art and gameplay. Plot revealing some real relationships between simple people in totalitarism.
  50. PunchCoco
    Aug 15, 2017
    8
    easy to understand but hard choices have to be made, kind of moral game, clearly inspired by 1984 by G. Orwell and the message is stronger knowing that the developpers are russians.
  51. S0pun
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    Топовая инди игра про стукача КГБ, которую могли сделать только русские. Отличная стилистика, атмосфера, разные решения ситуаций, приятная пасхалка.
  52. Patriarh
    Feb 2, 2019
    9
    I rarely play modern strategies, but for some reason this game attracted me. And it was not for nothing that in this game "democratic" Russia and the CIS were perfectly shown. As for the gameplay, it seemed to me monotonous and a little bit annoying. The graphics are nice and not repulsive. The soundtrack supports the atmosphere of hopelessness and doom. The game is worth your attention.
  53. ToTutaj
    Feb 24, 2019
    10
    Beholder is a great game for fans of difficult decisions and the resulting consequences, any good seemingly deed can lead to somebody's death. For example, the death of Klaus Schimmer after we help him escape from the country.
  54. Gameer_228
    Jun 18, 2019
    10
    Great game.Atmosphere at the highest level.The story is interesting,It is seen the developers have invested in them soul. Thank you for this game
  55. Isaevivan
    Dec 22, 2019
    9
    Одна из лучших игр с "серой" моралью: здесь нет хороших или плохих выборов, а есть возможно лучшие и возможно плохие. Советую всем.
  56. Chipchilinka
    Oct 27, 2019
    10
    I wish all indie-games were like this! An amazing game in its genre, somewhat reminiscent of the novel-dystopia of George Orwell's "1984", where you have to report to people, to blackmail them, because despite his service to the state - you are poor and money is always in short supply. You search other people's apartments while the residents at the plant and try not to get burned in frontI wish all indie-games were like this! An amazing game in its genre, somewhat reminiscent of the novel-dystopia of George Orwell's "1984", where you have to report to people, to blackmail them, because despite his service to the state - you are poor and money is always in short supply. You search other people's apartments while the residents at the plant and try not to get burned in front of neighbors. In the process, there will be heavy moral dilemmas, memorable characters. And all this - from a small studio with a small budget! You never regret about spending time in this game!

    p.s. I also liked the divine soundtrack to the short film on this game    … Expand
  57. AlexeySoltan
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    its perfect. one who is not agreed is poseur .
  58. Vulgrim
    May 26, 2021
    4
    Honestly, the game let me down terribly. Promoted to the mechanics of making difficult decisions in the face of problems related to building management in a totalitarian regime ... And in my opinion, the puzzle game came out - the dilemmas were often limited to two goals A) CORRECT B) INCORRECT choice. I didn't feel at all that these decisions were difficult because they often ended in theHonestly, the game let me down terribly. Promoted to the mechanics of making difficult decisions in the face of problems related to building management in a totalitarian regime ... And in my opinion, the puzzle game came out - the dilemmas were often limited to two goals A) CORRECT B) INCORRECT choice. I didn't feel at all that these decisions were difficult because they often ended in the death of the main character or there was no other way out other than the one specific one planned in advance by the developers. Someone needs X, and the other person can handle it once we get Y, and that just happens to be wonderful in another character's locker.
    The best part of the game was writing reports. Though it hurt how few characters could be encountered on the way.    … Expand
  59. Oneg223
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    ....................... ..................... ....................... ............ g
  60. sans5004
    Feb 8, 2020
    0
    top games top lor! i play 5 hours . Glory to the chief aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  61. Ssnai2027
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Beholder - this is the game that makes you immerse yourself in this plot. I like the scripting approach, because right after the good news, something sad is going on. This makes the characters with German and Czech names imbued with the plot. Warm lamp games maximally managed to show a totalitarian and anti-utopian state and convey events and life of creativity. As for the game, you are the manager, your task is to keep track of the residents. The whole character of the gameplay is that we play for an official from the lowest layers of the ministry and the state apparatus. The main characters are typical people offended by life on the state from Russian literature. This story of a "little man" with the name Karl, directly penetrate my ministerial soul. As much as possible thought out endings, which I counted in the region of 11 pieces. And despite the jokes, say in achievements, this is a harsh, but at the same time native game. And all these prerequisites for the USSR make us grin, but also simultaneously flare up, as it was in reality. Glory to the wise leader!… Expand
  62. Enor
    Jun 21, 2020
    9
    One of the best games I have ever played. Sometimes you have to make really hard decisons: report that somebody has illegal stuff and send that citizen to prison or help this person, but in the future have consequences of it.
  63. G3W3NNOB
    Aug 14, 2020
    10
    İ think thats a good game very nice.And it is veryy veryy cheap only 2.7₺ on sale
  64. Just_ali
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Good game indeed pretty fun for lockdown spent hours on it, maybe I will buy the next title
  65. TimurKrut
    Feb 6, 2021
    10
    Великолепная игра от наших земляков! В игре великолепная стилистика и хороший саундтрек! Рекомендую к прохождению
  66. Rnoviok
    Dec 4, 2021
    10
    Frightening and interesting vision of dystopia very well shown in the game
    DLC that tells the story of the previous owner of the tenement is as great as the main game
  67. Izoeros
    Jun 10, 2022
    5
    qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq
  68. drlowdon
    Oct 24, 2022
    7
    In Beholder players are cast as Carl, the landlord of a small apartment complex in a war-torn region. Carl’s aim is to support his family, but if he’s going to do so he must also spy on his tenants in order to satisfy the government officials that gave him the job.

    Beholder quickly establishes an impressively oppressive atmosphere, and the tension of balancing the needs of your family    In Beholder players are cast as Carl, the landlord of a small apartment complex in a war-torn region. Carl’s aim is to support his family, but if he’s going to do so he must also spy on his tenants in order to satisfy the government officials that gave him the job.

    Beholder quickly establishes an impressively oppressive atmosphere, and the tension of balancing the needs of your family and government overlords really ramps up as you progress. The pacing of the missions handed out is a little uneven however, and the gameplay is too repetitive to encourage playing through from the start multiple times when you inevitably fail your first few attempts.    … Expand
  69. Zodiac_A
    Oct 24, 2022
    6
    On the one hand, this game offers a rather unique setting of spying on the tenants in a kind of USSR country. The gameplay is broken, really. Your main aim is not to solve the quests but do it in a limited time and farm money (incredible amount of money). Though what will be if you fail? I will get a bad ending actually. This game has three endings consisting of three sub categories (nineOn the one hand, this game offers a rather unique setting of spying on the tenants in a kind of USSR country. The gameplay is broken, really. Your main aim is not to solve the quests but do it in a limited time and farm money (incredible amount of money). Though what will be if you fail? I will get a bad ending actually. This game has three endings consisting of three sub categories (nine options summary, 3 per one play). Based on this in order to get a positive ending you will replay missions dozens of times. And here the main problem became withable. All gameplay is a script with repetitive actions. Yep, there are a few options to complete practically each quest. On the other hand, most of them have only one positive option, thus you will replay a quarter or half of the game in order to solve it in the right way. In the end you are repeatedly replaying the same quests for 2-5 times in the same way. In addition the game can be saved only by itself at the start of the missions. As a result a few times you will play for yours without any progress saves. I bought a DLS for this game, but after 5 minutes I switched it off, as it was based on the same boring and repetitive mechanics as the main game.… Expand
  70. gameking
    Jul 7, 2023
    8
    I liked this game. I think game-play is very good. Game has many endings but one storyline.
  71. Soullex
    Nov 30, 2022
    7
    Bir babanın neler çektiğini gayet iyi anlatan bir oyun.....................
  72. Babutto
    Apr 21, 2023
    7
    I'll recommend this game but guys, seriously, this one-sided view of how things are done in the world of politics starts getting sickening. Because it is quite clear what the references are.

    Pros.: - Empathy. - Multiple story lines. - Multiple decisions. - Easy to die. - Difficulty forces you to evaluate your actions, also, saves are quite comfortably managed. - Aesthetics. -    I'll recommend this game but guys, seriously, this one-sided view of how things are done in the world of politics starts getting sickening. Because it is quite clear what the references are.

    Pros.:
    - Empathy.
    - Multiple story lines.
    - Multiple decisions.
    - Easy to die.
    - Difficulty forces you to evaluate your actions, also, saves are quite comfortably managed.
    - Aesthetics.
    - Replayability!
    - Art game.

    Cons.:
    - Music.
    - Annoying open-steal-earn money mechanic.
    - Overall insistence that SOME (let's not point the fingers - easy to read through names and papers) countries are bad and there are GOOD guys who will fix everything. Papers, please! plays with the topic much better and with more realistic approach.

    Still, recommend to play and will even try sequels. Because the game is super replayable and forces you to make a choice. Which is great.

    P.S.: and for the record. George Orwell worked in BBC. He was writing not about the USSR but about the UK. A hint of reality. A detail current wikipedia generation ignores.    … Expand
  73. Alvelian
    Dec 14, 2022
    9
    Хорошая игра с отличным сюжетом. Каждое ваше действие ДЕЙСТВИТЕЛЬНО влияют на окружающих и на весь сюжет.
    В целом конечно весь геймплей упирается в лутание всех квартир и докладивание либо покрывание ваших квартирантов с последующим шантажом, однако с такой вариативностью этого вполне хватает.
    Определенно игра расчитана на 2-3 прохождения.    Хорошая игра с отличным сюжетом. Каждое ваше действие ДЕЙСТВИТЕЛЬНО влияют на окружающих и на весь сюжет.
    В целом конечно весь геймплей упирается в лутание всех квартир и докладивание либо покрывание ваших квартирантов с последующим шантажом, однако с такой вариативностью этого вполне хватает.
    Определенно игра расчитана на 2-3 прохождения.
  74. apokalipto
    Aug 19, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  75. Pizi
    Feb 9, 2023
    7
    Game about being a spy for comunist police. Good story with a few endings. Beholder is a good game but sometimes quest are just boring.
  76. Suprizer
    Apr 22, 2023
    7
    Literally 1984 the game. I love its premise theme and gameplay but its kinda frustrating at times.
  77. prosto_kolesnik
    Jul 3, 2023
    8
    Very pretty and powerful idea. In the game you have lots of freedom and only you decide which end will be in this game. You decide on which side you will be! Because circumstances forse to do it. During all time of gaming as ordinary player i didn't see any bugs. But shame it's in the game some missions is very crucial and play very big role and in the same time another missions not veryVery pretty and powerful idea. In the game you have lots of freedom and only you decide which end will be in this game. You decide on which side you will be! Because circumstances forse to do it. During all time of gaming as ordinary player i didn't see any bugs. But shame it's in the game some missions is very crucial and play very big role and in the same time another missions not very important for us (but such mission not many, bacouse for majority of them we will receive achievements ). DLC also good, i recommend its too.… Expand
  78. Dimocracy
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    A good game that is valuable for not idealizing authoritarian regimes (commies, hello)
  79. yazazuyo
    Aug 10, 2023
    9
    Understanding how to "manage the apartments" was first hard but when you got it it's a very nice :) game.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. DarkStation
    Mar 1, 2017
    80
    I enjoyed my time playing Beholder. Everything comes together well, and the initial experience is fun. It is missing that hook to keep me interested in playing for an extended period. That is the only complaint I have about Beholder. It will give you an enjoyable experience, even if it is for a short time. If you’re looking for a game that you can play for a couple days, Beholder fits that bill.
    Read full review
  2. Games Master UK
    Feb 18, 2017
    74
    An intriguing chance to find out if you're just as bad as Big Brother, but it falls at the final hurdle. [Feb 2017, p.81]
  3. GamingTrend
    Feb 9, 2017
    90
    Beholder is a management sim and a moral quandary all in one. It’s easy to become consumed by the lives of Carl Stein and the apartment dwellers he’s been hired to spy on, with a story full of twists, turns, and terrible fates.
    Read full review
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