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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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).
  5. 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
  6. Outcast3241
    Aug 26, 2022
    8
    Мне игра очень понравилась. Есть, конечно, огрехи в сюжетном и гемплейном плане, но надеюсь в следующих частях это поправили.
  7. 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
  8. 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!
  9. 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
  10. 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!
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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!
  16. 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.
  17. 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 =)
  18. 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?
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. falmavar
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Awesome atmosphere, art and gameplay. Plot revealing some real relationships between simple people in totalitarism.
  27. 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.
  28. S0pun
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    Топовая инди игра про стукача КГБ, которую могли сделать только русские. Отличная стилистика, атмосфера, разные решения ситуаций, приятная пасхалка.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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
  32. 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.
  33. 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
  34. AlexeySoltan
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    its perfect. one who is not agreed is poseur .
  35. Oneg223
    Jan 31, 2020
    10
    ....................... ..................... ....................... ............ g
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. G3W3NNOB
    Aug 14, 2020
    10
    İ think thats a good game very nice.And it is veryy veryy cheap only 2.7₺ on sale
  39. Just_ali
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Good game indeed pretty fun for lockdown spent hours on it, maybe I will buy the next title
  40. TimurKrut
    Feb 6, 2021
    10
    Великолепная игра от наших земляков! В игре великолепная стилистика и хороший саундтрек! Рекомендую к прохождению
  41. 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
  42. gameking
    Jul 7, 2023
    8
    I liked this game. I think game-play is very good. Game has many endings but one storyline.
  43. 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.
  44. apokalipto
    Aug 19, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  45. 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
  46. Dimocracy
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    A good game that is valuable for not idealizing authoritarian regimes (commies, hello)
  47. 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
See all critic reviews »