Obduction

 PC
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 107 out of 161
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 161
  3. Negative: 25 out of 161

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  1. Sheltie
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    Wow, just wow! If you're someone who remembers playing Myst for the first time then Obduction from Cyan, their brand new offering, brings flooding back those feelings of wonder, mystery, excitement and spine tingling anticipation. Hunrath is a whole new world to explore, puzzles to solve, questions to answer, mysteries to unravel. The graphics are stunningly beautiful and the musicWow, just wow! If you're someone who remembers playing Myst for the first time then Obduction from Cyan, their brand new offering, brings flooding back those feelings of wonder, mystery, excitement and spine tingling anticipation. Hunrath is a whole new world to explore, puzzles to solve, questions to answer, mysteries to unravel. The graphics are stunningly beautiful and the music haunting as you find yourself transported to a place of desolation and decay. Why are you there, what has happened to everyone? That's for you to discover. I've waited a long time for this game and the wait was worth every minute, I cannot rate it highly enough. Yes it is demanding of your computing specs and I'm sure it will be demanding of my time, but it's not often you come across a game so unique, so beautiful and so rewarding. Seriously, if you're only going to get one game this year, this has to be it!! Oh, and for MOUL fans, it has cones - brilliant!!… Expand
  2. Launton
    Aug 25, 2016
    9
    OK I've not finished the game yet but I'm blown away by the graphics. Cyan have used UR4 very well in this environment and it's quite beautiful. There's a few 'aha!' moments and some of the puzzles are easier than you think. Others... hehe. There's lots of what I'll call cameos from Uru which I really like, some are sounds, some are similar in other ways, anyway I digress. Back to theOK I've not finished the game yet but I'm blown away by the graphics. Cyan have used UR4 very well in this environment and it's quite beautiful. There's a few 'aha!' moments and some of the puzzles are easier than you think. Others... hehe. There's lots of what I'll call cameos from Uru which I really like, some are sounds, some are similar in other ways, anyway I digress. Back to the game. It's absolutely HUGE! I've been enjoying it for the last 10 hours and then - I - discovered... well you'll just have to see for yourself. Brilliant and worth the wait.… Expand
  3. FayEverdunes
    Aug 24, 2016
    10
    OVERALL IMPRESSION

    I'm incredibly impressed by Obduction, Cyan has done it again! The game has the familiar myst-like feeling that brings me right back to my childhood when I first got to explore the Myst Island and I had no idea why I was there and what was going on, arriving in Hunrath has the exact same feeling. It also brought me back to taking my first steps in The Cleft and    OVERALL IMPRESSION

    I'm incredibly impressed by Obduction, Cyan has done it again! The game has the familiar myst-like feeling that brings me right back to my childhood when I first got to explore the Myst Island and I had no idea why I was there and what was going on, arriving in Hunrath has the exact same feeling. It also brought me back to taking my first steps in The Cleft and Minkata in Uru (even the footsteps sound suspiciously alike). Except this time things are alien, even eerier, even more beautiful, even more awe-inspiring, even more confusing.

    The game feels like a more matured version of the Myst games; you can tell that the developers have taken everything they learned from the previous games and with that experience (and perhaps the wisdom gained with age) have crafted a story that has a new kind of depth - where puzzles are not just intricate parts of the environment, as was the case in the Myst games, but that feel truly handcrafted with purpose by different civilizations, puzzles that takes it one step beyond the Myst games in how they merge with the setting.

    PERFORMANCE

    I have a GTX 660 graphics card, i7 2600k processor, 8gb ram, SSHD, and Windows 10 x64 which basically puts me at minimum spec with my graphics card and above recommended with processor. The game is pretty well optimized provided I play on low settings with the exception of textures that I put on medium. I experienced a few lag spikes and long loading screens here and there but nothing major or that I can't live with but it definitely seems the game is graphics intensive.

    That said, I get the feeling this game would still be playable with a graphics card one tier below mine but it's hard to say so don't take my word for it. The graphics aren't super amazing on low settings with some pixelation, especially with the shadows but it's still a fairly pretty game. If you really care about good graphics for your gaming experience I would suggest playing this game with the recommended or above specs, I believe at that level this game will be absolutely astonishing.

    PROS:

    * Myst-like
    * Fun unique mechanics
    * Beautiful graphics, textures, sounds etc. the ambience is just superb
    * Nostalgic moments and great easter eggs
    * A riveting and unsettling story that leaves you guessing throughout
    * Pretty well optimized for the most part but not perfect with minimum spec graphics card
    * Good mix of easy, medium, and mind-boggling hard puzzles that make you want to rage quit in a good way like good old Riven. A couple of things are pure evil and I think the devs had a little bit too much fun torturing us poor Hunrathians but at the same time it's kind of funny in hindsight.
    * Great to play as a family or with multiple people to help solve puzzles. While the rating says 10+ it's probably okay with adult supervision under that, but that's just my opinion. I think the Cyan games in general are great educational tools for problem solving, patience, and out of the box thinking.

    CONS:

    * Occasional lag spikes with minimum spec graphics card
    * Occasional long loading screens
    * a few minor glitches/bugs here and there but nothing major and most are hardly noticeable, a couple of small slightly irritating mechanics but again nothing gamebreaking.

    CONCLUSION

    Would I recommend this game? Absolutely. If you love puzzles, mystery, eerie atmospheres, casual exploration, and an immersive environment - you do NOT want to miss out on this game. If you are new to the genre this game will be a great example of a stellar casual adventure puzzle game. If you care a lot about graphics play on recommended or higher spec. Overall, very much worth every penny. 10/10    … Expand
  4. Ecks
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    I am so glad/impressed/excited that a game company doesn't have to rely on violence, fighting, weapons, or the usual gimmicks to have a great game!

    Obduction is a childhood flashback!! Puzzles, exploring, beautiful scenery, above average difficulty, and a decent lengthy game for $30! Hell, I'd buy this game twice instead of wasting money on bad puzzle explorers that end in 2 hours or    I am so glad/impressed/excited that a game company doesn't have to rely on violence, fighting, weapons, or the usual gimmicks to have a great game!

    Obduction is a childhood flashback!! Puzzles, exploring, beautiful scenery, above average difficulty, and a decent lengthy game for $30!

    Hell, I'd buy this game twice instead of wasting money on bad puzzle explorers that end in 2 hours or a limitless space game with no future any day!    … Expand
  5. dusante
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    Most puzzle games either throw you into a derivative set of puzzles in a series of sterile test rooms, or throw arbitrary puzzles at you that you have to figure out using logic nobody would use. Obduction does not do that at all.

    Cyan has created worlds that, while strange, new and alien, they make sense. Every object works the way it does for a reason and if you explore and observe    Most puzzle games either throw you into a derivative set of puzzles in a series of sterile test rooms, or throw arbitrary puzzles at you that you have to figure out using logic nobody would use. Obduction does not do that at all.

    Cyan has created worlds that, while strange, new and alien, they make sense. Every object works the way it does for a reason and if you explore and observe enough, you will figure it out. If something doesn't simply work, then you know that you are required to find a new way around it. These are lived in worlds and it shows.

    I couldn't stop playing after firing it up 4 hours ago. Yikes. I can't remember the last time I've played something that has made me feel this way. This game is well priced and totally worth it. If you have doubts just download it on steam and play it for less than an hour, if you don't like it, get a refund. I think you will keep on exploring though.    … Expand
  6. zenful
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    Every moment I have played so far reminds me so much of the amazing sense of wonder and discovery I had when playing Myst and Riven. The graphics are amazingly beautiful and I was pulled in from the moment I started. Can't say enough good things about this gorgeous game!
  7. photogcyn
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    Once again, Cyan has brought to us new worlds to explore! Beautiful worlds serenaded by a lovely soundtrack. The gameplay seems familiar, but altogether new! I haven't finished the game, but am taking it slowly and savoring each beautiful bit! Granted, Cyan creates different kinds of games, which have gained a dedicated fan set, and this type of gameplay might not appeal to all. But, ifOnce again, Cyan has brought to us new worlds to explore! Beautiful worlds serenaded by a lovely soundtrack. The gameplay seems familiar, but altogether new! I haven't finished the game, but am taking it slowly and savoring each beautiful bit! Granted, Cyan creates different kinds of games, which have gained a dedicated fan set, and this type of gameplay might not appeal to all. But, if given a chance, this game, Obduction, may become a favorite! I play a wide variety of games from shooters to point and click puzzles.… Expand
  8. Horatio4URU
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    As a lover of MYST, Riven, URU, and CYAN in general, I've been waiting patiently for 3 years for Obduction. I'm only a few hours in so far, but it exceeds my expectations. Beautiful graphics, wonderful ambiance, challenging puzzles, interesting story, and wonderful music. If you enjoy taking your time, wandering and exploring, exercising your brain, and admiring art, you need to giveAs a lover of MYST, Riven, URU, and CYAN in general, I've been waiting patiently for 3 years for Obduction. I'm only a few hours in so far, but it exceeds my expectations. Beautiful graphics, wonderful ambiance, challenging puzzles, interesting story, and wonderful music. If you enjoy taking your time, wandering and exploring, exercising your brain, and admiring art, you need to give Obduction a go.

    Understand up front that the system requirements are pretty high Obduction, but it's necessary for this caliber of beauty.    … Expand
  9. David1996
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    Cyan lo volvió a hacer, cuando jugué Obduction me dió la misma sensación de cuando jugué Myst (1993) , Mundos por explorar, No hay nada claro, la magia (aparte de la música) es la fuerte conexión entre los puzzles y el entorno, Obduction demostró que Myst nunca a muerto, está mas vivo que núnca, Cyan worlds recibió mi infancia en una nueva forma , en un nuevo mundo
  10. Githnan
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    I'm about 9 hours in so far and I absolutely love it. I've been a die hard fan of Cyan since Myst first came out. The only issues I've had with this game so far are some technical glitches but honestly on the day of launch every PC Game I've had at launch has had issues. And the ones that it does have are not gamebreaking for me and I'm running a setup that's a little under the minI'm about 9 hours in so far and I absolutely love it. I've been a die hard fan of Cyan since Myst first came out. The only issues I've had with this game so far are some technical glitches but honestly on the day of launch every PC Game I've had at launch has had issues. And the ones that it does have are not gamebreaking for me and I'm running a setup that's a little under the min specs for the game.

    Even with that it is an absolutely gorgeous game and the puzzles blend in with the environment seamlessly so far and I've only found once in 9 hours that a rather odd leap in logic was needed to get one of the passcodes. The music is also a perfect fit for the environments. All in all I have to say that Cyan has done it again. I can't wait to upgrade my hardware to see just how pretty it can get.    … Expand
  11. Corstiaan
    Aug 30, 2016
    9
    This game is the absolute new standard for puzzle games. I did play The Witness but seeing Obduction now, I have to say, The Witness is a (although well made) boring puzzle game with some nice graphics. Obduction adds everything The Witness needed. A well written story line, graphic details, clever level design. This game is just awesome. It's like taking a great crossword puzzle (theThis game is the absolute new standard for puzzle games. I did play The Witness but seeing Obduction now, I have to say, The Witness is a (although well made) boring puzzle game with some nice graphics. Obduction adds everything The Witness needed. A well written story line, graphic details, clever level design. This game is just awesome. It's like taking a great crossword puzzle (the Witness) and having the best writers, illustrators and puzzle designers do a makeover (Obduction). They even managed to have it feel exactly as Myst or Riven (only in Unreal Engine 4). Not a score of 10 because they really had deadline stress and did not manage to fix loading and UI bugs properly. Can't wait to try this on the Occulus Rift, this will be nerd-gastic. Love to see that Cyan's back. Well done guys!… Expand
  12. Gunny1000
    Aug 24, 2016
    9
    My wife and I got the game thru steam today, played for a while. Its very similar to Myst and Riven as far as puzzles go. Enjoying it so far, You have to like exploring and searching. Its late here so will continue tomorrow.
  13. katbird
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    I have only been playing the game for a few hours but I can tell, being a fan of Cyan's games, this one is going to be up there with Riven for me. I play many MMOs with fighting, achievements, and 'mad lewts' that I dearly love but nothing can really compare to figuring out how something works in a Cyan game. The scenery is stunning, the story intriguing, and the puzzles elegant in theirI have only been playing the game for a few hours but I can tell, being a fan of Cyan's games, this one is going to be up there with Riven for me. I play many MMOs with fighting, achievements, and 'mad lewts' that I dearly love but nothing can really compare to figuring out how something works in a Cyan game. The scenery is stunning, the story intriguing, and the puzzles elegant in their simple complexity -- if you've played their games before you know all about that and, if not, you are in for a real mind bending treat!

    I haven't run into any bugs in the game or problems playing with my set up: GTX 780, i7 4930K tray, 32gb ram, SSHD, Win 10 x64. I did the auto detect for graphic settings in the game (all epic with water at high) and the graphics are amazing. I have noticed that if I am by the water for a long time the fans step it up but the temps are doing just fine at this resolution.    … Expand
  14. Austruck
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    There's nothing quite like the feeling of entering a brand-new Cyan Worlds game for the first time. I've been fortunate to have had that experience five times in the past twenty years.

    ...until Wednesday, when I finally got to experience the beauty of the worlds of Obduction, Cyan's sixth game. The trepidation I felt that morning as the game was installing was because I assumed no game    There's nothing quite like the feeling of entering a brand-new Cyan Worlds game for the first time. I've been fortunate to have had that experience five times in the past twenty years.

    ...until Wednesday, when I finally got to experience the beauty of the worlds of Obduction, Cyan's sixth game. The trepidation I felt that morning as the game was installing was because I assumed no game could live up to the personal hype I'd created for myself by waiting for this game for three years... and for ANY Cyan game for at least twelve years.

    Imagine my delight, now that I'm fifteen hours into the game, to realize that I had not given Cyan enough credit (despite their having never let me down before). I'd readied myself appropriately: upgraded my old graphics card and RAM months earlier (specifically for this game), then on Wednesday cleared my schedule, ignored the phone, turned down the lights, and hit PLAY.

    Within minutes, one thought glued itself to the back of my mind: This is why the other 100+ adventure games I've been buying in the past decade completely suck. THIS is why I have spent too much time and money since 2004 trying to recreate something that would never be recreated by anyone but Cyan.

    My only concern now is that I will greedily devour this game in large chunks and it will be over too soon. So I am deliberately slowing my pace. You only go around once in this life... and in these worlds. I don't want to miss anything.

    Cyan Worlds, welcome back. You're what I've been waiting for. Just don't make me wait another twelve years for the next one. Please?    … Expand
  15. rpd9803
    Aug 27, 2016
    10
    If you liked Myst or Riven, there is an exceptionally high chance you will like Obduction too. That said, it is a different game and a different world. While there are callbacks to the Myst series, the majority of the experience is refreshingly new, mysterious and exciting. The puzzles are not quite a bad as Riven, with respect to their difficulty, but the level of difficulty isIf you liked Myst or Riven, there is an exceptionally high chance you will like Obduction too. That said, it is a different game and a different world. While there are callbacks to the Myst series, the majority of the experience is refreshingly new, mysterious and exciting. The puzzles are not quite a bad as Riven, with respect to their difficulty, but the level of difficulty is rewarding all the same.… Expand
  16. EleriTMLH
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    "Think, again." the trailer tells us, and that's exactly what this game calls on you to do. If exercising your grey matter on perplexing yet fundamentally logical, well thought out puzzles isn't your bag- then this game isn't for you. If you DO like exploring fantastical places, and solving conundrums that range from simple to complex to nailchewingly detailed, then Welcome to Hunrath."Think, again." the trailer tells us, and that's exactly what this game calls on you to do. If exercising your grey matter on perplexing yet fundamentally logical, well thought out puzzles isn't your bag- then this game isn't for you. If you DO like exploring fantastical places, and solving conundrums that range from simple to complex to nailchewingly detailed, then Welcome to Hunrath.

    On top of being visually and musically stunning, Cyan has taken the unique in the gaming world step of providing a point & click movement option, not only for the Myst nostalgia factor, but to allow players with inner ear issues, vertigo and other motion-sickness causing issues to play the game. Given the sheer number of games released that are impossible to play for people with things like VIMS, Obduction is a breath of fresh air.    … Expand
  17. isobellefox
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    I have been an avid fan of the Myst games for a very long time, and I consider Riven to be one of the greatest gaming experiences and one of the most amazing works of art that I have ever had the pleasure to experience. I also love Uru. So, it was with great expectation that I awaited Obduction - the first Cyan game in years and a departure from the Myst series. Happily, I can say that myI have been an avid fan of the Myst games for a very long time, and I consider Riven to be one of the greatest gaming experiences and one of the most amazing works of art that I have ever had the pleasure to experience. I also love Uru. So, it was with great expectation that I awaited Obduction - the first Cyan game in years and a departure from the Myst series. Happily, I can say that my expectations were not only met but wildly exceeded.

    Graphically, this game is absolutely beautiful. Its not just the high quality of the unreal 4 engine rendering, either - its the attention to detail in every little thing - the art and the art direction. The worlds of Obduction are breathtaking.

    The puzzles are typical Cyan masterpieces, too. No one else has this kind of cleverness and finesse. In Obduction there is what I would call an "ecosystem" of puzzles - everything is logical and organic. None of the puzzles feel like or look like puzzles, because they are fully and rationally integrated with the environment and story. Some of them are very challenging; some of them are easy but rewarding. Every step forward feels like a discovery and an accomplishment.

    The story is intriguing, and the voice acting is wonderful.

    The music is, as always, perfect.

    Really, I could not ask for more, and if it continues to be this good right through to the end, this game could easily rival Riven for me as an experience - something I never thought I would say of a game again.

    Whether or not you have played any of the Myst games, if you like games like The Vanishing of Ethan Carter or The Talos Principle, high qaulity, contemplative, thinker's games, then you really must play Obduction.    … Expand
  18. RockArtifacts
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    Out of the Myst and into the new century with all the bells and whistles. Well OK, I haven't run into any bells and whistles yet, but that's not saying knowing Cyan that either or both could show up down the road as I continue to progress through the various worlds. Cyan has done it again, in a wonderful way.

    I must admit the Myst/Riven-o-phile in me was excited, delighted, and yet a    Out of the Myst and into the new century with all the bells and whistles. Well OK, I haven't run into any bells and whistles yet, but that's not saying knowing Cyan that either or both could show up down the road as I continue to progress through the various worlds. Cyan has done it again, in a wonderful way.

    I must admit the Myst/Riven-o-phile in me was excited, delighted, and yet a bit ...hmm.. 'will-this-be-as-great-or-will-it-tarnish-my-fond-memories" feeling as I watched the downloading bar. Am pleased to say memories intact, wonder piqued, and immersive level just as I would have wished. Tip: you may want to turn off "backer reward item," setting if you don't want your immersed feelings dinged.

    Gameplay has been smooth, Cyan has been quickly responsive to bug fixes already, the game feels true to those of the past in complexity -- thank you Cyan for not having dumbed it down -- and the graphics are as beautiful as one would expect from the team who defined this genre.

    GTX 960, i7-6700, 16GB RAM, Windows 10 x64. All settings on epic including water, running smooth. Love that I can adjust FOV so that I don't get the whirlies...dramamine not required to play.    … Expand
  19. Kaniya
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    This game breath life into all those memories we all had with Myst series. I can not believe the fantastic art of Myst developers have come to this level of detail. Its just breath taking and beautiful. Developers always shown that in terms of art style their works are so unique we can not find them in any other game. and that is what I believe made myst so memorable to us. And yes PUZZLESThis game breath life into all those memories we all had with Myst series. I can not believe the fantastic art of Myst developers have come to this level of detail. Its just breath taking and beautiful. Developers always shown that in terms of art style their works are so unique we can not find them in any other game. and that is what I believe made myst so memorable to us. And yes PUZZLES of corz, this game will not disappoint you in terms its challenges through the whole game.
    In the end, nothing much i can say to describe how happy this game makes me,    … Expand
  20. Floydman
    Aug 26, 2016
    9
    Obduction is the game I have been waiting years for! It is absolutely beautiful, even on my laptop, and the puzzles feel natural and are thought-provoking. I've only given it a 9/10 score because the story feels a little corny, but it definitely warms on you as you continue playing. There have been several moments during gameplay where I was totally blown away. I literally laughed out loudObduction is the game I have been waiting years for! It is absolutely beautiful, even on my laptop, and the puzzles feel natural and are thought-provoking. I've only given it a 9/10 score because the story feels a little corny, but it definitely warms on you as you continue playing. There have been several moments during gameplay where I was totally blown away. I literally laughed out loud because I was so surprised! Give Obduction a try, and I know you'll be surprised, too.… Expand
  21. Soprano91396
    Aug 27, 2016
    10
    Prepare to have your mind blown! This is a fabulous game, set in worlds that are alien and yet strangely familiar and logical. Obduction has the feel of the Myst series brought into the 21st century -- you find yourself in a strange place with no idea where you are, how you got there, or what you're supposed to do. The game unfolds as you explore and begin to learn; puzzles are seamlesslyPrepare to have your mind blown! This is a fabulous game, set in worlds that are alien and yet strangely familiar and logical. Obduction has the feel of the Myst series brought into the 21st century -- you find yourself in a strange place with no idea where you are, how you got there, or what you're supposed to do. The game unfolds as you explore and begin to learn; puzzles are seamlessly integrated into the game and are challenging but not impossibly difficult. No violence, no blood and guts -- just beautiful worlds to explore and understand. Well worth the wait -- Cyan has done it again. Thank you thank you thank you!!… Expand
  22. Mystdee
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    Cyan has done it again, Obduction is a beautiful environment to explore with challenging puzzles that fit right into the worlds and the story. Hours of enjoyment that will have you wanting more. . . . There are a few subtle surprises that will bring back Memories of Myst instantly and bring a smile to your face all without interfering with the Obduction experience! If you are a Myst fanCyan has done it again, Obduction is a beautiful environment to explore with challenging puzzles that fit right into the worlds and the story. Hours of enjoyment that will have you wanting more. . . . There are a few subtle surprises that will bring back Memories of Myst instantly and bring a smile to your face all without interfering with the Obduction experience! If you are a Myst fan you definitely want to play this one. You will not be disappointed.… Expand
  23. Rialeon
    Sep 1, 2016
    10
    Graphic's are phenomenal! The music is by Robyn Miller who is a genius of Mystian proportions...:). The game play is enticing...a wonderful, immersive exploration/puzzle game. Worth every penny! Rand Miller and his exemplary crew have gone above and beyond expectation once again! My favorite thing...The rust...LOL
  24. JohnWitten
    Apr 30, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Silly old me thought for the longest time that the title of the semi-spiritual successor to Myst/Riven/All-That-Good-Stuff point and click adventure was a mere typo or perhaps creative indifference to the spelling of abduction. As it stands, I think it rather ironically would encapsulate the narrative in either its present spelling or that alternative. Obduction instead refers in no small part to something along the lines of opposite subduction, or rather oceanic lithosphere forcing itself over continental counterparts.

    All that scientific banter aside, Obduction really is a fitting title for this game and since I’m seeking to avoid spoiling the majority of the narrative, I’ll say little more than that. At first glance it seems like just another adventure seeking to cash in on this newfangled idea of nuevo-retro. What I mean by this is that it takes an old gaming concept and places it into a new gaming era and melds the best of both worlds, or in this case multiple realms. The narrative and lore behind Obduction is certainly one of its strongest points and like the Myst saga, I really enjoyed how it was fleshed out and how things are rarely as they initially seem.

    Even with Cyan Worlds having developed the game with the thought in mind for it to be a spiritual successor to Myst/Riven, the only ways in which it is truly similar stem from the gameplay and some of the ideas of travel and various worlds and time displacements and similarly intriguing alien technology. If you know anything about the Myst series- whether it be lore or gameplay or overall narrative, then you may find this particular title engaging as well. The most interesting of all the narrative elements and potential in Obduction is definitely the meshing of several worlds and several time periods. For example, there is an advanced alien subculture lying dormant right alongside a displaced wild western town straight out of the late eighteen hundreds.

    Perhaps another of the unintended and yet awesomely interesting elements of the game is the ambiguity surrounding narrative and character choice. Certainly, some things will undoubtedly seem and in fact be very linear throughout the adventure. However there are also particular points littered throughout the story where your character’s journey or the concurrent adventures of the few other beings you encounter may come to an abrupt and even brutally twisted end. I won’t say much more for fear of ruining some of the finer endgame moments, but suffice it to say few things are as they seem.

    Obduction, if it aspires to be anything else or anything other, is certainly a game revolving around unintended consequences and brilliance of simple design. I think that is probably one of its other admirable traits, and it is definitely something we don’t see as much nowadays or perhaps ever. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure itself for the feelings it elicited, the narrative tropes it trod, and the lore it hid slightly beneath the surface. It is always invigorating to experience something along the lines of a thrill ride in such a seemingly archaic and simple adventure game revolving around core mechanics such as light puzzle solving and information gathering. Yes, it can inevitably have its boring or even low points, but if you stick by it then the payoff is totally worth it.

    For what it’s worth, I have only good things to say about this particular title as a whole and I would probably give it somewhere between an 8.0 and 8.5 out of ten. That’s high praise coming from me and something I believe it is entirely deserving of as well. I implore you to give it a whirl if you’re into old school adventures, an interesting story, or simply want to branch out into a new genre of gaming.    … Expand
  25. Alexsis
    May 21, 2018
    8
    A stunningly beautiful game, especially in VR. The sights and sounds do not disappoint. I enjoyed my experience with the game and the worlds it contains.
    If you like exploring, intriguing stories you piece together yourself, environments that are meticulously crafted for you to enjoy – give Obduction a go.

    Do you own VR? Then this is a MUST!
  26. shtomer
    Nov 1, 2016
    10
    A certain treat for Myst fans. I've played roughly 10hrs and I feel like I've only just started, the atmosphere is mesmerizing and the puzzles are intriguing.
  27. frey290
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    As a long-time fan of the Myst games, I couldn't be more happy with Obduction. I've been playing it for hours, and so far it's every bit as compelling and additive as I'd hoped.

    They may call it a "spiritual successor" to Myst, but it's really very much like the best Myst games from years past (e.g., Riven and Exile) -- just without the Myst mythology woven in. (Instead, they've    As a long-time fan of the Myst games, I couldn't be more happy with Obduction. I've been playing it for hours, and so far it's every bit as compelling and additive as I'd hoped.

    They may call it a "spiritual successor" to Myst, but it's really very much like the best Myst games from years past (e.g., Riven and Exile) -- just without the Myst mythology woven in. (Instead, they've invented a new backstory that's similarly mystical and weird, and just as interesting.) I don't know why some people say the puzzles aren't as challenging: I'm finding myself just as stumped (and occasionally frustrated) as I did years ago, with the older Myst titles -- if not more so. (Maybe I'm just getting dumber in my old age?)

    The artistry is great, the technical execution is really smooth, and the mysteries sci-fi plot elements are fun to gradually unravel and explore. I really hope this game is commercially successful enough that Rand Miller and his Cyan crew come out with another game soon! They've been away too long!    … Expand
  28. Paula465
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    I have waited a long time for another Cyan game to come along and I am happy to report that the wait was not in vain. Obduction brings the same wonder, exhilaration, and satisfaction as Myst, Riven and Uru. I am taking my time and savoring my explorations and the challenges of the puzzles. Way to go, Cyan!
  29. thelley
    Sep 2, 2016
    10
    This game is incredible. If you want a game that is going to make you actually think and work out puzzles this is the game. The story is interwoven perfectly with the tasks required to progress.
  30. husdoktorn
    Sep 3, 2016
    9
    A lot of games coming out of the Kickstarter-fueled "adventure game renaissance" have been disappointments. By trying to cater to the attention span of a modern audience, the puzzles and obfuscation that make up the gameplay of a classic adventure game get compromised.

    Obduction is very much an exception. (Actual puzzles, in 2016?!) Cyan manages to capture the difficulty and atmosphere    A lot of games coming out of the Kickstarter-fueled "adventure game renaissance" have been disappointments. By trying to cater to the attention span of a modern audience, the puzzles and obfuscation that make up the gameplay of a classic adventure game get compromised.

    Obduction is very much an exception. (Actual puzzles, in 2016?!) Cyan manages to capture the difficulty and atmosphere of their classic 90's titles Myst and Riven, while still creating a game that contains new, ingenious ideas, and feels technically modern. Obduction looks and sounds beautiful, in the same way Myst and Riven looked and sounded beautiful back in 1994 and 1997, respectively.

    I'm delighted to say that I actually got stuck a couple of times in this game. This might sound weird to some younger people, but getting stuck is actually what makes up gameplay in an adventure game. The feeling of satisfaction you get from finally figuring out a difficult puzzle after traversing the same area over and over in search of missed clues, is unparalleled. In this area, Obduction delivers. More so than most entries in the adventure game genre as of late, that hold your hand way too much in the name of keeping unfamiliar players interested. Make no mistake, this is a game for adventure game fans.

    Cyan has a way of telling stories backwards in a way. When you start the game, most important events in the storyline have already taken place. The only way to understand any of what is going on is by paying a lot of attention to your surroundings and by reading documents and journals scattered throughout the game world(s), left behind by characters that are no longer anywhere to be found. This is very much optional. You could complete the game without taking in almost anything of the story, but that would probably leave you very unsatisfied by the ending. A penchant for detective-work is almost a requirement for having a glimmer of a chance of understanding even some parts of this rather complex (but certainly very interesting) universe. This is, in my opinion, the only potentially negative aspect of this game, that is a wonderful return to form for the genre.    … Expand
  31. laughingpinny
    Sep 3, 2016
    10
    This game is unbelievably good. Forget “if you liked Myst play this” - if only for the fact that if you liked Myst and can feasibly play it, you’re probably playing it already. Cyan's offer is not as unique in today's landscape as it was in '93, but they're still the only ones who can weave puzzles and exploration and imbue them with a story that you put together organically, on your ownThis game is unbelievably good. Forget “if you liked Myst play this” - if only for the fact that if you liked Myst and can feasibly play it, you’re probably playing it already. Cyan's offer is not as unique in today's landscape as it was in '93, but they're still the only ones who can weave puzzles and exploration and imbue them with a story that you put together organically, on your own terms.
    Try this instead: if you’ve ever considered giving puzzle-solving adventure games a try (and your computer can run it), please do so by playing Obduction. It’s sleek, it’s modern, it’s decades of self-taught lessons on game design coming to fruition. It’s so dense and organic that you never run out of stuff to try out, and it all meshes and intersects in such fun ways, one “a-ha!” moment after the other, separated only by jaw-dropping strolls through magnificent environments.    … Expand
  32. Herewegomez
    Sep 4, 2016
    10
    Obduction is an incredibly, incredibly cool game. 23 years out from Myst and almost 20 years from Riven, and Cyan Inc still shows that they can make evocative and bizarre worlds.

    It's remarkable that there are not many modern examples of Myst "clones", considering that it was the best selling PC game for almost a decade until The Sims came out. There are however two recent examples    Obduction is an incredibly, incredibly cool game. 23 years out from Myst and almost 20 years from Riven, and Cyan Inc still shows that they can make evocative and bizarre worlds.

    It's remarkable that there are not many modern examples of Myst "clones", considering that it was the best selling PC game for almost a decade until The Sims came out. There are however two recent examples that, while interesting games on their own, never really captured the wondrous nature of Miller brother's games. The Talos Principle and The Witness both tried to represent the legacy, and while both have incredible attributes, I like Obduction better. It has a far more compelling and interesting lore than either, and less brain-aneurysm causing puzzles than The Witness.

    The thing that those games didn't get, and what Cyan does - even after 20 odd years - is that to make an engaging world full of wonder, the puzzles and the history of the world have to be intrinsically tied. If you took every puzzle in The Witness and stripped it away from the context of the world, you would you would be left with a fun set of puzzles on one hand, and a quiet world to explore on the other. This would be impossible in Obduction or Myst or Riven because the puzzles are the world. The feeling of wonder and mystery you get from these worlds comes from trying to understand how the strange technology and logic works around you. There is a moment early on in Obduction where you have to learn an alien numbering system to solve puzzles later in the game. This doesn't feel "gamey" or contrived because there is a reason for it to exist in the logic and lore of the game.

    So yeah, check it out if you're looking for that kind of experience.    … Expand
  33. matthornb
    Sep 4, 2016
    9
    Obduction is a difficult challenge to finish, and will prove a divisive game like Myst was, but for me it makes up for its minor flaws in many ways.

    Yes, the loading screens are a bit long, and yes, the FMV is a little retro, and yes, there are some bugs at present time. My feeling is that as the devs patch the game this will improve, but for now these minor flaws are enough to hold me    Obduction is a difficult challenge to finish, and will prove a divisive game like Myst was, but for me it makes up for its minor flaws in many ways.

    Yes, the loading screens are a bit long, and yes, the FMV is a little retro, and yes, there are some bugs at present time. My feeling is that as the devs patch the game this will improve, but for now these minor flaws are enough to hold me back from a 10.

    The game is a niche game, aimed at a niche audience that appreciates this style of game. If you hate puzzles and have a short attention span, this game is not meant for you. If, however, you like puzzles and have some patience for putting everything together, you will love Obduction and find many things to enjoy here.

    The graphics are beautiful - detailed and imaginative, with superb art direction. On a higher-end PC or in VR, you will frequently find yourself in awe of the spectacular design work here.
    The sound design is likewise compelling, especially the beautiful and eerie ambient music score.
    Even the puzzles - they're hard, yes, but mostly they're very logically constructed and definitely solvable if you think things through. I appreciate also the fact that as with Riven, the puzzles aren't tacked on. They seem to be a large part of the world and make sense within it. Sometimes they're clever, and the realization of how these worlds operate (in several ways) is going to give you a sense of wonder or at least a bit of surprise. It's also key to solving these puzzles and moving forward.
    The story is a fragmented thing told through exploration and observation of the gameworld, audio recordings, documents on paper, holographic recordings and other FMV. It actually adds up fairly well if you pause to put the different details together, but it is at times hokey and at others absorbing and surprising. But definitely you're left to connect the dots on your own at times and it won't add up if you didn't put it together on your own by reading and filling in the blanks.

    There are also a lot of details and easter eggs scattered in the game which are clearly meant for Myst fans (or for backers of the game who requested this or that object on a shelf somewhere) - and this can be both entertaining and slightly confusing as these items do add slightly more visual clutter to the game, and make it that much harder to parse what objects matter for a puzzle and which are just red herrings. Easter Eggs and hidden items vary - my reaction was sometimes 'this is goofy and mildly distracting as far as immersion goes' and other times 'that's cool'.

    All in all, I am quite happy with how Obduction turned out. I can't help but wonder what worlds and stories Cyan will pursue next.    … Expand
  34. JackMcB
    Oct 31, 2016
    8
    Although by no means the same the echoes from Myst are all over, travelling between alien realms with their own, sometimes esoteric, rules while piecing together what's happened to you and those who came before you, trapped and departed denizens offering brief snippets of motivation. You will routinely be confronted with locked doors that frustrate until you scour the land to find theirAlthough by no means the same the echoes from Myst are all over, travelling between alien realms with their own, sometimes esoteric, rules while piecing together what's happened to you and those who came before you, trapped and departed denizens offering brief snippets of motivation. You will routinely be confronted with locked doors that frustrate until you scour the land to find their obtusely hidden codes/keys, this can be maddening yet it's quite satisfying once you finally start popping them open and discovering what they hide.

    I can understand some people hitting a wall and giving up or looking up a walkthrough to get past the odd section, sometimes the path to progress is in another world and will take several jaunts back and forth to get everything 'right'. The loading screens during those times can become tedious even if your PC is up to snuff.

    It's certainly worth a look all the same, it's very pretty in places and the desire to see the various contraptions come to life becomes quite compelling pipe-dream early on. I'd recommend playing it until it stumps you then coming back a week later, that way you can appreciate the slow-burn rather than uninstalling it in a fit of pique as I nearly did and would have regretted.    … Expand
  35. ExpertPL
    Nov 11, 2016
    8
    This game has very good lore, but in order to discover it, you have to be a fan of slow and steady exploring. If you like puzzles, you will also find them here. The teleport mechanic seems very creative with it's sphere teleportation, it was a lot of fun discovering how it actually works.
  36. MrsHjort
    Jul 1, 2017
    8
    I've always enjoyed the Myst games and this was a worthy successor. The environments are varied, detailed and beautiful, just like any Myst game. The exploration is great, with an integrering story to dig into in order to learn what the place is about and what is going on. The puzzles are not too easy, and not too hard, and you feel real satisfaction making your way through them. No storyI've always enjoyed the Myst games and this was a worthy successor. The environments are varied, detailed and beautiful, just like any Myst game. The exploration is great, with an integrering story to dig into in order to learn what the place is about and what is going on. The puzzles are not too easy, and not too hard, and you feel real satisfaction making your way through them. No story related bugs what so ever and the plot progresses in a nice organic way.

    My only complaints are that the teleportation is slow. I realize that they are in place to mask a loading screen, but frankly, I'd prefer that to those flickering spots, especially since you have to teleport a lot at one point of the story. A little something to read - an interesting fact or a little tidbit about the plot - would greatly improve that particular issue. Also, the camera movement "stutters" when the game loads new graphic which can be a bit disorienting at times and I've experienced one or two crashes too many to give this game a higher score. Some improvements stability and efficiency would be welcomed.

    However, despite its issues Obduktion is a great game! if you're a fan of Myst, you'll like it for sure. Go explore :)    … Expand
  37. Pilot_Odysseus
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    A fine piece of art, for connoisseurs.
    Obduction pushes players forward solely based on a sense of shrouded mystery that will have you guessing from the very moments you first begin your adventure. There are no underlying themes, no agendas or heavy plots that Cyan Worlds is pushing, at least none that immediately jumped out at me, just pure unadulterated science fiction. To put it    A fine piece of art, for connoisseurs.
    Obduction pushes players forward solely based on a sense of shrouded mystery that will have you guessing from the very moments you first begin your adventure. There are no underlying themes, no agendas or heavy plots that Cyan Worlds is pushing, at least none that immediately jumped out at me, just pure unadulterated science fiction. To put it lightly, Obduction is an uninhabited, glorious game (as has been written.brashgames).    … Expand
  38. gold
    Sep 5, 2021
    9
    Есть затянутые и нудные моменты, но в целом мне понравилось. Уровень myst 5.
    Итог: 9.666/10
  39. BenzoSt
    Jul 12, 2022
    8
    An adventure/puzzle game with astounding graphics, strange environments, and an intriguing story. Although you must solve each puzzle to succeed, I found the difficulty fair. My biggest grievance is that I found myself spending more time traveling between puzzles than actually solving puzzles, an issue that could have been remedied by increasing your running speed or allowing you toAn adventure/puzzle game with astounding graphics, strange environments, and an intriguing story. Although you must solve each puzzle to succeed, I found the difficulty fair. My biggest grievance is that I found myself spending more time traveling between puzzles than actually solving puzzles, an issue that could have been remedied by increasing your running speed or allowing you to fast-travel between landmarks. Nevertheless, Obduction is an impressive experience and a worthy successor to the Myst games. Don't feel ashamed to look online for a hint if you must.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
83
#83 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
  1. Road to VR
    Jul 29, 2017
    85
    Obduction revives the overall feeling of its predecessors 'Myst' and 'Riven' by recreating the familiar brand of visually stunning environments mixed with cerebral puzzles. [Tested with Oculus Touch, HTC Vive]
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  2. CD-Action
    Nov 18, 2016
    65
    Obduction is scant storywise and in contrast to The Witness failed to gradually teach me how to deal with its puzzles, instead forcing me to use the trial and error method. Myst fans, however, should enjoy it. [11/2016, p.46]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Nov 9, 2016
    84
    An otherwise excellent successor to the Myst series that is somewhat marred by the frequency of long loading times and some less stellar puzzle design, like the annoying rotating maze. [Oct 2016]
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