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. mort346
    Sep 1, 2016
    7
    I'd love to give this game full marks, but there's one or two reasons why I can't. You should definitely consider them before buying too. First - loading screens. Yes, lots of games have long load times but it particularly hurts Obduction because of one of its core game play mechanics. It features several worlds, which you regularly have to teleport between to solve puzzles. In someI'd love to give this game full marks, but there's one or two reasons why I can't. You should definitely consider them before buying too. First - loading screens. Yes, lots of games have long load times but it particularly hurts Obduction because of one of its core game play mechanics. It features several worlds, which you regularly have to teleport between to solve puzzles. In some sections, you'll be teleporting between them several times in a space of about 5 minutes. On a high-end machine, these can be up to a minute long each time. As well as being very frustrating, it makes the game much harder. Games like this encourage you to try everything to solve puzzles. But if you're unwilling to try teleportating (which is the answer quite often) because you don't want to sit on your hands while the game loads, you're going to spend far longer solving puzzles than you might have and you'll feel very frustrated when you do. The second thing is the story. For much of the first half, there's quite a bit to read and learn and the game gives the impression of great depth, in the vein of games like Bioshock and Alien:Isolation. But later on this depth disappears. By the time what you learned at the beginning becomes relevant, you'll already have forgotten it all, leading to an ending that feels abrupt and left many people (judging from the forums) wondering what the hell happened. Whilst many of the puzzles are clever and challenging without being unintuitive, they are spread a bit to thinly between much easier puzzles that mainly involve travelling a great deal (which makes me wonder why on earth they would include a 'point-and-click' control option).

    This isn't to say Obduction isn't worth playing. It has more content and engagement than 90% of puzzle games out there. But I can't help thinking there was some last minute corner cutting that results in a finish product more like vanilla ice-cream with chocolate chips than a full fat, triple chocolate masterpiece; the fun parts are there, but you'll have to dig to find them.    … Expand
  2. strav
    Sep 11, 2016
    7
    As any game from the Myst series, Obduction is a game about exploration, subtle details and environmental puzzle solving. As true successor to Myst, Obduction really delve into those core principles but sadly most of the time it's execution is flawed by some really bad design decisions.

    The exploration part is good, not quite linear yet focused enough and most importantly: the    As any game from the Myst series, Obduction is a game about exploration, subtle details and environmental puzzle solving. As true successor to Myst, Obduction really delve into those core principles but sadly most of the time it's execution is flawed by some really bad design decisions.

    The exploration part is good, not quite linear yet focused enough and most importantly: the environments are diverse, grandiose and sometimes beautiful (other times: awkward and clunky). Where the game fails, as other reviews mentioned is mainly in the puzzles. Most of them really are simplistic and few require some form of lateral thinking. Most of the time, the solution is outright given upon discovering some piece of paper that will connect the dots for you. When puzzles do require a bit of logic, most of the time they are not really complex nor ingenious but rather extremely tedious given the time/loading time required to perform some step of the solution (imagine solving a simple Sudoku problem where you need to take a 15 minutes stroll across the park prior to the writing of any number). As for the subtle details, there are some (some directly copied from the ol' Myst formula) but most of the time, the clues are plain and obvious. To be sure, the Myst series feeling remains but it surely, this is no Riven. (A side note, for puzzle aficionados: the puzzle quality is far below of what can be found in Talos Principle, The Witness, Braid, Tetrobot and Co., Stephen's Sausages Roll, etc. to name a few).

    In terms of graphical quality, to be honest, given Myst's legacy, my expectations were also a bit higher. For some reason I spent a lot of time adjusting my gamma settings for it never felt quite right (below some threshold, some places looked just perfect, others were too dark, and vice versa). In some worlds the meshes/models resolution felt quite poor giving an overall impression of 2010 era graphics. As for the textures and lightning, it's mostly good and if you have a machine powerful enough: do crank the resolution scale up to 200 - it's really worth it on the texture side (otherwise, the whole game might look blurry). One good point: the game seems performs quite well and because of the resolution scale mechanism, it seems it can fairly accommodate a wide range of hardware specs. Overall, I was expecting something on par with The Vanishing of Ethan Carter but got something quite below.

    As for the sound ambiance, this is one of the highest points of the game. The music itself is bland, nothing to fall for but the sound effects are very well done.

    Overall, it took me 13 hours to finish the game and found most of it to be a somewhat tedious experience. I appreciate the effort cyan has put into this and in itself, the game surely is a nice technical achievement but it would surely have benefited of more though into it's puzzle design (not to say it's an easy thing).    … Expand
  3. andrey1990
    Dec 16, 2019
    7
    Постараюсь оставить справедливый отзыв, возможно кому-то пригодится.
    Я поставил игре 7, в моем понимании эта оценка значит что игра неплоха, но к сожалению ничем не запомнится и если пройти мимо нее жалеть не будете. Поначалу красивый и затягивающий мир вскоре понемногу начал вызывать напряжение и усталось которые к концу игры значительно усилились. Проблема в том что разработчики не    Постараюсь оставить справедливый отзыв, возможно кому-то пригодится.
    Я поставил игре 7, в моем понимании эта оценка значит что игра неплоха, но к сожалению ничем не запомнится и если пройти мимо нее жалеть не будете. Поначалу красивый и затягивающий мир вскоре понемногу начал вызывать напряжение и усталось которые к концу игры значительно усилились. Проблема в том что разработчики не снабдили головоломки самодостаточной логикой. Как должна выглядеть идеальная головоломка (привет Портал) - игрок видит перед собой цель, игроку объясняют или подсказывают как что работает и он с помощью имеющихся инструментов прокладывает себе дорогу к цели. В это игре эта цепочка сломана, цели которые нам часто ставят не дает ни малейшего намека на то куда идти и что делать. И большинство загадок скатывается к тому что нужно идти и взаимодействовать со всем что видишь пока наконец-то ты не найдешь то что нужно. Как правильно писали на другой форуме - задачки и принцип их работы очень часто становится очевиден и понятен только после того как тебе случайно удалось их решить. С эти можно было бы жить так как интересные головоломки все еще встречаются, но здесь порадовал новый аспект - переход между мирами занимает просто до хренища времени и мои нервы были просто окончательно убиты в ходе лабиринта где чтобы совершить одно действие нужно было терять 3 минуты времени и одна головоломка которую можно было бы пройти за 10 минут заняла 1 час просто потому что разработчики не ценят мое время.
    Имейте это в виду    … Expand
  4. MaxmilianKohler
    Jul 18, 2019
    6
    I found it way too tedious to walk around for minutes at a time to get from one piece of the puzzle to the next. If there was a way to speed up the travel I would have kept playing. Also, unless you have a really good memory you're going to really struggle with this game. There is so much you have to remember, such as different paths you did or didn't explore, which path leads to where andI found it way too tedious to walk around for minutes at a time to get from one piece of the puzzle to the next. If there was a way to speed up the travel I would have kept playing. Also, unless you have a really good memory you're going to really struggle with this game. There is so much you have to remember, such as different paths you did or didn't explore, which path leads to where and what were at those locations. There is no built in navigational map to track where you have and haven't gone. That may be fine if it would at least allow you some way to draw your own map to keep track of stuff. The only thing it allows is taking pictures, which is nowhere near adequate.

    I'm rating it as high as I am because I enjoy that the game is based around discovery and exploration in an alien world.    … Expand
  5. bancandrei
    May 20, 2020
    4
    I was never really a fan of the old Myst titles, so I thought maybe I'll get into the genre with this one. Big mistake, it's just boring
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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!
  12. 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
  13. JohnMalcolm
    Sep 2, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I remember Myst, etc, and Obduction is no Myst. The graphics and movement system are much better, but the puzzles are too hard for most of us. You could spend the next year, full-time, moving randomly through this gigantic maze and never find the way out. It comes down to using a cookbook for a fine-print recipe 8 pages long written by somebody on the Internet who's not proficient in English to get through the game. The story is engaging but the puzzle-making is inept. Puzzles should be soluble logically, not through random variation. An example of one of the easier puzzles: There's a locked door with a rotary phone dial and an LED display. Nearby is a hodgepodge room that serves as the mayor's office, but nobody's home. On the mayor's desk is a compass. If you pick it up, it looks just like what I had in Boy Scouts. If you think to turn it over, the name of a US state is inscribed on the back. Suppose it says 'Maine'. You may recall that in the abandoned service station a few blocks away are some license plates nailed to the wall. That's if you've already managed to find your way inside, which is not trivial. You may have 'photographed' that wall, but the game's photo album is buggy so you can't see the one you want. So you go back to the service station and copy down the license plate 'number' -- let's say it's YOU FUL. OK, now it's time to think of the rotary telephone dial you saw yesterday in a distant location. Translate the letters from the license plate into numbers as you would in dialing one of those memorable 800 numbers like 1-800-CALL_TODAY. The door opens and you're ready to figure out what to do next, which will be a random exploration of a puzzling environment. And that was a relatively easy and logical puzzle compared to most in this chaotic maze of old and new technology and unfamiliar cultural references. It was a noble effort but I think you'll find there are better ways to waste your time.… Expand
  14. AuldWolf
    Sep 20, 2016
    0
    Let me paint you a picture of why this is a bad game. One 'puzzle' in this game is remedial, it's essentially just an average board of Pipe-Mania, nothing special. This puzzle, if you had all the tools in front of you to solve it, would be completed in ten minutes. Instead, they purposefully obfuscated it and separated the controls by loading screens. They also separated how you could viewLet me paint you a picture of why this is a bad game. One 'puzzle' in this game is remedial, it's essentially just an average board of Pipe-Mania, nothing special. This puzzle, if you had all the tools in front of you to solve it, would be completed in ten minutes. Instead, they purposefully obfuscated it and separated the controls by loading screens. They also separated how you could view the puzzle by more loading screens. On top of that, you're forced to take pointlessly long walks (for minutes at a time) and endure more loading screens just to reach more 'pieces' used to solve the same puzzle.

    Whereas a good puzzle game will give you everything you need in the same area, this is more like a point & click. Except that imagine you had to walk for a few minutes to go get multiple objects because your inventory could only hold one at a time, now imagine that this point & click adventure had loading screens that could last for up to ten minutes for every time you had to trek back. That's what it's like.

    So, instead of being able to solve this puzzle in ten minutes (because it really is a remedial puzzle), it'll take you hours of trekking along, going through loading screens, more loading screens, more trekking, more loading screens, more loading screens, more trekking, more loading screens, more trekking, and then it glitches out! Yes, this is a puzzle that's so bad it can glitch out and become unsolvable, and that's lead to some... fiery threads on the forums, that's for sure. You can actually end up in an infinite loop of loading screens and long walks.

    Essentially, they managed to create a first person Skinner box puzzle. It's going to addict people to it to solve it and see what's past it. It's almost Candy Crush Saga but in first person. It's truly remarkable, but also horrifying. If you like grinding, feel free. And the game, in general, is just broken, uninspired, and has many more Skinner box elements to trick the weak minded. I'm not weak minded, so I just let it rest. I have better games to play. I don't appreciate Skinner boxes.    … Expand
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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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