Observation

Observation is a narrative driven game with a great storytelling, made by the Stories Untold studio.

In the end, Observation resonates primarily because of how it uses its interactivity and presentation. Playing a role and being there as a part of it all even elevates even some of the weaker narrative moments. From the visual effects to the detailed space station to the ambient music and even the animation of Emma herself, Observation is a triumph in both design and calculated execution.

Observation is grander than Stories Untold, more ambitious by half, but equally fascinating and inventive. It’s a pastiche of science fiction new and old but knows when to lean into expectations and when to subvert them, and its approach to mechanical realism is so uncompromising it becomes an artistic statement instead of mere mimicry. I’m already curious what’s next.

If No Code hadn't already gotten its name out there as a strong storyteller with Stories Untold, this game would've put the studio on the map. Observation is everything I hoped it would be.

While there have been a lot of games like it recently, Observation’s interesting player perspective, stellar production values, and exceptional level of detail might just make it the best of them.

While Observation isn’t perfect, developer No Code has managed to create something truly unique. It’s a word that’s used way too often, but I’ve never played anything quite like it. Some will find the gameplay a little restrictive or the lack of handholding frustrating, but the challenging puzzles and compelling narrative create an unforgettable experience. If you favor a good thrilling story with replay value then you shouldn’t miss out on Observation.

Observation is a sci-fi thriller that knows exactly how to build a story around its characters and brings something new to its genre thanks to the atmosphere that surrounds the spacial station. The tension never leaves the player and it’s part of the essence of the game.

Observation tells a thrilling sci-fi story that keeps me engaged all the time. I strongly recommend this game to everyone who loves science fictions.

A stylish, understated, and subtly chilling psychological thriller with a compelling mystery at its core.

Once you have mastered the interface and navigation challenges, Observation will sweep you up in a compelling story of human and machine interaction that offers a refreshing spin on a familiar sci-fi formula.

Observation is an enjoyable experience. It has its flaws, ranging from an awkward UI to tedious puzzles, but they are overshadowed by the excellent plot and atmosphere. It's pretty much a one-and-done experience (aside from a few collectibles), but the game provides a genuinely fun time. If you're a fan of sci-fi drama in the vein of Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, give Observation a shot, but be prepared to work through some rough spots.

Observation is far from an easy recommendation. If you can't stand slow-paced games, with an unrelentingly cryptic plot, an extreme emphasis in realism and immersion, and puzzles of the "how the heck does this work" variety, avoid it at all costs. The rest can safely give it a go. It's probably the best hard sci-fi thriller of the year, and a must have for those who are in love with space and cosmic horror.

Observation is a wonderful example of how to do focused, self-contained science-fiction storytelling in a game. It's well-written and clever, and nails the sci-fi tropes and aesthetics it both plays to and builds upon. It's a game that demands to be analyzed and thought about further once you're done with it, and while the internal world of the game is small, inhabiting it is a real pleasure.

Regardless of a few dry spells, it’s where this seven-hour adventure takes you that’s most compelling. It isn’t a branching narrative, but there are multiple layers to how events unfold, and the game puts you in the middle of complex situations without over-explaining them, making them just as bewildering as if you were really there. It’s well worth grabbing a pair of headphones, turning out the lights, and seeing where this dark tale leads.

The great story compensates for most of Observation’s shortcomings. The mysterious happenings, the very detailed graphics, the atmospheric sound and more all make it worthwhile and will leave you with an ending that doesn’t answer every question, but will still satisfy most players.

Observation is a good sci-fi thriller, a step-by-step story made of puzzles and mystery.

No Codes's new production is a narrative adventure that allows you to play as the AI of a space station. A wonderfully written thriller with rich storytelling and background.

While it could have done more with its central concept, Observation is a terrific, thrilling adventure game and a superb follow-up for No Code. The blend of the realistic workings of space exploration along with more bizarre elements is perfectly executed and creates an engrossing story with a haunting atmosphere that you’ll want to see through. It’s an epic mystery you’ll want to experience, and while it may not be the full-on video game equivalent of 2001, it’s still a killer ode that Kubrick would hopefully be proud of.

The similarities between the 2001: A Space Odyssey and Observation are numerous. The only big difference is that while the first may seem long, the second is much less so. For the rest, everything is present: the universe of course, the atmosphere, the lengthening scenes, the calm rhythm with a few more intense moments, the metaphysical side, and all the codes of Kubrick's film. Apart from the moments when you find yourself a little lost without really knowing what you have to do, you can have a really good time playing Observation. Regarding gameplay, the title is limited to exploration and puzzles in the form of simple mini-games, but this has the credit of being original and the enjoyment is here! We get caught up in the story that we follow with great pleasure and it is not uncommon to have your hair rising looking at certain scenes. And that's a lot.

Obversation is a weird little game. With little means, it dares jostle the player and has a good balance between its unique gameplay and its sci-fi scenario. A true UFO.

Observation is not a perfect game. I found it unwieldy to play and, at times, was often grasping at straws for what to do next. If you can get past that, this is a gripping tale with a foreboding and mysterious aura that drives the narrative forward at every turn. Like Stories Untold before it, Observation is game that I think you really need to play to appreciate how masterful No Code is at setting a tone and building a compelling world for players to explore.

As much as I like the oppressive atmosphere of the Space Station in Observation, the game works effectively for me only in the moments when the game takes control of me and I am a passive observer.

I was grateful that Observation lets players take their time.

Having the control of an A.I., inspired by HAL amongst others, is a novel idea, and completely in sync with the claustrophobic environment of the Observation. The mystery as well builds up quite well. Unfortunately, a less than satisfying ending, some quite disorienting free-moving sections and some vague objectives that will leave you scratching your head about what to do next diminish the experience.

Despite the control and movement issues in Observation, I would definitely recommend playing it, as it is an experience few other games are likely to offer you. Just be careful, as you may have an existential crisis after the game’s crazy story wraps up.

The gameplay in Observation might be a bit of a slow boil, but it's unusual enough to be engaging in between its fascinating narrative moments.

Challenging puzzles and a thrilling story makes Observation truly fantastic — but launch prices paired with the brevity of the experience and its lack of replay value make it hard to recommend.