Observation

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 180 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 180
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 180
  3. Negative: 26 out of 180

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  1. tonedef
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    The game is about role playing. Its an atmospheric experience. Its enjoying a story rich environment. The puzzles are to keep you somewhat busy in your roleplaying experience. There is no death, no challenge or wrong doing in this game. I wish more developers would focus on this type of approach, it felt like an interactive movie. It was a great take on science fiction and a very immersiveThe game is about role playing. Its an atmospheric experience. Its enjoying a story rich environment. The puzzles are to keep you somewhat busy in your roleplaying experience. There is no death, no challenge or wrong doing in this game. I wish more developers would focus on this type of approach, it felt like an interactive movie. It was a great take on science fiction and a very immersive experience in space. Highly recommended and definitely a breath of fresh air from the same old experiences on the gaming market.… Expand
  2. IICookieG82II
    May 23, 2019
    10
    Creepy, unsettling, thriller. I would recommend watching 2001: A Space Odyssey before playing this game. Absolutely fantastic.
  3. coloradomike
    Jun 5, 2019
    10
    Amazing game. Absolutely one of my favorites of all times. Story is fantastic and checked off most of my sci-fi needs.
  4. Ryuail
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    This is one of those games that is tailored for a very specific taste. And I love it!

    The strength of studio no_Code, and of Observation by extension is the ability to tell abstract stories through complex puzzles. That with the oppressive, thriller-esque pacing of the narrative makes for the tensest 6 hours you may ever experience!
  5. BLUEKNIFE
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Terrific game and a breath of fresh air in a gaming world polluted with FPS, Battle Royale, etc. There is something unique and special here and I hope to see more from these developers. Top notch voice acting/writing/direction.
  6. robochef
    May 27, 2019
    10
    The original gameplay concept along with the very well written story make this game a piece of art.
    Definetly a worthy heir to Stories: Untold.
  7. TomSkywalker
    Jun 2, 2019
    10
    The environment, story, puzzles and overall interaction put together into such a great atmosphere I just can't score it any lower. I've been waiting for something like this since Prey. It might not be for for everyone, but if you like sci-fi...GO AND GRAB IT!
  8. carrysh1ft
    Jun 3, 2019
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game with cool story. U must watching Interstellar or 2001: A Space Odyssey before playing this game
  9. OGNIOMAN
    Jun 3, 2019
    10
    Really interesting concept of being an A.I. of the ship. a total reversal of roles in typical science-fiction games, where we have at our disposal our artificial intelligence. Here we are A.I. and we listen to commands. A brilliant sound setting, graphics (the feeling of being a software) dialogues, storyline ... everything is perfectly interconnected creating one of the mostReally interesting concept of being an A.I. of the ship. a total reversal of roles in typical science-fiction games, where we have at our disposal our artificial intelligence. Here we are A.I. and we listen to commands. A brilliant sound setting, graphics (the feeling of being a software) dialogues, storyline ... everything is perfectly interconnected creating one of the most interesting science-fiction games for a long time. Only one minus. it is definitely too short and the ending leaves more questions than answers.… Expand
  10. cfreedisco
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    GREAT game!
    It´s different from everything i had played before.
    It maintains the engagement through a great story, great interactions and beautiful graphics.
  11. strangermoon
    May 23, 2023
    9
    one of best short space themed game. good graphics.more like moon movie game. modern 2001 syle ai story.
  12. Lireal
    May 22, 2019
    9
    Game turned out to be really good. Voice acting was top notch, but the lip sync was just a tiny bit off. Graphics were beautiful. Controls on mouse+keyboard were spot on during the main parts of the game, but the sections where you controlled the sphere were a bit clumsy and at times irritating. Not a huge fan of QTEs, albeit only a few were in this game. Most of it was just enteringGame turned out to be really good. Voice acting was top notch, but the lip sync was just a tiny bit off. Graphics were beautiful. Controls on mouse+keyboard were spot on during the main parts of the game, but the sections where you controlled the sphere were a bit clumsy and at times irritating. Not a huge fan of QTEs, albeit only a few were in this game. Most of it was just entering strings of numbers in a sequence. The setting for the story was great. I loved the 1980's "future tech" feel, similar to that in Alien: Isolation.

    I give it a 9/10.    … Expand
  13. EvilsToy
    May 24, 2019
    9
    Great game! I understand than many negative reviews are for Epic Game Store. Well, also not supporting that policy, but the game is really good.
  14. NBMTX
    Jun 5, 2019
    9
    I enjoyed Observation quite a bit, as a sci-fi walking sim. A lot of people will find it boring, and/or maybe frustrating. If you're looking for gameplay, this isn't really it. If you're already intrigued by it's premise and just want an interactive 2001 x Interstellar experience, then check this out (...when it's on sale).
  15. GreggK
    May 22, 2019
    9
    (SPOILER FREE Review: This game is best experienced when you know nothing about it.)

    Entirely from the point of view of the computer, this is a different type of FPS sci-fi thriller. In fact This is more of a puzzle game than anything else, but it is a thriller that keeps the momentum going all throughout by making some intriguing twists and dark turns. Your main responsibility is    (SPOILER FREE Review: This game is best experienced when you know nothing about it.)

    Entirely from the point of view of the computer, this is a different type of FPS sci-fi thriller. In fact This is more of a puzzle game than anything else, but it is a thriller that keeps the momentum going all throughout by making some intriguing twists and dark turns.
    Your main responsibility is protecting Emma. The lonely astronaut who's stuck in this space station with you. She talks to you throughout the game asking for your assistance, and then you assist her. that's it, that's pretty much the game in a nutshell.
    Your only way to interact with the world is through a computer screen BIOS and cameras. Unlock hatch, turn a switch, operator a laptop etc. At on point you get into a sphere drone and get to fly around the station. But you never interact with the world in any other way than through a computer BIOS screen.
    The sound's and computer modules style reminded me the most of Alien: Isolation. Just like all sci-fi thrillers there's a hint of ALIEN in here. But only in some stylistic choice here and there.

    The only down side is there might be some moments where you can get stuck on because you may not know how to complete a certain task. I did twice. Those can be frustrating, but then looking at the solution online- the answer was always staring me right in the face. I just didn't see it.

    Overall this is a great experience.

    It's not a long game you can finish the whole thing in one sitting.
    ***Definitely check it out if you're into these types of games.
    *And especially now as the EpicStore sale is on, because you can pick up the game at almost 50% off. Well worth it.    … Expand
  16. 0000h
    May 21, 2019
    9
    Great creepy story and cool 2001: a space odyssey look. Might not be for everyone but i really enjoy it
  17. philzlz
    May 29, 2019
    9
    A game that might not be for everyone but i really enjoyed. You are controlling the board computer on a space station in low earth orbit. Puzzles are pretty easy but i did get lost on space walks. Voice acting was good and graphics looked very realistic. The whole atmosphere was very unsettling and i wanted to finish the story to see what it was all about.

    One of the better indie games of 2019.
  18. mist1014
    Jun 15, 2019
    9
    Great game. Definitely inspired by Arthur C. Clarke and probably Stephen King. Deep and philosophic story.
  19. svonton
    Jul 23, 2020
    9
    highly recommended this game, wow you ask me why ? so i give you an answer. its great story about an incident that happen on space station. some time this story can be kinda creepy some time kinda mystically but all time while i played i was enjoyed and interest what will happen next. about game play, when i first saw this game i think this will similar with 5 nights at Freddy, but ithighly recommended this game, wow you ask me why ? so i give you an answer. its great story about an incident that happen on space station. some time this story can be kinda creepy some time kinda mystically but all time while i played i was enjoyed and interest what will happen next. about game play, when i first saw this game i think this will similar with 5 nights at Freddy, but it isn't (i mean yeah you still watch all events from camera but i cause you are an AI). as AI you can control any element on this space station but only when some one from crew ask you for help (don't worry cause the biggest part of the station was damaged so they will ask you all time). and that reason why this game filling like some kind of movie so on my mind its another plus of this game, because what can be better to spend your evening on? as for me the one minus of this product some time you don't get what exactly game want from you but may be its just for me so will say this again highly recommend this game for every space thriller fans =3… Expand
  20. Astroner
    May 23, 2019
    9
    Very good game for funs of Science-Fiction. Slow study of the station will not please everyone
  21. suprem3x
    May 24, 2019
    9
    A great gripping story with amazing atmosphere, attention to detail and visuals. All of which done to perfection! Had a few out loud "WTF!" moments too.

    The only negative I can bring from the experience was me spending a lot of time trying to understand/ figure out where to go or what to do, this slowed the pace of the story at some points where I was eager to progress (not knowing to    A great gripping story with amazing atmosphere, attention to detail and visuals. All of which done to perfection! Had a few out loud "WTF!" moments too.

    The only negative I can bring from the experience was me spending a lot of time trying to understand/ figure out where to go or what to do, this slowed the pace of the story at some points where I was eager to progress (not knowing to smash the vent as an example. it shamefully took me a while to figure that out). But it was nice not being hand held and instead given the freedom to explore and be apart of the experience as the ships AI as everything unfolded.

    Thank you for making this game.    … Expand
  22. Dacred
    May 25, 2019
    9
    This game is absolutly amazing.
    It might be one of the best games i've ever played.
    The only small negativ point are some situations when you dont now what to do.
  23. Sixth
    Dec 15, 2019
    9
    Observation was a fantastic experience with great sound design and an immersive environment that is only held back by some occasionally wonky controls and unclear objectives that slowed/broke the story and immersion a bit hear and there.
  24. r-nck-51
    Oct 24, 2020
    9
    It's quite an immersive experience in realistically looking current era space station modules. As an advanced AI linked to various systems on the station, you're working your way with static gimballed cameras and floating around as a spherical drone to solve puzzles that get you through the sci-fi suspense and horror narrative. It is the aftermath of an unknown event causing theIt's quite an immersive experience in realistically looking current era space station modules. As an advanced AI linked to various systems on the station, you're working your way with static gimballed cameras and floating around as a spherical drone to solve puzzles that get you through the sci-fi suspense and horror narrative. It is the aftermath of an unknown event causing the disappearance of your international crew. The main human character is Emma whom you assist along the way. You accept quickly that you're both stuck on a malfunctioning station with little hope for imminent rescue but you quickly get to work. And that's one quality I first noticed with this game: the writing is solid and convincing.

    The game is very good, sometimes it gets a bit off track but combines very well the mystery and slight claustrophobic feeling as it builds up hours after hours. The visuals are just great but there are a few glitches happening mostly outside the station, otherwise it's full of very well modelled interiors with enough variation to learn your way around just from sight. The controls are OK, I found the spherical drone to be difficult to control with the mouse due to low sensitivity but the pitch/yaw movement increases with adding momentum. I bought this on 60% sale and I must say it was the right price for the story length and low replay value, though I wouldn't want the game to be longer or add more rinse repeat puzzles. I find the length of the experience adequate.    … Expand
  25. joysilence
    May 1, 2021
    9
    I really liked the game. Atmospheric, deep, special. Like a good movie, but with you in it. Such games are rare.
  26. ErinpilZ
    Jul 13, 2020
    9
    A very unusual game is an interactive movie. The mechanics of the game in the form of puzzles look new because of the context. The plot is like a mysterious movie like about space, though the truth in the game itself does not agree, so there are a lot of questions. And the mine has one mine, face animations.
  27. Mandulum
    Jun 20, 2019
    8
    Favorite Thing: Space? Horror? *drool*
    Least Favorite Thing: Searching aimlessly for things. Especially when outside the station, it's about as fun as looking for a needle in a haystack.

    Date Completed: 2019-05-31
    Playtime: 5h
    Enjoyment: 8/10
    Recommendation: If space and/or horror is your thing then yes!
  28. Voodoo123
    Jun 14, 2019
    8
    If you ever had the thought 'I wish I could play a videogame as HAL' then stop reading and buy this game. Observation presents the player with an remarkably realised NASA inspired space station setting. This suitably isolated atmosphere is further bolstered by its great voice cast, and the plot develops moving along with excellent pacing. Warning, for at times the many 'puzzles' canIf you ever had the thought 'I wish I could play a videogame as HAL' then stop reading and buy this game. Observation presents the player with an remarkably realised NASA inspired space station setting. This suitably isolated atmosphere is further bolstered by its great voice cast, and the plot develops moving along with excellent pacing. Warning, for at times the many 'puzzles' can become frustrating for us mere humans as the game was clearly designed for a superior HAL intellect. A few negative points would be the speed at which cameras move is sooooo slow. Also the facial animation is pretty vacant seeming at times which is a bit of a shame given the quality of the vocal performances here. I would love to see more games adopt this setting.… Expand
  29. gameking
    Jul 18, 2020
    8
    I like the story. This game very different gameplay ı think. It feels like movie. I didn't like searching from outside episodes.
  30. Dexan
    May 22, 2019
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Game gives a Fresh way how you play a game. The game is a bit short and Would love More interaction with more npc/ bigger spacestation. I has potenial to be allot more… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best PC Game of 2019
74
#74 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019
41
#41 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Adventure Gamers
    Jun 28, 2019
    80
    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.
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  2. GameCritics
    Jun 17, 2019
    85
    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.
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  3. The Overpowered Noobs
    Jun 17, 2019
    60
    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.
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