User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 226 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 14 out of 226

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  1. Mar 29, 2020
    10
    i really love this game. It's a great experience. You don't know how surprise i am when i play this game.this game also make me very attractive.The way that creator made the story are very amazing and impressive.
    This is my favorite now!!
  2. Apr 17, 2020
    9
    A hidden masterpiece that (un)fortunately didn't received all the attention it deserved due to being overshadowed by Undertale (don't get me wrong, UT is a masterpiece too) in it's period, but even today it's still a great game that I highly recommend to play especially if you are into games with a meta narrative like I do, because this game has freaking NAILED this type of narrative.A hidden masterpiece that (un)fortunately didn't received all the attention it deserved due to being overshadowed by Undertale (don't get me wrong, UT is a masterpiece too) in it's period, but even today it's still a great game that I highly recommend to play especially if you are into games with a meta narrative like I do, because this game has freaking NAILED this type of narrative.
    Now, I don't want to go too much in detail because I'm lazy and I don't want to heavily spoiler the game, so I'll sum up with pros and cons (yes, this game has cons, of course).

    Pros:
    -Niko (The Not Cat), the main protagonist, is one of the most likeable characters I've ever seen in a videogame (and it's really cute, too);
    -Great soundtracks, maybe a little bit too short especially for some parts of the game, but still really nice to listen while doing puzzles and following the story;
    -Graphics simple but gorgeous with really good drawn cut-scenes;
    -Slow pace but since it's an entertaining puzzle-story driven game it's perfectly fine to play;
    -Game mechanics are fun to play with, especially the item one which you've to combine items in order to progress or equip a specific item to unlock new dialogues and interactions;
    -Unique and mind-blowing 4th wall breaks I never saw in a videogame before (not even Undertale) that perfectly goes along with the story;
    -Perfectly done environments that clearly shows you how the world is really decaying, combined with the general melancholic tune the soundtracks have;
    -Nice looking npcs and main characters in general;
    -Challenging and interesting puzzles, not too easy and stupid but not too difficult either;
    -Well designed and big but not dispersive maps. Everything will connect at some point;
    -Addicting (emotionally too if you're that type of player like me), interesting and detailed story that not only uses the 4th wall break mechanic to it's finest, but it immerse YOU, The Player, to the point you're just the second protagonist alongside with Niko. In the end you'll probably cry.

    These are all the pros I can recall now.

    Cons:
    -Limited and tile by tile only movement, both respectively meaning that you can't walk diagonally if not by doing a zig-zag type of movement (which it could be quite annoying at times because some parts of the game require you to move diagonally) and pressing a movement key even for a split second will result in Niko moving from a whole tile to another one, so no precise movements. All of this can sometimes give the feel that there's input lag;
    -Even tho it's explained a little bit why later in the game, it's quite sad that we can't get to know more about most of the characters;
    -A map. A FREAKING MAP PLEASE. Not necessarily a minimap like those in GTA and similar games who tells you everything, but at least one that when you discover a place that you can't interact with yet because you miss an item, it marks that place for you so you can come back easily and not get lost when you obtain that missing item. I managed to loose an hour in The Barrens in my first run because of this. I know there's fast travel but still a map assistant wouldn't hurt the game experience;
    -The photography puzzle is too subject-specific IMHO, like if you don't know at least the basics of that subject (which is totally possible, I don't know anything about photography) you would end up searching on Internet for a solution.

    And these instead are all the cons I can remember, which even if there are a few, they don't hurt the experience that much and are forgivable.

    In the end, should I suggest this game? Absolutely YES.
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  3. May 1, 2022
    9
    Still one of my favourite games.aybe it's not absolute perfect, there's many of thing's, that can be better, but I really love it too much. Such a heartbreaking and heartwarming story!
  4. Aug 20, 2018
    9
    If you’re looking for an absolutely gorgeous story, unique world building, lovable characters, and a powerful atmosphere all packed into a very small package, OneShot is an absolute must. The soundtrack works wonderfully for creating an atmosphere (Eleventh Hour was a particular standout to me). An important note: the story is very, very much worth experiencing BLIND. Don’t look up storyIf you’re looking for an absolutely gorgeous story, unique world building, lovable characters, and a powerful atmosphere all packed into a very small package, OneShot is an absolute must. The soundtrack works wonderfully for creating an atmosphere (Eleventh Hour was a particular standout to me). An important note: the story is very, very much worth experiencing BLIND. Don’t look up story spoilers, and you’ll find this game pulling on all of your heartstrings.

    The gameplay itself is simplistic (outside of a few special puzzles), but it was entertaining for the time I spent on it. It’s only a few hours’ worth of material, anyway, so I feel it’s worth playing for the story alone. This game had a lot of love put into it, and it will forever hold a place in my heart. Honestly... it changed the way I look at the world a little bit.
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  5. Feb 15, 2022
    10
    Bitirdiğim en efsane oyunlardan biri niko oyunlarda gördüğüm en tatlı karakterlerden biri .kesinlikle oynayın .türkçe yamasını yapan arkadaşada çok teşekkürler .
  6. Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Sono basito. Letteralmente. Il fatto che questo gioco non sia noto a livello mondiale e che non abbia un punteggio superiore a 90 su Metacritic mi disarma.

    Questo gioco è un'esperienza unica, che ciascun videogiocatore degno di chiamarsi tale dovrebbe provare almeno una volta... Inizialmente il giocatore si ritrova spiazzato, totalmente confuso dall'ambiente che lo circonda e la surreale
    Sono basito. Letteralmente. Il fatto che questo gioco non sia noto a livello mondiale e che non abbia un punteggio superiore a 90 su Metacritic mi disarma.

    Questo gioco è un'esperienza unica, che ciascun videogiocatore degno di chiamarsi tale dovrebbe provare almeno una volta... Inizialmente il giocatore si ritrova spiazzato, totalmente confuso dall'ambiente che lo circonda e la surreale atmosfera, fattore determinante in un iniziale calo del giocatore all'interno di Niko. Niko.
    Diamine, quanto è toccante questo gioco. Nella mia esperienza videoludica, solamente una volta ero riuscito ad instaurare un tale rapporto con un personaggio, trovandomi a scervellarmi per ore su scelte morali non indifferenti.
    Una colonna sonora che merita, seppur non eccelsa, gameplay innovativo e coinvolgente al massimo, comprendente la risoluzione di enigmi tramite l'utilizzo del PC. Come punto a sfavore, ho trovato che tutti i personaggi al di fuori del protagonista siano troppo poco caratterizzati: passano troppo in secondo piano. Certo, ciò favorisce l'introspezione e l'accrescimento del rapporto con Niko, ma secondo me sarebbe stato migliore un maggiore approfondimento sui personaggi secondari.
    Trama che culmina in un finale stupefacentemente commovente ed intenso, che ha fatto in modo che One Shot salisse sul podio dei miei giochi favoriti.

    Dategli una possibilità, saranno i 10 euro (quasi) meglio spesi della vostra vita
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  7. Jul 3, 2020
    10
    Truly a game with a unique presentation, that is with its flawless soundtrack and writing. The world-building within this game is phenomenal, an underrated work of art I wish many will experience.
  8. Dec 17, 2021
    10
    That a heart-breaking masterpiece. I first watched the full walkthrough of the game, then I went through it myself on a pirate, now I bought it. money is not a pity, it's worth it...
  9. Jun 22, 2022
    10
    Beautiful story and characters with unique atmosphere and perfect soundtrack. Gameplay is fine, wasn't a problem for me.
    But what also important is concept. One of the best fourth wall breakers, but it doesn't use this feature only to shock or scare you. Fourth wall is used for better connection with characters. Niko and others feel much more like real life people.
    Oneshot made so sad,
    Beautiful story and characters with unique atmosphere and perfect soundtrack. Gameplay is fine, wasn't a problem for me.
    But what also important is concept. One of the best fourth wall breakers, but it doesn't use this feature only to shock or scare you. Fourth wall is used for better connection with characters. Niko and others feel much more like real life people.
    Oneshot made so sad, like no other game had done it to me. Is it bad or good, I don't know. Only thinking about it makes me pensive. But you should play it. it is a masterpiece
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  10. Apr 14, 2017
    9
    This game is not to be disregarded as another adventure RPG Maker game. This is a story-driven RPG that employs meta elements from the start. Similarly to Undertale, the player is a character in the game, but this game pushes this concept to another level, completely involving the player in the story. The game contains an amazing and original art style, and great soundtrack to go with it.This game is not to be disregarded as another adventure RPG Maker game. This is a story-driven RPG that employs meta elements from the start. Similarly to Undertale, the player is a character in the game, but this game pushes this concept to another level, completely involving the player in the story. The game contains an amazing and original art style, and great soundtrack to go with it.
    The one thing that prevented me from giving this game a 10/10 is that the characters aren't very deeply developed, aside from Niko, the protagonist alongside the player. Their interactions start to become interesting, but are very brief, and you'll never see those NPCs again, making their short development almost pointless.
    That aside, this is a wondeful short game that will offer a unique experience even to those accostumed to story-driven RPG games, and I heartly recommend it as one of my personal favourites.
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  11. Apr 26, 2017
    10
    I can confidently say that OneShot became one of my favourite videogames. Nay, this is not just a game, it's an "experience"!

    Games such as Undertale, To The Moon and now OneShot too made me love indie games more than ever before. There are indie games that can accomplish more than "AAA title games made by highly paid developers"! I have only two problems with this game: - It's
    I can confidently say that OneShot became one of my favourite videogames. Nay, this is not just a game, it's an "experience"!

    Games such as Undertale, To The Moon and now OneShot too made me love indie games more than ever before. There are indie games that can accomplish more than "AAA title games made by highly paid developers"!

    I have only two problems with this game:
    - It's short...
    - You don't get to know the characters "deeper". As Himeji said:
    "(...) the characters aren't very deeply developed, aside from Niko, the protagonist alongside the player. Their interactions start to become interesting, but are very brief, and you'll never see those NPCs again, making their short development almost pointless."
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  12. Mar 28, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good game, the way you get attached to the protagonist, the 4th wall breaks and the interaction makes you have so much love for it and have such a good time that you actually feel sad when it all ends. The fact that the game doesn't have battle mechanics don't make this game worse, it's still a very good game. The main story is a very good experience, the emotional ending was really good until the bonus chapter was added. This was the only part that the game lost some points here, the new true ending is actually good, but it's a little bit cliche, and the fact that you don't have to make a hard choice kinda takes out some of the emotion. But still, very recommended game... Expand
  13. Mar 25, 2017
    10
    OneShot is an RPG maker game, but it stands above the rest. With beautiful atmospheric music and little sounds when you do anything that really get you immersed in the world. It makes you care. This game is like if Pixar made a game - it tugs you right in the heartstrings. While the game does have a few bugs, they don't detract from the game or prevent it from going on. Just don't expectOneShot is an RPG maker game, but it stands above the rest. With beautiful atmospheric music and little sounds when you do anything that really get you immersed in the world. It makes you care. This game is like if Pixar made a game - it tugs you right in the heartstrings. While the game does have a few bugs, they don't detract from the game or prevent it from going on. Just don't expect to get the One Shot steam achievement. After I played the game through the first time, I thought "oh boy was that a feels train" Definitely worth the $10 Expand
  14. Jan 5, 2017
    9
    honestly one of the most creative 4th wall breaking games i've ever seen, like undertale, except with more puzzle-like elements. For 10$ it's worth it.
  15. Mar 12, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just for the record for me this game gets a 10 out of 10 but due to the fact it doesn't have combat i can see how some people might not like it but the rest is great.

    Pros:
    -The Characters: The characters are great, characters who were just there in the original are now fully flashed out.
    -The story: The story was amazing it has you build up a great connection with the main character just to STAB you in the feelings at the end which brings me to.
    -The endings: There is NO definitively "good" ending, through out the WHOLE game the main character (Niko) sleeps in beds where you can close out the game safely once you reopen the game it shows you a vision where you get to see Niko's life before this how kind his mother was and how happy he was. he also keeps saying how he wants to go home through out the game making the ending choice very difficult, I won't ruin it for you here but trust me it left me thinking about it for 3 days afterwords at least.
    -The Music: The music is depressing yet calming and there's plenty of it i fully recommend it.
    -The Puzzles: A lot of the puzzles in Oneshot are very logical there won't be any dumb solutions like ... using a music sheet on a pan I guess.
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  16. Apr 27, 2017
    10
    This game is downright amazing. I didn't think much of it at first (like most indie games with little-to-no promotion), but the more I played it the more I fell in love with it. In my opinion (my OPINION, keep that in mind), here's what makes it so great:

    - It has the very uncommon trait of causing you to feel for the character(s). When they're sad, you're sad. When they're happy,
    This game is downright amazing. I didn't think much of it at first (like most indie games with little-to-no promotion), but the more I played it the more I fell in love with it. In my opinion (my OPINION, keep that in mind), here's what makes it so great:

    - It has the very uncommon trait of causing you to feel for the character(s). When they're sad, you're sad. When they're happy, you're happy. This helps so much in creating a bond between you and the main character.
    - It has some of the coolest puzzle solving aspects (like making you solve puzzles with hints that it practically throws onto your desktop wallpaper or documents folder), while still maintaining a simplistic style of gameplay.
    - The fact that the 4th wall is completely demolished is almost as amazing as both the way they put YOU in the game, and that it makes perfect sense how you're involved.
    - The story seems pretty generic and cliche at first, but then slowly evolves into something much more amazing. Then, it somehow tops that as well.
    - Practically half of what makes this game amazing, is it's wonderful retro/indie soundtrack. Every piece of this original soundtrack perfectly fits the environment or situation that you are in, and makes it memorable enough that I can easily remember the area I was in JUST from hearing the music alone.
    - The little details that it adds each time you play it, make this game so amazing.

    This game broke the 4th wall, broke my heart, and best of all broke my expectations. Without a single doubt in my mind, I give this a 10/10.
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  17. Jan 4, 2017
    8
    I was initially turned off by the fact that you had to beat the game in one sitting, but I played and I discovered that...it's worth the one shot (GET IT?!). Th graphics and music are GORGEOUS. The dialogue is witty and fourth-wall breaking, and the gameplay is fresh all the way. The only problem is, again, the fact that you have to beat it in one sitting only appeals to hardcore gamers.I was initially turned off by the fact that you had to beat the game in one sitting, but I played and I discovered that...it's worth the one shot (GET IT?!). Th graphics and music are GORGEOUS. The dialogue is witty and fourth-wall breaking, and the gameplay is fresh all the way. The only problem is, again, the fact that you have to beat it in one sitting only appeals to hardcore gamers. Nevertheless, it's still a fantastic time Expand
  18. Jan 20, 2017
    8
    "It might be different if resetting the game was a bit easier, but searching through my computer's registry files to not have the game immediately and deliberately shut down on me as soon as I start it is just plain annoying." My dude all you gotta do is go to My Documents/My Games/Oneshot and delete the file that says "oneshot save data" LMAO not that hard. The game spells that **** out"It might be different if resetting the game was a bit easier, but searching through my computer's registry files to not have the game immediately and deliberately shut down on me as soon as I start it is just plain annoying." My dude all you gotta do is go to My Documents/My Games/Oneshot and delete the file that says "oneshot save data" LMAO not that hard. The game spells that **** out for ya near the end and you still **** it up sorry bro but you're the problem there.

    Gud game btw. Doesn't have much in the way of character development outside Niko but the world feels cohesive, the lore is rich, and it has you doing stuff that makes you question whether you're doing the right thing. The music is understated but pretty and compliments the atmosphere of the game. However, the gameplay (excluding the fourth wall breaking puzzles which are really creative and cool actually) is simple almost to a fault and feels like a bunch of fetch quests. Overall, just a modest and pretty title from an indie dev that will pull on your heartstrings. Buy it!
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  19. Mar 10, 2022
    9
    Toby fox with another masterpiece of a videogame franchise. Don't know how he had time to make this when he was working on undertale but glad he did.
  20. Dec 25, 2017
    8
    OneShot is a RPG Maker like game with a cute art style and an interesting premise.
    You only have OneShot at completing the game, if you loose, well then it was your fault and the game won't boot up again.
    I was really fascinated by that idea, but it turns out there's nothing much behind it. At the end of the game you get to choose between 2 decisions and afterwards you can't boot up the
    OneShot is a RPG Maker like game with a cute art style and an interesting premise.
    You only have OneShot at completing the game, if you loose, well then it was your fault and the game won't boot up again.
    I was really fascinated by that idea, but it turns out there's nothing much behind it.
    At the end of the game you get to choose between 2 decisions and afterwards you can't boot up the game again. That's it.

    Now besides that I really liked the game. It occasionally breaks the fourth wall and has some neat puzzles.
    If you're a fan of RPG Maker Puzzle games, then try this one out.

    Rating:
    Gameplay: 5/5 - One of the most pleasant RPG Maker like games to play
    Level Design: 4/5 - Great world building
    Soundtrack: 4/5 - Mostly atmospheric but fitting to the environment
    Story: 3/5 - Cute little story, but could have used some more development
    Graphics: 4/5 - Nice fitting art style
    Length: 5/5 - Just right for this kind of game
    Replay Value: 0/5 - None, because you can't restart the game
    Enjoyment: 4/5 - A great experience

    Overall rating: 30/40 => 7.5/10 => 8/10
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  21. May 9, 2018
    9
    This game is really wonderful, if you like resolving puzzles, meet carismatic people, this is your game, i would recommend to buy it for 5$.
  22. Jan 5, 2019
    9
    This game takes a fairly good story and a very unique way of going. It have a higher quality than the "undertale" but I think It did not get as much fun as the "undertale".
  23. Jul 15, 2020
    9
    Loved this game, primarily because of the out-of-the-box puzzling and the really good story. You'll probably like it if you like games like Undertale and LISA: the Painful.

    Highly recommend giving this a go.
  24. Jul 27, 2022
    10
    Ahhh yes, OneShot, it's one of those games that really made an impact on me. If it wasn't for this game i would probably be living under a bridge, OneShot saved me and my life, and the characters will always have a special spot in my heart. Please, don't watch a playtrough of it, it's a game about breaking the fourth wall and your heart in surprising ways, it would be a shame not to playAhhh yes, OneShot, it's one of those games that really made an impact on me. If it wasn't for this game i would probably be living under a bridge, OneShot saved me and my life, and the characters will always have a special spot in my heart. Please, don't watch a playtrough of it, it's a game about breaking the fourth wall and your heart in surprising ways, it would be a shame not to play it by yourself. Expand
  25. Jan 7, 2020
    10
    I loved this game. The fourth wall breaks were very entertaining, and the relaxed soundtrack along with the lovely pixel art gave it a unique, comfy atmosphere. If you liked Undertale, I'd highly recommend giving this one a try.

    My one complaint is about the gameplay. In order to progress, you need to collect items scattered throughout each area, so if you miss one it can be a pain in
    I loved this game. The fourth wall breaks were very entertaining, and the relaxed soundtrack along with the lovely pixel art gave it a unique, comfy atmosphere. If you liked Undertale, I'd highly recommend giving this one a try.

    My one complaint is about the gameplay. In order to progress, you need to collect items scattered throughout each area, so if you miss one it can be a pain in the butt to repeatedly scour the land to find it. It was tedious for me having to consult a walkthrough regularly, but the way the plot developed made it all worth it.
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  26. Feb 14, 2023
    10
    best game ever. I love the worldbuilding and the characters, and the solstice is even better
  27. Nov 1, 2019
    10
    this game haves 2 versions so they will be here both but separated but both have the same basis:

    You are the guide of Niko in a dying world where a frail light bulb its the only hope of everything going back to the good days instead of an eternal night Steam version: First of all no permadeath so you can replay it of even finish it in more than one go but there is more. This game
    this game haves 2 versions so they will be here both but separated but both have the same basis:

    You are the guide of Niko in a dying world where a frail light bulb its the only hope of everything going back to the good days instead of an eternal night

    Steam version: First of all no permadeath so you can replay it of even finish it in more than one go but there is more.

    This game is really immersive sometimes it stops feeling like a game and it becomes a whole emotion or experience.

    Beautiful artwork it may be a pixel graphics game but any cinematic will charm you.

    Experience and what to expect: You will be a guide, you will have control over Niko's actions and you will get to love him in the depths of your heart, you may cry or smile and you will certainly feel the pressure and anguish of some of your actions but you will feel at ease. It destroys the 4th wall and draws you to the game world

    Personally: i am not a fan of history based games, i tend to skip it like i did with bioshock but this one is beautiful, the soundtrack now haves an emotion linked to it, and i deeply care about this game.

    Important note: be sure to ask in the community anything that bugs you, you may be incorrect and discover a new part of the game that you wouldn't had if you enclose in the frustration.

    Any indie page that is not steam:

    its made with RPG-maker so the inventory its pretty lame and it breaks some immersion.

    Experience: interesting, deep and most importantly YOU can really screw this up. a sense of responsibility and it will make you care a lot, all the character feel like they act natural towards everything helping a lot to the inmersion.

    i strongly recommend this game (especially the steam version) but i cant say much because this is one of the games that if you don't go blind to play it it is not the same good experience
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  28. May 8, 2020
    10
    Одна из любимейших игр на мейкере. Четвёртая стена - не, не слышали. Oneshot имеет отличную квестовую Point'n'click составляющую, в купе с трудными головолмками, компенсирующую отсутствие боёвки. Сюжет шикарный, держит интригу на протяжении всей игры. Настолько полюбил эту игру, что заказал футболку с логотипом. Эту игру НЕЛЬЗЯ сравнивать с Undertale, во-первых, первоначальная версияОдна из любимейших игр на мейкере. Четвёртая стена - не, не слышали. Oneshot имеет отличную квестовую Point'n'click составляющую, в купе с трудными головолмками, компенсирующую отсутствие боёвки. Сюжет шикарный, держит интригу на протяжении всей игры. Настолько полюбил эту игру, что заказал футболку с логотипом. Эту игру НЕЛЬЗЯ сравнивать с Undertale, во-первых, первоначальная версия Oneshot без дополнения с истинной концовкой вышла в 2014. Во-вторых у игр разный посыл и разный геймплей. Вы ещё OFF с Undertale сравните, ей богу. Expand
  29. May 8, 2020
    10
    This game is just amazing. It`s more than a game. The musing and sound are amazing and the main Character, Niko is just so cute and you will love him/her at the end of the game. The story is exciting and mysterious and the puzzles are not too difficult. If you´re stuck it´s probably because you haven´t explored the whole area or not talked to every NPC. And some puzzles forces you to thinkThis game is just amazing. It`s more than a game. The musing and sound are amazing and the main Character, Niko is just so cute and you will love him/her at the end of the game. The story is exciting and mysterious and the puzzles are not too difficult. If you´re stuck it´s probably because you haven´t explored the whole area or not talked to every NPC. And some puzzles forces you to think out of the box. But the best thing about this game is that it breaks the 4th wall in just an amazing and unique way. I´m not going to spoil how but i was very surprised in a positive way.
    But this game also has downsides. It´s rather short (My full and blind playthrough took about 7 hours) and if you hate puzzles I think that this is not the right game for you. And don´t expect an Open-World.
    However I still think that this game is amazing and I highly recommend this to everyone especially during a Steam Sale. The price is 10€ and 5€ during sales (I believe that the price for USA/UK is also 10 Dollars/Pounds but I could be wrong)
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  30. Sep 18, 2021
    10
    This game changed my life, I love the story, OST, puzzles and of course the characters. It's a masterpiece, go play it.
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Nov 29, 2018
    70
    By its very nature, OneShot‘s persistent world experience is incredibly difficult to distill into words accurately, but those who dig quirky or emotional tales and don’t shy away from something completely different should seriously consider taking this particular plunge.
  2. Dec 15, 2017
    70
    Imagine a world without light. Imagine being the saviour of that world. Become the messiah and resolve puzzles to accomplish your objectives. OneShot has innovative mechanics that transcend the game screen and uses your own computer to offer you clues.
  3. Games Master UK
    Feb 18, 2017
    91
    Thought-provoking, innovative, and haunting, OneShot is immmersive in a totally unique way. [Feb 2017, p.80]