The Talos Principle

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 734 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 619 out of 734
  2. Mixed: 64 out of 734
  3. Negative: 51 out of 734

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  1. Critizen
    Sep 4, 2023
    10
    Rating: 10/10

    "The Talos Principle" is a masterpiece that seamlessly combines clever puzzles with deep philosophical exploration. Its challenging puzzles will keep you engrossed, its soundtrack will envelop you, and its profound narrative will make you ponder. It's a game that challenges the mind and touches the heart.
    A unique journey you shouldn't miss.
  2. Babutto
    Aug 15, 2023
    9
    Cool game!

    Pros.:
    - Story. Actually interesting to check the story line through the messages.
    - Enough game depth. Not just puzzles but background and variety of decision-making.
    - EASTER EGGS! YEAH!
    - Music. Meditative and nice.
    - Variety of puzzles.

    Cons.:
    - Didn't find anything serious.
  3. apokalipto
    Aug 11, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  4. edxtan
    May 11, 2023
    8
    The Talos Principle uses its puzzles as part of its story about artificial intelligence, learning, and philosophy. Most of the puzzles are fun, but the recording mechanic is terrible.
  5. xcale
    May 9, 2023
    10
    Absolutely one of the best puzzle FPS games. Storytelling is great. Graphics are awesome. Tons of easter eggs. Had fun playing and solving its puzzles. I can easily say that some puzzles are hard but not **** If you like this one also give it a go for Portal, Portal 2 and Antichamber.
  6. ask_a_hat
    Apr 28, 2023
    8
    ***For new players looking for an engaging puzzle game, The Talos Principle is an excellent choice. This game offers a unique and thought-provoking experience that will challenge you both intellectually and creatively.
    ***The game takes place in a beautifully designed world filled with ancient ruins and futuristic technology. As the player, you will take on the role of an artificial    ***For new players looking for an engaging puzzle game, The Talos Principle is an excellent choice. This game offers a unique and thought-provoking experience that will challenge you both intellectually and creatively.
    ***The game takes place in a beautifully designed world filled with ancient ruins and futuristic technology. As the player, you will take on the role of an artificial intelligence tasked with solving a series of increasingly challenging puzzles. Each puzzle is expertly crafted and requires you to use your problem-solving skills and critical thinking to progress through the game.
    ***One of the game's standout features is its storyline, which explores complex philosophical themes such as the nature of consciousness and the meaning of existence. The game's narrative is delivered through various means, including notes left by previous visitors and encounters with a mysterious figure known as "Elohim."
    ***The puzzles themselves are challenging but not overwhelming, with a good balance between difficulty and accessibility. The game also offers a lot of replay value, as there are hidden secrets and alternative paths to discover that can lead to different endings.
    ***Overall, The Talos Principle is a must-play game for fans of puzzle games and those looking for a unique and thought-provoking gaming experience. With its beautiful world design, engaging storyline, and challenging puzzles, it is a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
    P.S. even better if you played serious sam game series)    … Expand
  7. pawq
    Jan 5, 2023
    8
    A truly top-tier spatial puzzle game, with a beautiful and diverse world and a magnificent soundtrack. Over 100 individual standard puzzles plus a bunch of additional mini-puzzles and dozens of much more complex bonus puzzles may sound intimidating, but the progression of complexity and difficulty is designed so well that the game never gets tedious. The inherent non-linearity also meansA truly top-tier spatial puzzle game, with a beautiful and diverse world and a magnificent soundtrack. Over 100 individual standard puzzles plus a bunch of additional mini-puzzles and dozens of much more complex bonus puzzles may sound intimidating, but the progression of complexity and difficulty is designed so well that the game never gets tedious. The inherent non-linearity also means that you're almost never stuck at a particular puzzle, because you can just move on to others and come back to the tricky ones with a clear head later on.

    The puzzles themselves are fantastic, ranging from fairly simple ones to some really complex brain-melters, but each giving a sense of fulfilment and a job well done once you figure them out. One of my favourite aspects, especially in comparison to many other puzzle games, is that the difficulty doesn't rely on hiding stuff - all elements are in plain sight, and you're job is to figure out how to connect them to get through, with an elegant solution possible in each of the standard puzzles. However, if you're happy to go the extra mile, the bonus puzzles involve a lot of secret elements and require proper exploitation of the game's mechanics, to the point where you'll have nothing left to give. Truly something for everyone.

    My only real complaint is with the story/lore. The basic concept is fun and interesting enough, but the reading scattered throughout the game didn't really engage me emotionally, which it feels like it could have.    … Expand
  8. brokencinho
    Dec 21, 2022
    9
    Gran juego mega recomendado, para pasar el rato pensando y la final tuve que ver un video de YT estuve como 3 horas jaja. Recomendado 100%
  9. ossimoro
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    Absolute masterpiece, all high points, from graphic to puzzles to fantastic soundtrack, can't wait for the sequel to be released
  10. EVIL_UJIN
    Oct 15, 2022
    8
    Очень качественная головоломка с красивой графикой. По-моему даже лучше, чем Портал, с которыми теперь все паззлы принято сравнивать. Игра для тех, кто устал от стрельбы, хорроров и цейтнота, и хочет расслабится, наблюдая красивые виды и немного (а в конце игры - много) напрягая извилины.Очень качественная головоломка с красивой графикой. По-моему даже лучше, чем Портал, с которыми теперь все паззлы принято сравнивать. Игра для тех, кто устал от стрельбы, хорроров и цейтнота, и хочет расслабится, наблюдая красивые виды и немного (а в конце игры - много) напрягая извилины.
  11. Zski
    Sep 17, 2022
    8
    An excellent puzzle game, but it may not be for everyone. This game is constantly compared to Portal, which I suppose I can see, but Portal was far more approachable to everyone. In order to enjoy Talos Principle, you really have to enjoy puzzle games. The game is kind of similar to Portal in the themes of the story, but the puzzles are more logic based than physics based. It ramps upAn excellent puzzle game, but it may not be for everyone. This game is constantly compared to Portal, which I suppose I can see, but Portal was far more approachable to everyone. In order to enjoy Talos Principle, you really have to enjoy puzzle games. The game is kind of similar to Portal in the themes of the story, but the puzzles are more logic based than physics based. It ramps up pretty slowly, which is a blessing and a curse. It allows you to get a feeling of momentum and accomplishment early on, but after a couple hours of puzzles that take minimal effort it starts to get a little boring, but they expertly start laying the groundwork for the overarching plot and theme. Once the difficulty ramps up a bit, it becomes much more rewarding.

    This isn’t the most complex game, but if you’re a fan of the genre you’ll really enjoy what it offers. The atmosphere and overarching philosophical plot are also pretty good. The game itself reminds me of a PC puzzle game from the 90’s in terms of the visuals and presentation, which I mean as a compliment. It gives this really comforting sense of nostalgia. I also appreciate that the focal point of the game is the puzzles, and the plot is more of a passive intrigue, yet still interesting. This is especially important because the game is rather long the later puzzles may stump you for longer periods of time, and you may not get a steady feed of purpose in the game. So it offers a lot of content that you can readily start and stop without losing any context to the story, as it’s more thematic than a narrative.    … Expand
  12. Ewerton_World
    Sep 6, 2022
    10
    Pra quem ama puzzle esse jogo é um prato cheio, é um jogo meio diferente também, bastante desafiador
  13. gabrielsrc
    Aug 26, 2022
    10
    Top quality puzzles. Reminescent of Portal, but with far more content. Graphics have not aged very well, but who cares?
    Terminal dialogues are amazing, too.
  14. Gardych
    Jun 21, 2022
    9
    A game that is worth playing, at the beginning it seems like an ordinary puzzle, but it hides an incredible story that makes you think about the existential questions of life.
  15. Naoidei
    Jun 18, 2022
    10
    My favourite game. The best puzzle game. Amazing intriguing story. This game let me believe in my power to solve hard tasks.
  16. Wrathzo
    Mar 22, 2022
    8
    The Talos Principle is a 2014 puzzle video game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. The Talos Principle is a narrative-based puzzle game, played from a first- or third-person perspective. The player takes the role of a robot with a seemingly human consciousness as they explore a number of environments that include over 120 puzzles. These environments interlock greenery,The Talos Principle is a 2014 puzzle video game developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. The Talos Principle is a narrative-based puzzle game, played from a first- or third-person perspective. The player takes the role of a robot with a seemingly human consciousness as they explore a number of environments that include over 120 puzzles. These environments interlock greenery, desert, and stone ruins with futuristic technology.… Expand
  17. ErayTellezi
    Oct 5, 2021
    8
    Bulmaca oyunlarından hiç haz etmem çünkü beceremem. Normal oyunlardaki bulmaca kısımlarında bile biraz zorlanınca hemen internetten çözümüne bakarım. Bu nedenle Talos Principle'da ilk katı sabırla normal bitirmeme rağmen sonrasında hile açıp bulmacaları hızlı hızlı geçtim. Yapay zeka hikayelerine zaafım olmasa oyuna zaten hiç başlamazdım. Hikayesi, arkada dönen günlük kayıtları, mistikBulmaca oyunlarından hiç haz etmem çünkü beceremem. Normal oyunlardaki bulmaca kısımlarında bile biraz zorlanınca hemen internetten çözümüne bakarım. Bu nedenle Talos Principle'da ilk katı sabırla normal bitirmeme rağmen sonrasında hile açıp bulmacaları hızlı hızlı geçtim. Yapay zeka hikayelerine zaafım olmasa oyuna zaten hiç başlamazdım. Hikayesi, arkada dönen günlük kayıtları, mistik arşiv kayıtları veya insanların son günlerinde internete yazdıkları şeyler ilgimi çektiği için hileyle hızlı hızlı geçtim.

    Oyunda Tanrı (Simülatör?) bizi iki şekilde sınıyor: Bulmacaları çözecek zekamız var mı, onun söylediklerinin dışına çıkacak bilinç ve irademiz var mı? Bu iki konu günümüz yapay zeka araştırma ve tartışmalarında konuşulur. Çünkü satranç yazılımı bile dünyanın en iyisini yenecek kadar iyi olabilir, bir matematik yazılımı muazzam zorlukta problemleri kolayca çözebilir. Peki onların iradesi var diyebilir miyiz? Kendileri için çizdiğimiz sınırların dışına çıkabilirler mi? Bir satranç yazılımı bugün canım go oynamak istiyor diyemez. Oyunda da karakterimizin yeterli bilinç seviyesine ulaştığının tespiti için söz dinleyip dinlemediğine yani yazılımının dışına çıkıp çıkmadığına bakılıyor. Tabii burada ciddi bir din ile sözde tanrısının ve din adamlarının dediklerinin dışına çıkmayan, aklını askıya almış dindar eleştirisi de var.

    Bu oyun AI konusunu neden çok sevdiğimin bir başka kanıtı olmuş. AI'ı konu aldığınız zaman: bilinç nedir, dereceleri var mıdır, hangi dereceden sonrasında o varlık birey sayılabilir, gerçeklik nedir, gerçekliği tanımlayabilir miyiz, düşüncelerimiz bize mi ait, insan aklının sınırları nelerdir, kişiliği oluşturan şey anıları mıdır, kişilik doğuştan mı gelir yoksa çevre etkisiyle mi yoğrulur gibi oldukça derin ve tartışması keyifli konuyu da işleme şansınız oluyor. Talos da bu soruların hemen hepsine ve fazlasına cevap aramış.

    Oyunda yönetici hesabımızı almak için kendisini bilinçli olduğumuza ikna etmeye çalıştığımız bilgisayarla yaptığımız konuşmalar da oldukça ufuk açıcıydı. Simülasyonu ve kütüphaneyi inşa eden ve tür olarak son günlerini yaşayan insanlığın günlüklerini dinlemek, e-maillerini ve blog yazılarını okumak, bunlar vasıtasıyla hikayeyi çözmeye çalışmak keyifliydi.

    Sonuçta sordurduğu sorularla ve hikayesiyle epey beğendiğim bir oyun olsa da bulmaca türü nedeniyle genele ve bana hitap eden bir oyun olduğunu düşünmüyorum.    … Expand
  18. JC_123
    Jun 28, 2021
    10
    This is it, the best game ever made. First game since Final Fantasy X I went through and 100% completed. Was perfectly challenging getting all the stars. I would say most of the puzzles are "easy" but not so easy they get boring like the Portal games. When the game does get challenging though it's fantastically rewarding.

    Pair these puzzles with some of the greatest video game    This is it, the best game ever made. First game since Final Fantasy X I went through and 100% completed. Was perfectly challenging getting all the stars. I would say most of the puzzles are "easy" but not so easy they get boring like the Portal games. When the game does get challenging though it's fantastically rewarding.

    Pair these puzzles with some of the greatest video game storytelling ever, and there you have it. The Talos Principle.    … Expand
  19. bancandrei
    Jan 3, 2021
    8
    Serene atmosphere, light puzzles, this game is just a relaxing experience. This does make me lost interest after a while though.
  20. DJKrimson
    Dec 25, 2020
    8
    Nice 3d puzzle game. Beautiful visuals, good audio and an overall relaxing athmosphere. I like the level designs for the most part. It's fun that you can be rewarded with some cool easter eggs if you do some optional exploring.
  21. PeakTop
    Jul 22, 2020
    9
    Игра однозначно достойна внимания! Можно назвать её чем-то средним между Portal-ом и Legend of Grimrock 2, хотя, если смотреть, правде в глаза, Talos Principle практически не имеет аналогов. Да, это пространственная головоломка. Да, в ней есть сюжет и персонажи. Но в то же время всё это подаётся совсем необычно и новаторски, даже смело.

    История окутана ореолом таинственности и    Игра однозначно достойна внимания! Можно назвать её чем-то средним между Portal-ом и Legend of Grimrock 2, хотя, если смотреть, правде в глаза, Talos Principle практически не имеет аналогов. Да, это пространственная головоломка. Да, в ней есть сюжет и персонажи. Но в то же время всё это подаётся совсем необычно и новаторски, даже смело.

    История окутана ореолом таинственности и незавершенности. В игре есть несколько концовок, и лишь одна открывает глаза на то, ЧТО на самом деле происходит, но.... не до конца :) Вот такой он, "Принцип Талоса", загадочный и философский.

    Головоломки очень разнообразны и усложняются по мере прохождения. Главному герою последовательно даётся в руки набор инструментов, работающих на здешних законах природы. Наша задача - обойти преграды, миновать опасности, открыть закрытое, включить отключенное, найти спрятанное. Каждый инструмент приходится использовать с умом и комбинировать с другими. В целом игра не очень сложная, но попотеть приходится. Настоящий же хардкор начинается, если вы решите пройти необязательные (секретные) головоломки - вот тут ваш мозг может отправиться на орбиту Сатурна. Если что-то не получается, лучше идите спать - получится на следующий день! :)

    С музыкой и озвучкой всё в порядке. Игра не новая, так что ждём скидку и берём.    … Expand
  22. jgmj921
    Jun 25, 2020
    10
    For the first time a video game is able to combine with profound philosophical basis, with impeccable story writing, and decent puzzles and game play. It's easily one of the best experiences on games, if you are interested in philosophical subjects or AI. Great games allow you to actually learn something, take something away rather than simply squandering your time, and the Talos PrincipleFor the first time a video game is able to combine with profound philosophical basis, with impeccable story writing, and decent puzzles and game play. It's easily one of the best experiences on games, if you are interested in philosophical subjects or AI. Great games allow you to actually learn something, take something away rather than simply squandering your time, and the Talos Principle is one of the best of them.… Expand
  23. NfeKteD
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    The Talos Principle was a game that surprised me a lot, I bought it thinking it was just a puzzle game but it has a very good history and philosophy behind it, and it makes you think seriously after playing.

    The game is based on going through "phases" and solving puzzles involving lasers on targets of the same color, which at first is simple but as the game progresses it gets really    The Talos Principle was a game that surprised me a lot, I bought it thinking it was just a puzzle game but it has a very good history and philosophy behind it, and it makes you think seriously after playing.

    The game is based on going through "phases" and solving puzzles involving lasers on targets of the same color, which at first is simple but as the game progresses it gets really complicated, while developing a whole story about "following what they say, or what you want "among others. The setting is very good too, varying from islands, deserts, forests, among others, even being "a little open world", you go to a place and choose in which order you want to solve the puzzles.

    Recommended for people who liked Portal 1 and 2, The Witness among others, in general I recommend it for lovers of puzzle games.    … Expand
  24. hoanns
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    Many intersting puzzles. Philosophical themed. Check it out if you like puzzle games.
  25. Relkad
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    Best puzzle game out there.
    If you look for more,there is more.It's that kinda game.
  26. Benehime
    Mar 18, 2020
    10
    Story of unknown the best immersive philosophic social RPG: «The Talos Principle»

    Not many people know about this niche masterpiece. But «The Talos Principle» really delivers some principle experience to the philosophical journey. What so unprecedented about the game is its smart niche combined with instead abnormal philosophic knowledge. It is in a way abstract for being philosophical,    Story of unknown the best immersive philosophic social RPG: «The Talos Principle»

    Not many people know about this niche masterpiece. But «The Talos Principle» really delivers some principle experience to the philosophical journey. What so unprecedented about the game is its smart niche combined with instead abnormal philosophic knowledge. It is in a way abstract for being philosophical, yet still it is classical straight forward philosophy which in its formalization can be found even in ancient philosophy.

    As mentioned, genre it stands for is immersive philosophic social PRG. But more conventionally game described as first-person philosophic puzzle game. It is puzzle game mechanically and feels like «Portal», but puzzle it’s just the formal gameplay to suit the narrative. What’s more important is not to miss its huge RPG part in it. Because not to mention role playing yourself as a robot searching for purpose game has would be a sin. It is game’s main feature. To get it strict game is:
    1) Immersive – for you to first-person relive the experience of emerging in the unknown world, yet beautiful and interesting to find purpose of all this: from what’s happening to the why the way it is;
    2) Philosophic – for problems you given to solve are mostly philosophical, those of the interest, not the puzzle ones. Game has huge philosophic background in it and will drag you by;
    3) Social PRG – for you to communicate with the world, chose right in the dialog tabs who you are and what is happening, chose yourself and how the world solves (many endings required).

    Game will trouble your life with existential questions such as:
    1) What’s the meaning of life, what’s the meaning of meaning of life, when the recursive chain ends or there is none of any of it?
    2) What’s the difference between being born and begone dead?
    3) What’s the difference between you and android? What’s the difference between you and the android you playing?
    4) De simulation, de memory, de god and de transcendental;
    5) Why.

    Although the game is already 5 years old, it’s engine and graphics recently has been updated. So, it is played very good in every way, not to mention the narrative still being the main feature. 10 out of 10 for the vivid philosophic gaming experience of your life.    … Expand
  27. Garybaldo
    Mar 2, 2020
    10
    Gorgeous graphics, beautiful story, mind-blowing voice acting (Elohim's voice is so GREAT!). Puzzles hit the spot in all sections; they're difficult enough to be rewarding when you overcome them but not difficult enough to be frustrating, there are enough puzzles to keep you entertained for a good amount of hours, etc... As well, new elements get integrated to puzzles often enough to keepGorgeous graphics, beautiful story, mind-blowing voice acting (Elohim's voice is so GREAT!). Puzzles hit the spot in all sections; they're difficult enough to be rewarding when you overcome them but not difficult enough to be frustrating, there are enough puzzles to keep you entertained for a good amount of hours, etc... As well, new elements get integrated to puzzles often enough to keep it very interesting.
    On top of all that, the philosophical aspect of the game is the most interesting part of all.    … Expand
  28. PanMrkvicka
    Feb 12, 2020
    9
    An amazing philosophical puzzle game with genius puzzles but sometimes too furstrating and hard to solve puzzles. Most of the puzzles are too easy as well, it needs some balance.
  29. 13baker11
    Dec 13, 2019
    10
    The Talos Principle is one of the best puzzle games I have ever played.

    The game touches some philosophical and religious tropes, asking questions such as "what qualities make a person?" or "what is beyond death?". Those questions are not directly answered, but that is not the point, the point is to make you think about them. The puzzles themselves are witty, comprised of a few    The Talos Principle is one of the best puzzle games I have ever played.

    The game touches some philosophical and religious tropes, asking questions such as "what qualities make a person?" or "what is beyond death?". Those questions are not directly answered, but that is not the point, the point is to make you think about them.

    The puzzles themselves are witty, comprised of a few mechanics that interact in various ways, making every single puzzle fun and unique.

    I recommed The Talos Principle to everyone, who wants to enjoy some good puzzles or just wants to think a little bit deeper.    … Expand
  30. djball
    Aug 24, 2019
    8
    Addictive fun interesting puzzler, with an ok story via text walls. Sometime repetitive, sometimes downright dirty difficult. Thinking outside the box is mandatory late game, and sadly tight angles/ pixel hunting should always be an option when stuck. There are no clues for the practically impossible 'star' puzzles, so trust me go to YouTube. It would take a lifetime to solve some theseAddictive fun interesting puzzler, with an ok story via text walls. Sometime repetitive, sometimes downright dirty difficult. Thinking outside the box is mandatory late game, and sadly tight angles/ pixel hunting should always be an option when stuck. There are no clues for the practically impossible 'star' puzzles, so trust me go to YouTube. It would take a lifetime to solve some these developer quagmires.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PC Game of 2014
43
#43 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
5
#5 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Impulsegamer
    Aug 24, 2015
    88
    Come for the puzzles stay for the philosophy.
    Read full review
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Jul 28, 2015
    90
    The world, puzzles, narrative and music are all served to the player in small helpings, never overwhelming and allowing you to soak in and become one with the world. By the end of the game, it has challenged your mind in multiple ways.
    Read full review
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 18, 2015
    91
    Satisfying puzzles, philosophically engaging storyline and exquisite presentation combine to make The Talos Principle one of the best of its genre. [Feb 2015]
See all critic reviews »