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

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Klewer
    Jun 3, 2016
    8
    Any fan of the puzzle style games, similar ish to Portal and after a good challenge will really find something here. Puzzles get progressively difficult and a great narrative and setting make this worth your time.
  2. Likan
    Jan 18, 2015
    8
    The Talos Principle manages to stand its ground against the excellent Portal series, and that in itself is saying much.

    Direct comparison is inevitable as, like its venerable ancestor, TTP is a first-person puzzler set in a cryptic and unsettling science-fictional background, where the player has to find a way out of an environment controlled by a seemingly friendly omnipotent figure    The Talos Principle manages to stand its ground against the excellent Portal series, and that in itself is saying much.

    Direct comparison is inevitable as, like its venerable ancestor, TTP is a first-person puzzler set in a cryptic and unsettling science-fictional background, where the player has to find a way out of an environment controlled by a seemingly friendly omnipotent figure but where - of course - nothing is quite as it seems.

    The narrative structure varies, as TTP conveys most of its story through written text and pre-recorded messages. It also places more emphasis on the (well-designed) puzzles themselves as there is quite a lot of them, with a nicely adjusted difficulty, they can be accessed in a non-linear fashion, and completionists will have a blast finding all the secrets.

    The writing is smart and the voice acting is occasionally superb (Alexandra's couple of last time capsules are especially poignant, kuddos to the voice actress), but alas falls short of its predecessor cinematographic brilliance. Half-way through the game, most people will have understood everything there is to understand and will be waiting, as I have been, for a last twist or two that never come. The end of the game, while relatively satisfactory gameplay-wise, becomes more of a road to confirmation rather than a road to enlightenment as the build-up would have you believe, and you're left with the feeling that the philosophical food for thought thrown at you throughout the game, while certainly entertaining and curiosity-arousing, was maybe just a bit too much for the writers to tie-up properly.

    That being said, TTP remains a great experience, with very neat production values, and a satisfyingly smarter-than-average backstory and game mechanics. If you liked Portal for its blend of sci-fi puzzling, you'll feel right at home and will most likely have a blast with TTP as well! Wether or not that's worth 40€ is ultimately up to you, as there's quite a bit more of content out-of-the-box than Portal, but a lot of it is absolutely optional.    … Expand
  3. everin
    Oct 1, 2015
    8
    Tier 2
    + Creative and unique puzzles that keep the player mentally engaged from start to finish
    + Interesting interplay between gameplay and story + Allows the player freedom in their order of progression ? Odd hint system tied to tedious online Tetris piece puzzles ? Particularly challenging collectible system, only for the most die-hard completionists - Aspects of the story feel    Tier 2
    + Creative and unique puzzles that keep the player mentally engaged from start to finish
    + Interesting interplay between gameplay and story
    + Allows the player freedom in their order of progression
    ? Odd hint system tied to tedious online Tetris piece puzzles
    ? Particularly challenging collectible system, only for the most die-hard completionists
    - Aspects of the story feel hamfisted in their message and poorly integrated
    - Some puzzles are enormously tedious not just due to complexity but also in execution
    - Final level of the game is lamely tied to a "rising lava" obstacle that does nothing but frustrate    … Expand
  4. Rizwan
    Dec 15, 2014
    8
    The game is nice . But I couldnt expect a game like this from croteam developers . I would rate it less than 6. But its from my favourite serious sam developers. So i rated it 8 .
  5. gloriouspotato
    Jul 11, 2015
    8
    A competent and intelligent puzzle game. The philosophy can seem forced and out of place at first, but makes much more sense once more of the story (which is quite good) and context is revealed. Of course, this is something that you'll have to look for and interpret yourself. The Talos Principle is definitely not a game to be rushed.

    The soundtrack is very well done if slightly    A competent and intelligent puzzle game. The philosophy can seem forced and out of place at first, but makes much more sense once more of the story (which is quite good) and context is revealed. Of course, this is something that you'll have to look for and interpret yourself. The Talos Principle is definitely not a game to be rushed.

    The soundtrack is very well done if slightly repetitive, and the visuals are quite decent as well. UI is perfectly functional and compact. There are also a huge plethora of in-game options to tweak to your heart's content. This is a very well optimized game.

    In my opinion, the game would be improved if:
    - there was greater puzzle variation.
    - the game was a little shorter. I felt it overstayed its welcome just a little bit.
    - there was an in-game explanation of how to use different tools and their possible applications. Perhaps if there was a brief and optional tutorial separate from the main game.
    - quicksaving was implemented.
    - the game used additional avenues of storytelling besides audio logs and text documents.

    Overall rating - 8.1/10    … Expand
  6. 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
  7. spageopriya12
    Jan 11, 2015
    8
    The Talos Principle is a first-person[3][4] puzzle video game created by Croatian developer Croteam[5][6] and published by Devolver Digital. The game features a philosophical storyline.[5][7][8] It was simultaneously released on Linux, OS X and Windows on 11 December 2014,[5][9] and is slated for release on PlayStation 4 and Android platforms in Q1 of 2015.
  8. Area51
    Sep 4, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A fantastic game full of rewarding puzzles and discovery. If you liked Portal, you'll enjoy this game as well. Suffers from heady social justice and leftist political leanings, including (spoiler) a snarky AI conversationalist who goes full passive-aggressive (like a true SJW) on you at the end if you don't agree with him philosophically. Still the great reward of inheriting the planet in spite of SJWs is a reward unto itself. Highly recommended, even for red-pillers, but look for 75% off Steam sales to reduce the cash flow to the SJW devs. These kinds of games are great mind exercise and as such make it a required brain-muscle workout to maintain peak mental fitness.… Expand
  9. leonardc
    Aug 2, 2016
    8
    Beautiful, fun first person puzzle solving. It can get a little repetetive because there are basically only 4 kinds of levels textures, but if you play it more casually and like puzzle solving, it can be fantastic.
  10. auditbadger
    Sep 8, 2017
    8
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  11. RagingPoet
    Dec 11, 2017
    8
    The Talos Principles has very different approach to puzzle games than Portal series. Serious plot with barely any jokes, less casual puzzles and atmosphere of loneliness are main components here. And it works.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. hoanns
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    Many intersting puzzles. Philosophical themed. Check it out if you like puzzle games.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. TenchuuKhan
    Jun 26, 2015
    7
    It's a nice puzzle game with a good length but something is missing that would round it up to be a really good game.
    I have 23h on record and got all sigils, stars, and endings as far as I can tell.
    The main issue with the game is that the puzzles are quite repetitive and just classic laser redirection with a few twists. At times it can be challenging but it just won't come up with    It's a nice puzzle game with a good length but something is missing that would round it up to be a really good game.
    I have 23h on record and got all sigils, stars, and endings as far as I can tell.

    The main issue with the game is that the puzzles are quite repetitive and just classic laser redirection with a few twists. At times it can be challenging but it just won't come up with anything new.    … Expand
  23. GamestaUK
    Mar 5, 2015
    7
    The Talos Principle is a decent puzzler. A little predictable but still decent. The only problem is that it didn't grasp me. I was bored after a few hours and left it. But that's maybe just me.
  24. 12spageipriya
    Feb 21, 2015
    7
    The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle video game created by Croatian developer Croteam and published by Devolver Digital. The game features a philosophical storyline.
    School ERP System ERP System for School Web based School ERP System
  25. Hourless
    Aug 15, 2018
    7
    Surprised by the reviews honestly, should be at least 7/10.

    Gameplay: 9/10 Graphics: 7/10 Story (yes there was one); 4/10 Music/Sound: 7/10 Outdated Graphics, lifeless world, however the puzzles were unique and rarely repetitive but cmon though this is not 9/10 or 10/10 game. You got to take all the other attributes in a game to get a solid overall score, it had strong gameplay    Surprised by the reviews honestly, should be at least 7/10.

    Gameplay: 9/10
    Graphics: 7/10
    Story (yes there was one); 4/10
    Music/Sound: 7/10

    Outdated Graphics, lifeless world, however the puzzles were unique and rarely repetitive but cmon though this is not 9/10 or 10/10 game. You got to take all the other attributes in a game to get a solid overall score, it had strong gameplay but everything else was a bit average. It's like The Witness game all over again with the reviews.    … Expand
  26. CriticalHit20
    Oct 20, 2019
    7
    I played this years ago when it came out. I remember thinking the puzzles are a chore, the computer terminal annoying and the storyline and philosophizing not worth paying attention to. It did look very nice. I would not play a sequel. I would not necessarily recommend it to just anyone but if someone was inlcied to like this then I would suggest they might give this a try.
  27. spencerplewe
    Mar 12, 2020
    7
    I originally went into it with the wrong mindset, and judged it too quickly at first. The game really is all over the map with what one could take away from it. It takes many parallels to many philosophies, and really makes you ask the difficult questions. At the same time, you explore a series of well-defined and visually gorgeous worlds, solving dozens of excellent, mentally challengingI originally went into it with the wrong mindset, and judged it too quickly at first. The game really is all over the map with what one could take away from it. It takes many parallels to many philosophies, and really makes you ask the difficult questions. At the same time, you explore a series of well-defined and visually gorgeous worlds, solving dozens of excellent, mentally challenging puzzles. It's like Portal, elevated to a higher thematic & social level.

    I can't say I 100% agree with what I read was its theme, but give it a shot, see what you make of it, and let yourself grow with it.    … Expand
  28. Alexb1096
    Jul 24, 2020
    7
    ITALIAN:
    Bel gioco ma forse esagera.
    A me piacciono i puzzle game ma sono anche un casual gamer. In questo gioco la difficoltà aumenta troppo velocemente, al punto che dopo un po' completare un livello risultava un lavoro veramente molto impegnativo, forse troppo. Credo di essere arrivato al 25/30% del gioco e già c'erano enigmi di una complessità assurda. Per far capire quanto è folle    ITALIAN:
    Bel gioco ma forse esagera.
    A me piacciono i puzzle game ma sono anche un casual gamer. In questo gioco la difficoltà aumenta troppo velocemente, al punto che dopo un po' completare un livello risultava un lavoro veramente molto impegnativo, forse troppo.
    Credo di essere arrivato al 25/30% del gioco e già c'erano enigmi di una complessità assurda.
    Per far capire quanto è folle il gioco basti pensare che ci sono decine e decine di parametri da regolare solo per le impostazioni video del gioco, ed è un gioco in cui la componente video è l'ultima cosa che deve preoccupare.

    In ogni caso cerco di analizzare il gioco per punti

    AUDIO E GRAFICA:
    Ottima grafica del gioco e buon audio, ma il level design (che vuole creare un'atmosfera astratta ma realistica) mi è risultato un po' pesante e a tratti fastidioso. Non so davvero perché, non è fatto male, ma il contesto del gioco dopo un po' ha smesso di ispirarmi.

    GAMEPLAY:
    Il gioco si sviluppa in aree, ognuna delle quali possiede diversi livelli da risolvere.
    Completando i livelli si sbloccano nuovi oggetti da poter utilizzare negli enigmi e procedendo i livelli diventano sempre più complessi, finendo per richiedere tutti gli oggetti sbloccati fino a quel punto e anche più volte ognuno di essi.
    Il punto di non ritorno, nonostante sia davvero un'ottima pensata, è il registratore di movimenti. A parte i primi livelli in cui compare, dopo richiede così tanti ragionamenti che mi ha fatto passare la voglia di giocare.

    STORIA:
    Già, c'è una storia dietro questo gioco. Ha chiaramente qualche riferimento alla creazione biblica della razza umana, con la tentazione e il peccato, però anche questa mi è risultata pesante e fastidiosa.

    Personalmente un difetto che ho trovato nel gioco è che la terza persona funziona male e a volte la visuale torna in prima persona (anche senza che la telecamera collida con un muro), inoltre le animazioni del robot che si controlla sono discutibili.
    Infine il FOV, in qualunque settaggio, mi dà un po' la nausea e se per caso si utilizza la funzione di zoom si rischia di creare un effetto vertigo cinematografico che alla lunga mi fa girare la testa.

    Per concludere, gioco ottimo ma non sono il giocatore per apprezzarlo.

    Voto: 6.5/10    … Expand
  29. kezzyhko
    Aug 5, 2020
    7
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  30. bergcamp101
    Aug 10, 2020
    7
    I think, it's a good game in its genre, but still despite all beauty, it's a casual bunch-of-same-puzzles thing, which is, again, great in its genre, but can't be compared with the classic quest tops.
  31. marsitguy
    Aug 15, 2022
    7
    This game will make you think about your/our existence. It's very philosophical, but also educational.
    What I didn't like is that it bugged out towards the end, making it really difficult for me to solve the riddles.

    All in all, a good play, but I don't like people comparing it to Portal.
  32. ZaPaAl
    Dec 6, 2015
    6
    With all the reviews raving how good it is, I really tried, clinging to hope it would pick up. It didn't.
    I managed about 2/3 of the game until I gave up and watched the endings. It seems for the best ending you don't even have to do all the uber difficult star puzzles.
    The puzzles are generally interesting, but there are so many of them (~120) and they took more and more time to    With all the reviews raving how good it is, I really tried, clinging to hope it would pick up. It didn't.
    I managed about 2/3 of the game until I gave up and watched the endings. It seems for the best ending you don't even have to do all the uber difficult star puzzles.

    The puzzles are generally interesting, but there are so many of them (~120) and they took more and more time to complete, with too little innovation in between. If only the story could motivate, but it's bits and pieces are hidden in longish texts on the terminal you pass by. Nice voice acting though. Nice, but lifeless scenery.

    They tried hard with this, the grave story and philosophical aspects I found quite impressing, but as a game it's not really that much fun.    … Expand
  33. ozzsoffy
    Jun 8, 2023
    6
    I started this game without knowing anything about it, except that it is recommended. starting to play it I found out it is a 3D riddles game with many many riddles, (this is not a spoiler, by any means), playing the games individual riddle is very satisficing, and you can stop at any time, but, the true magic of the mage is the mystery and the need to figure out what is really going onI started this game without knowing anything about it, except that it is recommended. starting to play it I found out it is a 3D riddles game with many many riddles, (this is not a spoiler, by any means), playing the games individual riddle is very satisficing, and you can stop at any time, but, the true magic of the mage is the mystery and the need to figure out what is really going on (as I said, no spoilers here).

    I liked the soundtrack, I liked the graphic, soundtrack, and the story.

    I didn't liked the fact that the story is given in snippets, and every time by a little bite.

    totally recommended to anyone who love games with riddles, or games with philosophy story line.    … Expand
  34. psylife
    Apr 4, 2016
    6
    This is a perfect example of a game that could have been that much better by being substantially shorter. What is most surprising is that some puzzles are almost duplicates of others, which is unnecessary. That said, the puzzling aspect of this game is quite good and has nothing to envy from Portal. The atmosphere is intriguing and puts the player into an introspective stance. The visualsThis is a perfect example of a game that could have been that much better by being substantially shorter. What is most surprising is that some puzzles are almost duplicates of others, which is unnecessary. That said, the puzzling aspect of this game is quite good and has nothing to envy from Portal. The atmosphere is intriguing and puts the player into an introspective stance. The visuals are serviceable and the music is quite enjoyable yet quite repetitive. You will be at times invited to debate an AI through a DOS like interface, but in my personal experience, the choices allowed felt disloyal and rarely approximated my actual thinking. It is easy to recommend the game to puzzle solvers, however, I advise you to turn around if you are not particularly found of puzzle games in the first place.… Expand
  35. Dretzle
    May 4, 2015
    6
    The game is made out to be something more than it is. Enjoyable visuals. Good if you like small, self-contained puzzles, but lacking on a grander scale. Advertisements tout an amazing story, but it is more like a thought provoking philosophical dialog than a story with a plot.

    Admittedly, my low rating comes from my high expectations. I was thinking more along the lines of a larger    The game is made out to be something more than it is. Enjoyable visuals. Good if you like small, self-contained puzzles, but lacking on a grander scale. Advertisements tout an amazing story, but it is more like a thought provoking philosophical dialog than a story with a plot.

    Admittedly, my low rating comes from my high expectations. I was thinking more along the lines of a larger overarching adventure game with a plot (e.g. Myst and Riven of yesterdays) than a purely level-based puzzle game. It is good for what it is.    … Expand
  36. ChrisMattar
    Jan 10, 2015
    5
    Wow so many 10s ud think this indie game is the best thing ever.
    Reviewers here are so extreme its either a 10 or a zero. Stay away form extremes.
    A fun puzzler from an eastern european dev, worth no more than $10. At this price you'd expect far more. The are parallels with Portal, it's longing for that attention, but its not there at all. Still, enjoyable on an off day. My advice    Wow so many 10s ud think this indie game is the best thing ever.
    Reviewers here are so extreme its either a 10 or a zero. Stay away form extremes.

    A fun puzzler from an eastern european dev, worth no more than $10. At this price you'd expect far more.
    The are parallels with Portal, it's longing for that attention, but its not there at all.
    Still, enjoyable on an off day.
    My advice wait for a decent discount and get it under $10.    … Expand
  37. SanctumRevel
    Dec 27, 2014
    5
    Now to best describe this game it would be hard so to simplify it s a puzzle game obviously smart one and challenging enough but in my oppinion puzzle games have all a fatal flaw boredom and this one is no diffrent puzzle after puzzle after puzzle untyl you can't take it anymore the story is just nothing new just to keep you going i would reccomend this only for puzzle fans everyone elseNow to best describe this game it would be hard so to simplify it s a puzzle game obviously smart one and challenging enough but in my oppinion puzzle games have all a fatal flaw boredom and this one is no diffrent puzzle after puzzle after puzzle untyl you can't take it anymore the story is just nothing new just to keep you going i would reccomend this only for puzzle fans everyone else after 1 hour of game you will be bored… Expand
  38. Voyou
    Jun 3, 2016
    5
    Decent graphics, nice atmosphere, and a cheap gimmick for a storyline are there, but they are not the most important aspects for a puzzles game. After all, I'd just come for a few puzzles per session, when I'm in the mood, and I consider a well done context as nothing more than a pleasant bonus.

    Maybe more useful to you is the following warning: Some 3D games give me motion sickness,    Decent graphics, nice atmosphere, and a cheap gimmick for a storyline are there, but they are not the most important aspects for a puzzles game. After all, I'd just come for a few puzzles per session, when I'm in the mood, and I consider a well done context as nothing more than a pleasant bonus.

    Maybe more useful to you is the following warning: Some 3D games give me motion sickness, others don't; The Talos Principle makes my stomach uneasy quite quickly, therefore I couldn't do more than a few puzzles in a session even if I wanted to.

    Anyway, here's what seriously lowers my opinion of this game: The puzzles are not intellectually challenging whatsoever, but do require a modicum of dexterity, with failure resulting in death and a puzzle's reset. Unfortunately, there are no free saves, only checkpoints. I'll never tire of repeating it: Bad annoying design ! I'm not interested in carrying a cube for 2 kilometres of desert only to have to do it again if I ever drop it at the wrong place or time when the actual play begins. No to backtracking. No to repeating. No to artificial lengthening.

    If you make your puzzles depend on fingers rather than brains, at least make it amusing.

    Still good enough for a very casual session once in a while. For its relaxing environment, not for its actual puzzles.    … Expand
  39. moontanned
    Jan 30, 2016
    5
    I started playing The Talos Principle with high expectations. Though I quickly realized I was mistaken. This 'puzzle game' is nothing more than connect the dots. Could have been so much more.
  40. hileger
    Nov 9, 2022
    4
    одинаковые головоломки скучно хуючно говнина для долбаёбов пук пук ты непонел ля ля ля ля
  41. vivalam721
    Nov 9, 2021
    4
    The Talos Principle came out 8 years before this review, but it's important to note that it was already outdated trash back in 2014. It's an extremely basic puzzle game in which the puzzles are pretty poor and everything else is exceedingly bad. Were gamers really so starved for a decent game in 2014 that they mistook The Talos Principle for something worth playing? Apparently, but I thinkThe Talos Principle came out 8 years before this review, but it's important to note that it was already outdated trash back in 2014. It's an extremely basic puzzle game in which the puzzles are pretty poor and everything else is exceedingly bad. Were gamers really so starved for a decent game in 2014 that they mistook The Talos Principle for something worth playing? Apparently, but I think I would remember if 2014 was that dire.… Expand
  42. cwood1
    Jan 19, 2015
    3
    Really quite boring after a while if you ask me. The levels run into each other and there isnt enough exploration. I had a little fun with it but it only lasted about an hour or so. After that it was just a chore to complete
  43. Crimert
    Jan 16, 2021
    3
    This game made me frustrated with its unnecessary annoying puzzles! I couldn't bear to play any further! 14hrs on record!
  44. dotrem
    Dec 5, 2021
    3
    When The Talos Principle was only released it was so hyped. And i expected so much from the game. But now when i finnaly played the game, it not even close to expectations.
    The puzzles is okey. Except the 'Recording' thing. It is **** if game force you to spend your time to standing for minutes or running circles.
    But puzzles not a main thing in puzzle game, no one even care about it. In    When The Talos Principle was only released it was so hyped. And i expected so much from the game. But now when i finnaly played the game, it not even close to expectations.
    The puzzles is okey. Except the 'Recording' thing. It is **** if game force you to spend your time to standing for minutes or running circles.
    But puzzles not a main thing in puzzle game, no one even care about it. In post-Portal era you just can not to make a game with such a dull plot. Really game is empty. There are not characters, no story nothing that can make you enjoy the game. Again couple of texts - not a story.
    Every review in freakin internet said that The Talos Principle is "soooo clever and philosophical. It's make you think!!!!". Know what? It's dogwater. Don't believe to such review from people who spend their lives playing vidia games, and know nothing more. Whole plot can be fitted in one sentence, but devs stretched it into 100 pages of text.
    After world B i didn't touch a single terminal because i tired to read those schizophrenic garabage. All 'dialoges' in the game are traps that force you to choose between two-three wrong answers what you not even agreed and after blame you that you choose wrong.

    As i said the game not worth you time. But almost every puzzle game what i played has same problems. Devs tries to make a serious game but in the end they got a dull and boring that just pretends to be serious.    … Expand
  45. bigsilverhotdog
    May 1, 2016
    2
    This was just shockingly terrible. Vacuous, uninspiring, and full of psuedo-philosophical nonsense, there's almost nothing to do here except look at the graphics and solve -extremely- simple puzzles.

    As a mobile game... ehhh, maybe. It sucks and is simple enough, but the graphics are too nice for mobile. As a Portal clone... ehhh, also maybe. It feels like a Portal clone, looks like    This was just shockingly terrible. Vacuous, uninspiring, and full of psuedo-philosophical nonsense, there's almost nothing to do here except look at the graphics and solve -extremely- simple puzzles.

    As a mobile game... ehhh, maybe. It sucks and is simple enough, but the graphics are too nice for mobile.

    As a Portal clone... ehhh, also maybe. It feels like a Portal clone, looks like a nicer outdoor version of Portal, and the game seems generally trying to copy the Portal FPS-puzzle-physics-placement formula in order to print money.

    As a benchmark... doubtful. The engine looks nice but doesn't seem to push my rig like other benchmarks already widely available.

    As a good game? Not a chance. Maybe I didn't play it long enough to see something worthwhile, but every single second that I played absolutely sucked. It felt like I was playing a Myst-Portal hybrid made by an untalented, copycat developer. It also crashed my entire rig when I tried to switch resolutions to Surround.

    I regarded Serious Sam as cynically designed, generic, and generally tedious company, and I dislike this for similar reasons. It was on my wishlist based on hype, genre, and screenshots, but it sure isn't now.

    Goodbye trash.    … Expand
  46. Daedstarr
    Dec 31, 2014
    2
    There is nothing really bad about this game per se, but all it really is is a glorified mobile puzzle game on PC. It's a first person candy crush saga. It's essentially just Portal, without the fun of a portal gun. If you like lame mobile games and easy puzzles and a really boring setting, then this game is for you. If you want real video games, steer far away from this one.
next
Page:

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 »