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. Esett
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    A surprisingly fun puzzler with great graphics and great sound coming from the studio that made Serious Sam? That is a sentence i never thought i would write! It is without a doubt the first FPS puzzler that comes near the perfection of Portal and in some, albeit subjective ways, it surpasses it. The "ways" i am talking about are the technical aspects(graphics and sound) which were alwaysA surprisingly fun puzzler with great graphics and great sound coming from the studio that made Serious Sam? That is a sentence i never thought i would write! It is without a doubt the first FPS puzzler that comes near the perfection of Portal and in some, albeit subjective ways, it surpasses it. The "ways" i am talking about are the technical aspects(graphics and sound) which were always a forte of Croteam and the atmosphere. This game just grabs you from the first second with its amazing puzzle design and great writing. You just have to see what comes next. Overall a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale year filled with over hyped triple A boredom. I wholeheartedly recommend buying it.… Expand
  2. sashang
    Nov 12, 2015
    10
    Amazing game the likes of which I have never seen in over a decade of playing games. Some of the puzzle styles get a bit repetitive, so once you can recognise the pattern, you can repeat the same solution in another puzzle. A few of the puzzles left me scratching my head for months, until I came back to them with a fresh approach. It took me about a year to finish this game basicallyAmazing game the likes of which I have never seen in over a decade of playing games. Some of the puzzle styles get a bit repetitive, so once you can recognise the pattern, you can repeat the same solution in another puzzle. A few of the puzzles left me scratching my head for months, until I came back to them with a fresh approach. It took me about a year to finish this game basically because I don't like to look up the solutions. The other great thing is the writing in the game. The theme of it is a philosophical discussion about what it means to have intelligence, raising the question if it walks and talks like a human, then is it? This game is unique and stands on a different plane amongst its peers.… Expand
  3. Keromyaou
    Dec 27, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a great puzzle game. The mechanics is not similar to Portal games. All the puzzles are so clever that you can get great satisfaction when you find out the solutions. There are mainly two goals for the game. One is to collect sigils which can be used for you to reach the eternity. Another one is to collect stars which can be used to open up more puzzles. Collecting sigils is easier than collecting stars (I found all the sigils without much struggles. But so far I found 23 stars. I am still trying to find others). There is also an opportunity to climb up the Babel's tower, which I am going to try after I finish the star job. The background of the game is about fundamental philosophical ideas such as consciousness, ontology, moral, and divinity. If you have some ideas about philosophy, this game will give you good opportunities to think about philosophical problems while you are solving puzzles. After all, what human beings do is to solve puzzles which are presented to us in real worlds just like we solve puzzles in this virtual reality that the game presents to us.… Expand
  4. Joe_Friday
    Dec 27, 2014
    10
    I am not kidding when I say that this is the most thought provoking game that I have ever played. It's beautifully designed, has wonderfully memorable music, and has many clever puzzles to solve. But most importantly, the story of the game is rich in philosophical and metaphysical concepts. In many ways, this game has had a profound impact on my life. I never thought I would say that aboutI am not kidding when I say that this is the most thought provoking game that I have ever played. It's beautifully designed, has wonderfully memorable music, and has many clever puzzles to solve. But most importantly, the story of the game is rich in philosophical and metaphysical concepts. In many ways, this game has had a profound impact on my life. I never thought I would say that about a video game.… Expand
  5. Radikal
    May 25, 2015
    10
    What an excellent game! Very well designed with a gorgeous atmosphere, beautiful soundtrack, intriguing and original story and very satisfying puzzles. There are tons of Easter eggs for those that really feel like a hunt. It's nice to see that they got this one so right.

    No need to worry yourselves about input lag or your ping here; just prepare to use your mind for this adventure!    What an excellent game! Very well designed with a gorgeous atmosphere, beautiful soundtrack, intriguing and original story and very satisfying puzzles. There are tons of Easter eggs for those that really feel like a hunt. It's nice to see that they got this one so right.

    No need to worry yourselves about input lag or your ping here; just prepare to use your mind for this adventure! This kind of game makes me happy to be a PC gamer; loved the main story and will definitely keep installed to play some Steam workshop mods and wait for an expansion or any DLC that may be down the road hopefully. A job well-done to the developers at Croteam for this gem!    … Expand
  6. GPReS
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    The game is a great example of how the modern games should look like, it's not overpriced, the gameplay and story quite interesting and intriguing. You can play Public Test to decide if you want this game. The first thing that will take your breath away is graphics - its top notch. The optimization is also splendid. Music is charming and in its place. The game is 10 out of 10 without aThe game is a great example of how the modern games should look like, it's not overpriced, the gameplay and story quite interesting and intriguing. You can play Public Test to decide if you want this game. The first thing that will take your breath away is graphics - its top notch. The optimization is also splendid. Music is charming and in its place. The game is 10 out of 10 without a discussion.
    PS. I've come across the game's ads occasionally in Steam while surfing through newly-released titles. A picture of robot gently holding a kitten in its hands attracted me at once, and here I'm here - with the downloaded and finished Public Test and 100% ready to buy the full game. I'm sure I won't ever regret! Awesome demo! Top notch and winner on all points.    … Expand
  7. Jninja119
    Jun 19, 2015
    10
    The Talos Principle is an interactive allegory of the human condition and poses the idea of what comprises a human being. It is true that puzzles are tedious and repetitive, but you don't truly play it for the 'wildly fun puzzles,' you play it for the layered and brilliantly complex story that makes you question you stance on your existence within the universe. I found myself craving theThe Talos Principle is an interactive allegory of the human condition and poses the idea of what comprises a human being. It is true that puzzles are tedious and repetitive, but you don't truly play it for the 'wildly fun puzzles,' you play it for the layered and brilliantly complex story that makes you question you stance on your existence within the universe. I found myself craving the next, excellently performed audio log. (I have never heard video game voice overs this good.) The story pulls you in, until the very last excruciating second, and makes you feel content in your journey. The game itself is gorgeous (albeit a bit redundant.) It is a perfect example of how some video games are a viable modern art form.… Expand
  8. iseeall
    Aug 8, 2015
    10
    10/10
    Pros:
    - interesting, varied puzzles which get hard pretty quick (I even had to look up for the solution on youtube for a few) - about 120 puzzles which took me about 5 days in total to solve - nice music and graphics - the story with much intrigue which kept me interested till the end, they way they chose to tell it (notes, emails, voice recordings) was great - many references    10/10
    Pros:
    - interesting, varied puzzles which get hard pretty quick (I even had to look up for the solution on youtube for a few)
    - about 120 puzzles which took me about 5 days in total to solve
    - nice music and graphics
    - the story with much intrigue which kept me interested till the end, they way they chose to tell it (notes, emails, voice recordings) was great
    - many references to philosophy, citations from their works, pretty educational

    Cons (really minor stuff):
    - some of the conversations contained replies none of which I wanted to pick, but still had to pick something to continue
    - the 2nd ending lacked explanations - I really wanted to know what happened to the world but i guess they didn't bother to think that stuff thru
    - a few very annoying puzzles where precise timing was needed (e.g. "Nerve Wrecker"). It's annoying when you already know how to solve a puzzle but fail to do it over and over because you fail to press a key at the precise needed moment. Thankfully, there were just a few such puzzles.    … Expand
  9. Zarniwooop
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    Most surprising game I've played in a long time. It gets better the longer you play. Wonderful atmosphere. I can't say its better than portal, because portal was the perfect game with every last bit of fat squeezed out. But, this is absolutely as good as Portal 2 (I prefer this to Portal 2 by far).
  10. charmer
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    The Talos Principle (TTP) stands on the shoulders of giants. Among those being Portal, Myst, and Antichamber. That's not to say TTP does not bring its own stock of new ideas to the table. Discovery in TTP plays a major role so the less details you know in advance, the better. Enter the world of impeccable visuals, music, and voice acting; the world full of ingenious 2D and 3D puzzles; theThe Talos Principle (TTP) stands on the shoulders of giants. Among those being Portal, Myst, and Antichamber. That's not to say TTP does not bring its own stock of new ideas to the table. Discovery in TTP plays a major role so the less details you know in advance, the better. Enter the world of impeccable visuals, music, and voice acting; the world full of ingenious 2D and 3D puzzles; the world with a mysterious story only revealed to you in glimpses if you care to follow them; the world of thought-provoking philosophical undertones so rare in video games; the world with tons of secrets, extra content, and Easter eggs; and finally, the world when you don't need guns and weapons to make progress. Even if you are not a completionist, TTP will provide you with around 20 hours of gameplay. The game is extremely polished, well-tested, and rewarding and satisfying to play. I would not expect such a gem coming from creators of Serious Frikkin' Sam :-) This is a complete paradigm shift and I'm very glad Croteam took this turn to expand their horizons - and everyone else's. I rate 10/10.… Expand
  11. Avodeskorm
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    Great in a Philip K. Dick sort of way. With philosophical writing that requests you to wonder about the world outside of the game. I will admit that game play sticks out way less in my mind but adds a whole lot more depth to this game. The serious engines have always been one of the best optimized engines letting you get away with a better looking game. With vague writing cynical ofGreat in a Philip K. Dick sort of way. With philosophical writing that requests you to wonder about the world outside of the game. I will admit that game play sticks out way less in my mind but adds a whole lot more depth to this game. The serious engines have always been one of the best optimized engines letting you get away with a better looking game. With vague writing cynical of Judeo-Christian dogmas and revisiting such questions as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? This game is much more enjoyable for those who love subtext and less about what is coherent in this story. (Portal is small time compared to this game)… Expand
  12. TwoEars
    Feb 5, 2016
    10
    You may think that this is a puzzle game but I'd beg to differ, in my mind this game is no more about solving puzzles than living is about breathing. This is a deeply philosophical game which takes a good long hard look at what makes a human being, or a person, and what life entails.

    Yes - you could play this game as a pure puzzle game and not take any note of the many texts, voice logs    You may think that this is a puzzle game but I'd beg to differ, in my mind this game is no more about solving puzzles than living is about breathing. This is a deeply philosophical game which takes a good long hard look at what makes a human being, or a person, and what life entails.

    Yes - you could play this game as a pure puzzle game and not take any note of the many texts, voice logs and metaplot happening all around you, but that would in my mind be a huge mistake. Rarely have I been this moved by a video game, if you want to talk about video games as art then talk about the The Talos Principle. This is a game which every human, or other intelligent lifeform for that matter, should play and think about.

    Quite simply - this is a masterpiece of a game and I'm in awe of the development team for having created it. If you like philosophy and video games then The Talos Principle is a game you simply cannot overlook.    … Expand
  13. garyc
    Apr 6, 2015
    10
    The best puzzle game since Portal 2.
    The game gets almost everything right: from puzzles that seem impossible until it suddenly all becomes obvious, the way the story is delivered, the sound and graphics, right up to what must be one of the most impressive option menus I have ever seen.
    The puzzles are clever and logical although occasionally a little too simple, but are laid out in such    The best puzzle game since Portal 2.
    The game gets almost everything right: from puzzles that seem impossible until it suddenly all becomes obvious, the way the story is delivered, the sound and graphics, right up to what must be one of the most impressive option menus I have ever seen.
    The puzzles are clever and logical although occasionally a little too simple, but are laid out in such a way that if you get stuck you can always work on something else for a while, which is almost essential for this type of game.
    I would recommend this in an instant to anybody that enjoyed any of the portal games, you will not be disappointed.    … Expand
  14. indi01
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    This is favourite game this year.
    As soon as I played the demo I felt like "This is for me". The moment you solve a puzzle is a real satisfaction, and you really want to see the next one. Also the whole action is embedded in a broader philosophical framework which is deep and interesting. I completed the whole game with all the optional stuff and was still eager to try the prototype    This is favourite game this year.
    As soon as I played the demo I felt like "This is for me". The moment you solve a puzzle is a real satisfaction, and you really want to see the next one. Also the whole action is embedded in a broader philosophical framework which is deep and interesting. I completed the whole game with all the optional stuff and was still eager to try the prototype puzzles. If you like mental challenges you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  15. MoroseTroll
    Nov 2, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Talos Principle is just pretending a puzzle game. I think it's something more, something else, something bigger. I'm not gonna even try to explain - you'll probably understand it later, when you hear all Alexandra's letters and read all other correspondence. Until then, just solve the puzzles and hear the divine music.… Expand
  16. griffey546
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    Still a better game than call of duty
    Don't really have much to say other than this is a really fun puzzle game. This is why I own a pc, to get good exclusives that the consoles will never have.
  17. NeoTheFox
    Mar 25, 2017
    10
    This is a very deep and inspiring game, with the great world for those who love exploring and solving puzzles. Astonishing visuals and great sound design both just feel like a nice addition to the amazing puzzle design and story.
  18. MartinX33
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    A deep narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat, a myriad of clever puzzles, beautiful visuals, an enchanting soundtrack, tons of hidden stuff - The Talos Principle has it all. If you are looking for a game that will not simply entertain you, but also give you lots of material for contemplation, then devoting some of your time to this amazing puzzler is worth it indeed.
  19. engyne09
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    Philosophy in its purest state.

    An amazing experience that will make you ask yourself all those questions you've ever had about life and humanity. The game itself goes over very deep topics, this means that the player must be a person who like to stay calm, read and explore all he can get or reach. The story is based in the mystery of not knowing what the hell is happening. Every    Philosophy in its purest state.

    An amazing experience that will make you ask yourself all those questions you've ever had about life and humanity. The game itself goes over very deep topics, this means that the player must be a person who like to stay calm, read and explore all he can get or reach.

    The story is based in the mystery of not knowing what the hell is happening. Every time you get information about who are you, or where you are, a new theory comes across your head. It's magic.

    The Talos Principle remains between reality and fiction in the genre of puzzles. While the gameplay is simple to understand but hard to reproduce, with few mechanics that work together (making the game frustrating some times), the graphics, effects and scenarios are excellent crafted and really beautiful. But clearly what highlights is the wonderful narrative and story.

    It is the first game in which I do not want to play the actual core game, instead find more information, stories and people thoughts in each area.

    The game suggest in a sublime way the future of artificial intelligence and the infinite possibilities of a virtual universe, while questioning our own universe with elaborate theories, really creepy actually Questions about life, death, consciousness and how humans act in front of a machine depending on the level of consciousness it has, instead if that machine is alive or not. Raises impossible questions that will encourage more and more to end as quickly as possible to know how the story end. Keep in mind that The Talos Principle has different endings based in your final choices.    … Expand
  20. dubins
    Dec 14, 2014
    10
    My IGOR is SIT.
    By the way, this game is absolutely awesome. There is a moment when you play a game and its not a Portal.

    Oh, Your review must be at least 150 characters long - what else?
  21. derek10
    Feb 23, 2015
    10
    If you love Portal and Portal 2, you will love The Talos Principle. Even when the gameplay may seem familiar to Portal, they are really quite different but equally good
  22. g4b1bb097
    Jan 11, 2015
    10
    The true heir of Portal II, a phylosophical masterpiece filled with tricky puzzles.
    You will dig deep into your knowledge and logical abilities to find the solutions and some of the star levels require out of the box thinking.
    It reqired me 25 hours to gain access to all three finals
  23. DoubleU
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    I loved this game, it made me think which is hard. It has great graphics and great soundtracks. I have recommended it to all my friends and I recommend it to all of you. I really like the game. Can't stop playing it.
  24. Luxnostris08044
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    The Talos principle is a very good game. I like playing it. The story and puzzles are having a nice synergy. I also like playing it because you are like a robot and there are some nice metafors. The graficke is very good and the sound and the world are very well designed. The game remides me of portal 2 and G-mode. Also very good games. The level design is very good. It really makes youThe Talos principle is a very good game. I like playing it. The story and puzzles are having a nice synergy. I also like playing it because you are like a robot and there are some nice metafors. The graficke is very good and the sound and the world are very well designed. The game remides me of portal 2 and G-mode. Also very good games. The level design is very good. It really makes you think logicaly. I like playing it and i hope that more games will come like this. !0/10 would recommend it.… Expand
  25. Guardianangel
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    Wow!! Very good and quality puzzle game. I haven't played a puzzle game as good as this in a long a time. I didn't expect much of this game but if there will be a second part I will expect very much and I will buy it as soon as it gets out. I'm very glad that i bought this game!
  26. crystal_mermaid
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    This was such a surprisingly interesting game with awesome graphics and even better sounds. Always being very critical about, well everything, I thought I'd never say something like this about just one game, but it simply amazed me, so it means I'll definetely continue on playing it.
  27. Zyzzgodx
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    Upon first hearing of this game, my expectations were quite low. I appreciate the endeavor of combining the First Person Shooter scenario with a puzzle game. Despite my initial prejudice, this game proved to be fun to play and has helped me waste hours of my vacation days continuously.
  28. Lucija619
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    This game is really fantastic and I do not regret money I spent. It has excellent graphics and sound effects are also stunning. Each time I enjoy when I play this game,it is great.
  29. anamarija
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    I must say I was surprised after having played this game. Usually I am not that quickly satisfied with just one usual Computer game, but this one was completely different. The graphics were just perfect and the sound was great. I will continue on playing it for sure.
  30. LuMa123590
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    Very cool puzzle game with interasting gameplay and graphics. Gamplay is similiar to Portal witch was a great game. Cant wait till the release to play it! 10/10
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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 »