The Witness

 PC
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 699 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 440 out of 699
  2. Mixed: 127 out of 699
  3. Negative: 132 out of 699

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  1. AstroAaron
    Jan 27, 2016
    10
    Simply put, if you like puzzles and exploration you'll love the game. If you don't like those things, you more than likely won't enjoy yourself with this title. To me, this game has been worth every penny. I love the setting and even more so the fun in not only solving the puzzles, but also in the how to even do the puzzles.
  2. SonOfKhmer
    Jan 27, 2016
    10
    A masterful praise to exploration and learning, The Witness is a game that rewards understanding and ability for abstraction. No previous knowledge necessary, everything you need to reach your next prize, that precious "Eureka!" moment our society values so little, is there for the taking in small incremental steps
  3. KillingArts
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    If you like puzzle games and are up for a challenge, The Witness is your game. A beautiful island full of hundreds of little puzzles awaits you. And although all puzzles look pretty similar, if you see them on screenshots, there is a lot of variation. Also, while there is no traditional story, there are little story pieces to be discovered, scattered around the world. The Witness may notIf you like puzzle games and are up for a challenge, The Witness is your game. A beautiful island full of hundreds of little puzzles awaits you. And although all puzzles look pretty similar, if you see them on screenshots, there is a lot of variation. Also, while there is no traditional story, there are little story pieces to be discovered, scattered around the world. The Witness may not be a game for everyone, but it most certainly is one for me. ;)… Expand
  4. RoccoSalvetti
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    Curiosity, exploration, patience and learning are very close experiences as The Witness proves. They complete each other and learning proves itself rewarding. In life discovery is fun not because you find rare armours but because you find a way around to fulfil your curiosity.
    The first few minutes of Super Mario are to teach how to play and it does so via events. (Braid quotes Mario in    Curiosity, exploration, patience and learning are very close experiences as The Witness proves. They complete each other and learning proves itself rewarding. In life discovery is fun not because you find rare armours but because you find a way around to fulfil your curiosity.
    The first few minutes of Super Mario are to teach how to play and it does so via events. (Braid quotes Mario in these first few minutes quite a lot). That kind of tutorial is an intelligent learning experience. There are obvious actions to take, suggested actions and hidden actions to experiment if you are curious. The Witness is a whole game dedicated to this!
    This game is not for casual gamers because it could walk as master example in a philosophy book titled: Phenomenology of learning.
    10 out of 10 and the reason is simple, we have to pick a side here, we have to side with designers that count on us being intelligent. This is the opposite of Candy Crush.    … Expand
  5. Gnawer
    May 17, 2016
    8
    Beautiful puzzle game. You play on an island, literally every square foot of it feels well thought through, you find unexpected new places all the time. Only flaw is a lack of actual story. This game is well on the level with Talos Principle and Portal, but the latter ones had a clear story, so they were more interesting in this sense.
  6. arachnaut
    Feb 20, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My wife and I played this game from Feb 5 to Feb 16, playing maybe 8 hours a day. We are not avid gamers, but we liked MYST and the sequels to it, so we decided to try it out. We were not disappointed. We cheated and looked up about 10 puzzle solutions on a walkthrough site. My rule was I would not spend more than about 1 or 2 hours on any puzzle.

    I give this game very high marks overall, but not a 10 because of a few defects as I perceive them.

    The first defect is that I could not use my gamepad controller in Windows 10. I had to use the keyboard arrows and mouse to navigate. This was a bit awkward at times and not so convenient. I also could not get it to run on my main Win 10 desktop and Win 10 laptop. I submitted a problem ticket but have not got a reply. I did manage to find an older computer running Win 10 that could run it.

    The 3-D navigation can be head-spinning at times and you can lose your way when things look very different from direction to direction. which leads to the next defect in that there is no 'map'. I know the boat has a map, but I mean something that you can call up to show you where you are on the island. Ideally something that you could put notes on as well, like 'there is a weird door/monolith/figure here". Later you can check these off as you solve them.

    There is no 'save game' feature which is really sad because you lose everything when you solve the main puzzle. It seems that the game is saved at some random intervals (I can load certain older games) but they are not under my control. After you solve it you will probably want to go into the various challenge rooms and special doorways. I loaded an older saved game and spent two days getting back to the inner mountain room just before the finale. I looked at the program files locations and could not figure out how the data was saved in order to make a copy and restore.

    I have complaints about some types of puzzles. The spectrum-based puzzles are very annoying. The sound-based puzzles also have annoying properties. These are sensory issues, not intellectual issues. I found myself having a serious head-ache sometimes. The spinning puzzles are malicious. I had to alter my video settings (brightness, etc.) to solve some puzzles with dark gray dots on a light black path.

    Then there is a type of puzzle that I really find annoying. Fortunately there are only a few of these. Some puzzles have multiple solutions (you think) but only one is correct from the author point-of-view. Since you have to read the author's mind to figure out what is going on, you are sometimes at the mercy of an arbitrary and capricious rule. As one example of this --- spoiler here --- I point out the hedge labyrinths. When I was solving this puzzle, I had just completed some of the mazes where you had to look around you for clues. I noticed that the hedges were completely identical except for a pattern of wooden outshoots at the very bottom. I manage to find a unique solution following that pattern, but it would not solve. Some puzzles give you feedback about what is wrong, but this one didn't. When I finally had to cheat I found that you had to listen to the sound of your footsteps for clues. This is a real bad deal because up til now the sound had never been an issue before and I had the sound turned down rather low so it wasn't in my attention.

    Now that I have completed the game, I looked at other sites and found lot of other interesting doors and puzzles I want to explore, but the lack of save game makes this a real problem.    … Expand
  7. bigjeff5
    Mar 19, 2016
    10
    This game is easily the most satisfying game I have ever played.

    It's really hard to describe the kinds of feelings this game evoked while playing it. Confusion, then understanding, then more confusion, then frustration, then excitement. That feeling you get when you finally solve a puzzle that has stumped you for the last hour, or that you couldn't solve three days ago, or whatever,    This game is easily the most satisfying game I have ever played.

    It's really hard to describe the kinds of feelings this game evoked while playing it. Confusion, then understanding, then more confusion, then frustration, then excitement. That feeling you get when you finally solve a puzzle that has stumped you for the last hour, or that you couldn't solve three days ago, or whatever, it's exhilarating.

    No other game has left me feeling like an idiot one minute, and then a genius the next. I put it down several times, once for as long as a week, too mentally fatigued to continue. I even considered cheating or just quitting, but I just couldn't. It's too beautiful, and I'm glad I stuck it out to the end. I can't recommend this game enough.    … Expand
  8. Esett
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    It a masterpiece.

    After the first two hours i was sure Jonathan Blow produced a 7 year dud. After another 3 i was ready to un-install and throw my computer towards the closest living thing in the hope i would finally be committed for my genocidal tendencies while playing video games. And then something happens after 7 hours. You start seeing things. I could swear i started hearing music    It a masterpiece.

    After the first two hours i was sure Jonathan Blow produced a 7 year dud. After another 3 i was ready to un-install and throw my computer towards the closest living thing in the hope i would finally be committed for my genocidal tendencies while playing video games. And then something happens after 7 hours. You start seeing things. I could swear i started hearing music in the game. There is no music in the game. I am now obsessed with the games' puzzles. I want to see more, learn more, see more.

    This is the Dark Souls of puzzle games.    … Expand
  9. Serenityinaz12
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Oh man this game is awesome!!! Totally brings me back to the Myst days but the puzzles actually are clever and you can figure it out if you use your mind, where as Myst was so damn ridiculous. But then again I was way younger when I played Myst so who knows how I would do now. I love this game!
  10. IslingtonA
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    This is the best puzzle game ever made. It is also one of my top 5 games of any genre. It is absolutely *not* the same puzzle over and over, as others have said. I guess they just didn't play far enough? The environment and the "maze" puzzles are bound to and inseparable from one another. Neither could exist or would make sense without the other. This is increasingly true the further intoThis is the best puzzle game ever made. It is also one of my top 5 games of any genre. It is absolutely *not* the same puzzle over and over, as others have said. I guess they just didn't play far enough? The environment and the "maze" puzzles are bound to and inseparable from one another. Neither could exist or would make sense without the other. This is increasingly true the further into the game you get. If you like puzzles you really must play this game. The Witness is a true classic. People will still be talking about and playing this game ten years down the road. How many games can claim that?… Expand
  11. benjamminlaner
    Jan 27, 2016
    9
    TL; DR: Great game. Not for everyone. All puzzles, no "action."

    -- I'd like to preface the review by saying that this game is not for everyone. If you're looking for excitement, you're not going to find much. If you know that you have a short attention span, or are easily bored by repetitive tasks, do not buy this game. If you can handle a little repetition, especially if there is    TL; DR: Great game. Not for everyone. All puzzles, no "action."

    --

    I'd like to preface the review by saying that this game is not for everyone. If you're looking for excitement, you're not going to find much. If you know that you have a short attention span, or are easily bored by repetitive tasks, do not buy this game. If you can handle a little repetition, especially if there is some deep complexity within the repetitive act, then read on.

    The Witness is a puzzle game where you draw lines. The entire game revolves around the simple process of basically completing circuits. The puzzles become increasingly complex as time goes on, and often involve other parts of the world to solve. Their is a wide diversity of puzzles that encompass motion, light, sound, and other factors that keep things from ever feeling too similar. It's also just enjoyable to explore the island and look for hints or secrets than flesh out the game.

    Despite what others have said, if you do all the puzzles as you come across them, this game will teach you the required information, and will do so with as little intrusion to the game itself as possible. If you're getting the hang of things, you'll have many "Aha!" moments that are deeply rewarding.

    The art style is beautiful, resembling a sort of hand-painted, minimalist aesthetic. The island is vibrantly colored, and never feels dull or gray, except when its supposed to. The audio, while sparse, is also wonderful.

    The story is picked up primarily through scenery and little audio logs that are scattered across the island. It too is minimalist, but you start to get a sense of some underlying narrative as time goes on, even if its never fully revealed.

    The game often feels isolating, which is intentional, but can be uncomfortable if not deeply engaged in a puzzle. There is no musical score, and think that although it was omitted intentionally, it could have really added something to the experience. Though rare, there might come a point where you feel like you're missing some information when solving a particular puzzle. This is almost always the fault of the player, but sometimes it can feel like the games fault which is frustrating.

    There is also no way to keep track of your progress through the game, so if you need that organization be wary. I think it adds something to the experience, but keep a pen and paper handy if it makes you nervous.

    Again while this game is not action packed (even less so than Braid), the game itself is beautifully designed and implemented. I highly recommend to anyone with an appreciation for peaceful aesthetics and/or who enjoys puzzles.    … Expand
  12. Grandviewsurfer
    Feb 11, 2016
    10
    Take a look at the user score distribution, for it is very telling. I am not at all surprised that (at the time of writing) 67 people didn't have the patience or brain functionality to understand the game. I am, however, surprised at how many people felt qualified to hop on Metacritic and formulate a representative and truthful review having fully admitted to only playing a few minutes ofTake a look at the user score distribution, for it is very telling. I am not at all surprised that (at the time of writing) 67 people didn't have the patience or brain functionality to understand the game. I am, however, surprised at how many people felt qualified to hop on Metacritic and formulate a representative and truthful review having fully admitted to only playing a few minutes of the game in said aforementioned review. This phenomenon is both mind blowing and discouraging. If you are on the fence on this one, I do hope reason guides your decision, and that you give the game the time of day. I mean, Blow blew like $6 Million and 7 years of his life on this thing... the guy that created Braid... it obviously doesn't suck. Just hang in there for half a minute and you'll enjoy this environment. It is quite literally the most beautiful place I have ever been.… Expand
  13. JohnWitten
    Mar 24, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. [Brief Synopsis of Full Review]

    Unlike the largely linear experience presented in most puzzle games, The Witness actually allows you to freely leave a puzzle in progress in order to go solve other ones around the island. You also don’t even have to feel pressured to complete every single puzzle in the game in order to complete it, although I’d imagine that should probably be your goal if at all possible. In terms of storytelling, this jumping around isn’t prone to mess with much as the story is more of what you make it than really anything so established as a specific plot. Everything is all mysterious and nothing is ever quite fully confirmed, which definitely leaves things up to the player’s imagination which I thoroughly appreciated. You’re presented with the cold hard facts as they are- what will work and what won’t, and that’s simply that.

    Now, there is some loose basis of a slight hint of a plot to be found, and that is through select recordings scattered about the island in sometimes devious, sometimes easy-to-access areas. These won’t do much to quell the questions, but they may sate some of your burning desire to get to the bottom of things, if only a little bit before the game’s ending. None of this should really detract from the experience however as at its core, The Witness is a test of logic. There are frustrating moments, but nothing beats the thrill of successfully completing a puzzle or a series of puzzles and discovering something new about the world you’ve been presented. Instead of questioning the purpose of things or asking the horrid “why” question, start exploring and figuring out how things work and what affects what. It’s all almost brilliantly philosophical in some ways.

    Concept: Exploration and puzzle solving presented in a rich environment where no stone should be left unturned and no detail, however minimal ignored.

    Graphics: The art-style is uniquely rendered and attention to detail beautiful to behold. Some may consider it basic or simple, but then things don’t need to be unnecessarily complicated to be gorgeous.

    Sound: There’s more of an argument to be made for the ambiance than there is to be made for a soundtrack or voice work, but what there is of everything here is more than adequate and only adds to the sense that you’re isolated and surrounded by mystery.

    Playability: Complicated puzzles can sometimes make games an exercise in frustration, but you should never be angered by difficulty even when you are stumped as the game is precise and easy to grasp once you get the hang of things.

    Entertainment: It’s puzzle-solving at its finest or close enough thereto. Puzzle after puzzle will challenge how you think and what you know. Don’t stop to question motive or intent, but soak up the rich scenery and equally rich gameplay elements.

    Replay Value: High.

    Overall Score: 9.0    … Expand
  14. theponcho
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    I played this game with my girlfriend. It's awesome for playing like it is a couch coop, since puzzles can be challenging, and it's very funny to solve them with someone else.

    The game surprised me quite a lot, since "solving sudokus" its not quite my thing. Yet, the atmosphere catches you in an unique way, and the game is long enough to make you be a part of the island, and try to    I played this game with my girlfriend. It's awesome for playing like it is a couch coop, since puzzles can be challenging, and it's very funny to solve them with someone else.

    The game surprised me quite a lot, since "solving sudokus" its not quite my thing. Yet, the atmosphere catches you in an unique way, and the game is long enough to make you be a part of the island, and try to understand its profound philosophy.

    Unique game, don't be scared if you never tried anything like this, I encourage you to try it.    … Expand
  15. PizzaWizard
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    I'm not even done and it might already be one of the best games I've ever played. It's hard to talk about the magic of this game without spoiling anything but I will do my best.

    The game is a metroidvania open world puzzle game. You are on an island without any context for why you are there, it is a very cold open. You find a door with a panel on it displaying a maze, you trace a    I'm not even done and it might already be one of the best games I've ever played. It's hard to talk about the magic of this game without spoiling anything but I will do my best.

    The game is a metroidvania open world puzzle game.

    You are on an island without any context for why you are there, it is a very cold open.
    You find a door with a panel on it displaying a maze, you trace a path through the obstacles to complete the maze.

    You do more of these, each puzzle providing a context that leads you to a better understanding of the puzzles around it.

    It's as if every panel is both a puzzle and a hint.

    You're probably thinking, "why open world? Couldn't I just buy a book of puzzles?" No, because the island that you are on is a puzzle in itself and, like the panels, the island puzzle is also a hint.

    I say it is a metroidvania game because you will inevitably find a door that you cannot open. It is not because you haven't acquired the proper weapon or tool, it is because you haven't acquired the proper knowledge to solve the puzzle blocking your path. The knowledge to solve those puzzles are elsewhere on the island.

    To dismiss this game as only a bunch of puzzles is to dismiss a song as just a bunch of sounds.

    I saw another metacritic call this "the dark souls of puzzle games" and it's definitely something I've been thinking since Dark Souls was probably the last game I obsessed over as much as The Witness. Both gave me a serious case of the Tetris Effect    … Expand
  16. Datamari
    Feb 3, 2016
    9
    This game is very good, but it's not for everybody.
    The Witness is one of the most beautifully crafted games i've ever played. It's pretty much the shining example of what video games are capable of. It has an amazing art style, engaging puzzles, and little bits of story sprinkled in. As I said, however, it's not for everybody. For a lot of gamers, we most likely require something to    This game is very good, but it's not for everybody.
    The Witness is one of the most beautifully crafted games i've ever played. It's pretty much the shining example of what video games are capable of. It has an amazing art style, engaging puzzles, and little bits of story sprinkled in. As I said, however, it's not for everybody. For a lot of gamers, we most likely require something to do other than walk forward. If you're the type of gamer that doesn't like to stop and smell the roses, this game may not be for you. However, if you're a type of gamer that plays for the wonder and adventure, you NEED to try The Witness, it really is that good.

    The Witness gets a 9/10    … Expand
  17. Scade
    Jan 27, 2016
    8
    Ok so this is not a casual game. You will have to play along to enjoy it because this game will barely help you understand it.
    You're on an island where there are various puzzles, but the island itself is a puzzle and you will have to understand the puzzles mechanics but also how the island works.
    It is rather hard, but is you like puzzle games, this is a must have. Graphics and audio    Ok so this is not a casual game. You will have to play along to enjoy it because this game will barely help you understand it.
    You're on an island where there are various puzzles, but the island itself is a puzzle and you will have to understand the puzzles mechanics but also how the island works.

    It is rather hard, but is you like puzzle games, this is a must have. Graphics and audio are also great, but don't buy it just because it looks good, buy it because you want to make every piece of brain you have suffer ;)    … Expand
  18. Hadzi
    Jan 31, 2016
    9
    Before the release of this game (long development cycle) hype was absolutely huge, i personally thought that it was going to be a big let down but the game was released and it was great. In this game your goal is
    to solve puzzles so if you love puzzles and challenges this is the game for you. Game graphically looks beautiful and it is based around exploration. I have seen some of the    Before the release of this game (long development cycle) hype was absolutely huge, i personally thought that it was going to be a big let down but the game was released and it was great. In this game your goal is
    to solve puzzles so if you love puzzles and challenges this is the game for you. Game graphically looks beautiful and it is based around exploration. I have seen some of the reviews here talking about no killing in the game at all and how that is bad but i think that is good for the game because it was focused on exploration and puzzles take The Talos Principle for example it was also like this game but it was set in a different time, of course it had different mechanics but the goal of these 2 games is the same. I am not a fan of walking around an area in the game and searching but i found walking around this beautiful island fun. Price is very high but you get hours of fun with that game. I would recommend it if you love puzzles otherwise you will get frustrated and rage quit the game. I enjoyed most of the puzzles and mazes but some were just too easy and some were too hard on which i lost 30 minute each. If you cant do without killing do not play this game. Good luck and have fun if you decide to play it.    … Expand
  19. JoeB777
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    A beautiful challenging game of exploration and problem solving. It's my game of the year for 2016, despite only been one month into the year. The game is certainly not for everyone: if you have low tolerance for failure in problem-solving, you'll find it very difficult To enjoy. But one can learn patience. And it's worth taking the time to learn to enjoy this game, even if one is notA beautiful challenging game of exploration and problem solving. It's my game of the year for 2016, despite only been one month into the year. The game is certainly not for everyone: if you have low tolerance for failure in problem-solving, you'll find it very difficult To enjoy. But one can learn patience. And it's worth taking the time to learn to enjoy this game, even if one is not naturally inclined to.… Expand
  20. haptix
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    If you are a thinking person, someone who is interested in ideas, concepts, and symbols, this game is right up your alley. The puzzles are very difficult, but patience and insight are rewarded. New puzzle mechanics are introduced at the proper pace - you always have enough information to solve something else on the island, but the challenge is maintained. The environment of the islandIf you are a thinking person, someone who is interested in ideas, concepts, and symbols, this game is right up your alley. The puzzles are very difficult, but patience and insight are rewarded. New puzzle mechanics are introduced at the proper pace - you always have enough information to solve something else on the island, but the challenge is maintained. The environment of the island is brimming with meaning; the world is riddled with hidden things. Some of them are interactive and "advance" the game, others just cause one to marvel at the cleverness and creativity of the developer. Quite simply the best game I have played in years.… Expand
  21. bloodrizer
    Jan 27, 2016
    10
    Pros: this game is an absolute paragon, the masterpiece, a modern Myst that I waited for so many year.
    Con: it is completely killing my faith in people (just read the negative reviews or steam forum).
  22. ColonialG11
    Feb 4, 2016
    9
    TLDR: Dear Ester with puzzles, not for everyone, but will be long remembered by those who enjoy it.

    Pros: - Somehow makes maze puzzles enticing, teaching new elements seamlessly that feel like personal discoveries - Challenging but not brutal - Beautiful art Cons: - No musical score, this game is way different than Braid (featuring spoken word as opposed to written) and while    TLDR: Dear Ester with puzzles, not for everyone, but will be long remembered by those who enjoy it.

    Pros:
    - Somehow makes maze puzzles enticing, teaching new elements seamlessly that feel like personal discoveries
    - Challenging but not brutal
    - Beautiful art

    Cons:
    - No musical score, this game is way different than Braid (featuring spoken word as opposed to written) and while there is the possibility that a score could subtract from the immersion/experience, I still missed it.
    Review:

    Let me just start by saying that this game should be rated M, there's no blood, no violence or nudity to speak of, but it is one of the most "Mature" games I have ever played.

    This game isn't for everyone, and isn't Braid.

    Braid was rightfully universally acclaimed by anyone with an I.Q. greater than 95, if you didn't like Braid, you were in the company of a very high "Soulja Boy" in that "The game aint got no point"

    The Witness however is a little more assailable, most of what both its critics and supporters say is true, On the one hand its immersive, thoughtful, and designed extremely meticulously (hence 8 years dev time); on the other, roughly 80% of the puzzles in this game could be placed onto a mobile app.

    I found myself wondering whether the "plot" elements were absolutely genius, or the incoherent ramblings of a madman... I settled on both.    … Expand
  23. WR3ND
    Feb 5, 2016
    9
    LOL WTF?!

    No... seriously. I just had one of those moments, bursting out in loud laughter from pure joy while playing this game, figuring out and finding something I could do that I previously had no idea was even possible, that I didn't even think should be possible, but yet it all still makes some kind of weird sense. It was freaking amazing. To tell you anything more about it would    LOL WTF?!

    No... seriously. I just had one of those moments, bursting out in loud laughter from pure joy while playing this game, figuring out and finding something I could do that I previously had no idea was even possible, that I didn't even think should be possible, but yet it all still makes some kind of weird sense. It was freaking amazing. To tell you anything more about it would be to give too much away.

    This game is beautiful, intriguing , and compelling, weird, abstract, and logical. It makes you think outside of the box, sometimes literally, but in a way which still makes sense once you change your perspective.

    This game is NOT just about mazes on a panel, though there is a lot of that and it is a main game mechanic. It's about what you do with them and how you learn from them to interact with and better understand your environment, your world that has been masterfully and meticulously crafted for your enjoyment.

    If you like challenging, involved, and sometimes frustrating puzzles that occasionally blow your mind (no pun intended), you have to get this game, and shame on you if you don't.

    That being said, I have to somewhat begrudgingly acknowledge that this game isn't for everyone. Some may even hate it, perhaps even for some of the same reasons I love it. This seems destined to be one of those games that many either love or hate. I'd say that it's a safe bet that you'll at least be quite fond of it if you're into logical, challenging puzzle games.

    Well worth the full asking price and then some, in my opinion.

    Enjoy.

    ...

    9/10

    Minus one for the current lack of some menu settings and extensive graphics options that should be including in a PC release, though the game is quite functional as is.    … Expand
  24. Beatboxio
    Mar 13, 2016
    10
    I am blown away by the artistry, not only in the visuals, but in the gradual buildup and beauty of the puzzles. This is not a fast game. Don't use a walk-through or hints. Prepare to be stumped and maybe even angry just before you solve a puzzle and yell out in triumph that you love the game.
    I never once wished I had used a hint after solving the puzzle. I always had to admit the    I am blown away by the artistry, not only in the visuals, but in the gradual buildup and beauty of the puzzles. This is not a fast game. Don't use a walk-through or hints. Prepare to be stumped and maybe even angry just before you solve a puzzle and yell out in triumph that you love the game.
    I never once wished I had used a hint after solving the puzzle. I always had to admit the beautiful, logical progression and smile.
    I haven't felt this way about a game in a long time.    … Expand
  25. bedsidetrash111
    Mar 16, 2016
    10
    This game isn't for everyone. Almost all you do is solve these puzzles on 2d (some are on 3-d) panels. A lot of the puzzles are hard.

    But as I struggled to figure them I started to appreciate them. Moreover, the puzzles get better as you go farther, and more and more involve noticing clues in the 3-d world, which is beautiful. Many of the later puzzles are really good - almost on the    This game isn't for everyone. Almost all you do is solve these puzzles on 2d (some are on 3-d) panels. A lot of the puzzles are hard.

    But as I struggled to figure them I started to appreciate them. Moreover, the puzzles get better as you go farther, and more and more involve noticing clues in the 3-d world, which is beautiful. Many of the later puzzles are really good - almost on the level of Portal. In my opinion, its too bad that towards the very end they mixed in puzzles that seem almost intentionally cruel, but I suppose finishing them gives you more satisfactions. The game has a really satisfying way of showing you your progress too, as you make your way across the beautiful island.

    Just buy this game and make yourself play at least half it. I think you'll start to enjoy the challenge. I felt more and more compelled to finish it, and actually got addicted to it, despite the fact that the puzzles seem tedious at first.

    I also recommend ignoring the story, which is very easy to do.    … Expand
  26. mega_coffee
    Feb 19, 2016
    9
    One of the most memorable gaming experiences I have ever had. The Witness is NOT a collection of maze puzzles thrown into a pretty 3D world; both puzzles and the world are masterfully intertwined (wish I could tell you more, but it would spoil all the fun), and will often lead you to gasp at the designer's cleverness, as well as your own. There was obvious care to avoid increasingOne of the most memorable gaming experiences I have ever had. The Witness is NOT a collection of maze puzzles thrown into a pretty 3D world; both puzzles and the world are masterfully intertwined (wish I could tell you more, but it would spoil all the fun), and will often lead you to gasp at the designer's cleverness, as well as your own. There was obvious care to avoid increasing difficulty by throwing laborious behemoths at the player; instead, the more difficult puzzles are often the ones that require the most lateral thinking. Most puzzles are actually quite small and could be solved in your head, if you wanted to (it would just take longer to solve them).

    The Witness takes a "show, don't tell" approach to story-telling. In a way, the story is in itself a puzzle, and this won't sit well with gamers who need a dangling carrot to drive them forward. This is the source of much criticism, but I think the real culprit is that the truly mind-blowing puzzles take a while to arrive as the puzzles work with a rather large set of rules which must be learned slowly and progressively. This means that the starting areas are a little dull. Also, new rules are very often introduced (never explained; you must deduce them) in consecutive panels of increasing complexity, in a specific part of the island (the island is split into several areas, each with their own theme). If you miss these panels and come across a more complex panel which makes use of these rules, it will be impossible to solve. Usually you can tell when this happens: if the panel has symbols you have not seen before, and it's not very simple, you probably missed the 'tutorial' panels. It doesn't help that an area with a lot of advanced puzzles is fairly close to the start. This is probably the source of the "it's too hard!" complaints. I think anyone of average intelligence is capable of beating The Witness comfortably, but you need to be a specific type of gamer to truly enjoy it (inquisitive nature, easily immersed, enjoys a fair challenge).

    I would rate the game a perfect score, but there are a few technical issues I have a problem with: non-rebindable keys (sorry, lefties), very limited graphical options, and stutter.    … Expand
  27. barca24
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    Great game , graphic is amazing and so ispirated . Puzzle are awesome. One of best game i ever play . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  28. Poppyspy
    Feb 3, 2016
    9
    I did 75% of the game's puzzles, This game is basically quiet time in elementary school with a puzzle book. The book has maze, shape & where's waldo like puzzles with a small amount of audio. If there is one thing you learn from this game, is that you are very blessed to have the senses necessary to progress through it.

    -1 point because there are audio based recordings of famous    I did 75% of the game's puzzles, This game is basically quiet time in elementary school with a puzzle book. The book has maze, shape & where's waldo like puzzles with a small amount of audio. If there is one thing you learn from this game, is that you are very blessed to have the senses necessary to progress through it.

    -1 point because there are audio based recordings of famous quotes in the game that often seem disconnected from what you are actually doing. These recordings are interesting to find, but then often result in distraction.    … Expand
  29. LetMeInPlease
    Feb 29, 2016
    8
    The Talos Principle meets Antichamber. simply beautiful. Game is a bit challenging cause it doesn't tell you what to do, you should figure out everything by yourself but once you realized what your goal is and how this whole "world" works, game starts to become pretty friendly. There are several sections and in each of them game introduces you to different kind of puzzles. In rare case theThe Talos Principle meets Antichamber. simply beautiful. Game is a bit challenging cause it doesn't tell you what to do, you should figure out everything by yourself but once you realized what your goal is and how this whole "world" works, game starts to become pretty friendly. There are several sections and in each of them game introduces you to different kind of puzzles. In rare case the challenge itself is to figure out how the puzzle works and after that it is just a matter of time for section to be completed. Cause the puzzles of hardest difficulty take 10-15 mins to complete at worst. My the only complain: sometimes you will find audiorecords which are supposed to tie all game elements together: to give you an insight into the "world" and its visual and your purpose in this world, but that works poorly (Talos Principle did a better job with this). Hence, gameplay feels like an arcade puzzle game or an IQ-test. It's not too bad though, cause puzzles most of the time are good and very fair but in order for The Witness to be a masterpiece those elements should've been tied a lot harder.… Expand
  30. Filipes
    Apr 14, 2020
    10
    Beautiful island with many puzzles to find, solve and get yourself lost in...
  31. Neng-
    Mar 27, 2017
    8
    This game is one of the best at what it does, making someone like me be willing to solve puzzles is something rather unusual, but this game gets me going and it just like never really ends.
    I have still plenty of puzzles to do and some of them are likely to be unsolved for a long time, but i eventually come back to try them out and fill my notebook with sketches trying to figure things    This game is one of the best at what it does, making someone like me be willing to solve puzzles is something rather unusual, but this game gets me going and it just like never really ends.
    I have still plenty of puzzles to do and some of them are likely to be unsolved for a long time, but i eventually come back to try them out and fill my notebook with sketches trying to figure things out.
    It's really fun and has one of the most intelligent level designs i've seen so far, really really recommended.    … Expand
  32. farzher
    Jun 2, 2020
    10
    a masterpiece. one of the most perfect games ever made. i'm not necessarily recommending you play it though, lol.
  33. strangebrew123
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Top quality game, great gameplay and movement, lots of thinking. Superb variety of challenges. Took me 36 hours to complete. Excellent purchase.
  34. logss
    Oct 20, 2022
    10
    If there's only one game that we're going to send to aliens, I would choose The Witness.
  35. kazannova
    Jan 27, 2016
    10
    this is a great game, if you like to relax and enjoy good graphics and solve puzzles with no HP or map or anything in your screen. just that beatifull landscape and many puzzles to solve
  36. Bortx
    Jan 31, 2016
    9
    Beautiful exploration game with very witty puzzles. Stays fresh throughout. This is a patient man's game. But if you take the time and are observant it can be very rewarding. A lot of care went into this game and it shows. A more compelling story would have been nice but still very well done.
  37. l3reak
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    The gorgeous visuals & atmosphere would be enough to make this a wonderful experience, but the deep dive into an exploration of knowledge and discovery makes it a masterpiece. That said, it IS a puzzle game, so if you don't like puzzles you're not gonna enjoy it.
  38. ThappersBean
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. It is also divisive, as the comments here demonstrate. I would like to provide a different perspective on some these criticisms.

    "The game is just maze puzzles." Yes, OR maze puzzles are simply the language we use to interact with the game environment and teach us some of what the game has to say for itself. "The game has no story." The game has tons of    This game is a masterpiece. It is also divisive, as the comments here demonstrate. I would like to provide a different perspective on some these criticisms.

    "The game is just maze puzzles." Yes, OR maze puzzles are simply the language we use to interact with the game environment and teach us some of what the game has to say for itself.

    "The game has no story." The game has tons of story content, way more than almost any other game I can think of. It does not, however, present the story as a coherent narrative. Other art forms have explored disjointed narrative for decades but in video games players expect a simple story that goes from A to B. You don't get that here, but to say there is no story is absurd.

    "The island is beautiful but superficial." No, the island is integral to the game. Every inch has been carefully designed in a way that is mind-blowing as you gradually unravel its secrets. You can tell the attention to detail and just the sheer quality of design here if you are prepared to invest some effort in actually looking closely (or very widely) at things. No other game comes close to this level of design imho.

    "The game is not about anything, you could play the puzzles on a mobile." The game is 'about' many things. The Buddhist idea of contemplation and patience. The way in which human knowledge advances. The distinctions or otherwise between art and science, the macro and the molecular. The spirit of adventure and exploration. And perhaps most significantly, the idea that perspective can change meaning. But the game's true genius is that it embodies many of these ideas rather than just talking about them. The more you think about it the more you understand what an achievement this game is, doing something with the medium that no other computer game has ever attempted to this degree. If you are close-minded and too wedded to your own expectations about what a computer game "should" be then you will not appreciate this game. If you think that there should be a tutorial, or you are annoyed that you cannot 'progress' as fast as you want to, or you think it's just boring maze puzzles then you really, really haven't "got it." Yeah, I hear you saying that it's pretentious and that there's nothing to "get." But you are wrong. So wrong. From a different perspective, however, you are completely correct.    … Expand
  39. Gravitom
    Mar 28, 2016
    10
    IMO the perfect puzzle game. So simple but so complex. I've been absolutely hooked and will be sad when it's finished.

    The island is beautiful and mysterious. There are a variety of areas. Some you can get to right away and others you see in the distance and need to figure out how to get to. The game teaches you slowly and without telling you outright. Sometimes you see it right    IMO the perfect puzzle game. So simple but so complex. I've been absolutely hooked and will be sad when it's finished.

    The island is beautiful and mysterious. There are a variety of areas. Some you can get to right away and others you see in the distance and need to figure out how to get to. The game teaches you slowly and without telling you outright. Sometimes you see it right away, other times you really have to sit back and think.

    However you really need to enjoy puzzle games to appreciate the Witness. I'm sure most will get bored with it's minimal approach. But this game is the pinnacle of the genre.    … Expand
  40. eys
    Feb 13, 2016
    10
    Currently 38 hours in with about 430 puzzles completed so far, so still have much to do, but I absolutely love The Witness. Some people may be turned off by the "line puzzles," wondering the need for the world itself around them. But for many, there are reasons. Big reasons. Here the environment is the puzzle, the panel is where you put your answer. Explaining any further would spoil them.Currently 38 hours in with about 430 puzzles completed so far, so still have much to do, but I absolutely love The Witness. Some people may be turned off by the "line puzzles," wondering the need for the world itself around them. But for many, there are reasons. Big reasons. Here the environment is the puzzle, the panel is where you put your answer. Explaining any further would spoil them.

    There are also puzzles that don't use the environment, teaching you many of the rules of this game that will be used and built upon in the future. It won't tell you how to do them though, this game is as much about learning the puzzle as it is about solving the puzzle. But the answers are there. It can be a very hard game when it wants to, but it's never unfair. If you're stuck, the open world is great to look around and solve other puzzles.

    And the art direction is just incredible, sometimes I'll just stare at how pretty everything is. You'll quickly notice the amount of detail put into it and how much thought was put into where and how everything was placed. I mean, look at this small blog post:

    http://the-witness.net/news/2015/06/polishing-the-architecture/

    Don't expect much story, though you can piece some together. This game is pure puzzle. No hand holding and no "Good jobs." A game about observation, epiphany and logic that wants you to learn instead of being told. If you like puzzles, especially difficult ones, play it.    … Expand
  41. nightmancomes
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    The amount of work went into this is astonishing. People need to realize that it's not a game that you are supposed to rush through, finish as fast as you can. You should play it from time to time, you can finish it in 6 months if you want to, playing it whenever you feel like giving your mind a challange, giving yourself something to think on. Stop crying because it's too hard, becauseThe amount of work went into this is astonishing. People need to realize that it's not a game that you are supposed to rush through, finish as fast as you can. You should play it from time to time, you can finish it in 6 months if you want to, playing it whenever you feel like giving your mind a challange, giving yourself something to think on. Stop crying because it's too hard, because you can't finish the game in 2 days. This game is not made to be rushed through in 2 days, or a week, you just take your time and enjoy the admiring work went into making these beatiful puzzles. I also think it would make a great game to play with your friends, everyone putting some input and solving puzzles together sounds like it would be fun.… Expand
  42. MarcosMcc
    Feb 6, 2016
    9
    This is a great game. And its huge... solving panels isn't half of it. That, I think, is the reason the reviews are so different. Many people don't get far enough to see everything the game has to offer and get bored with the panels.
  43. Obe
    Jan 27, 2016
    10
    this game it's not something like, mini game dispatch on kawaii map!
    The game-play and game-design work to open our eyes on one special univers. Usually I do not have patience for the series of puzzles in a world without life but in this game all arouses curiosity thanks to a holistic approach.
  44. everin
    Feb 6, 2017
    9
    TIER 1

    + Hands down one of the most beautiful games or even simply 3D visual experiences ever created. + Insane attention to detail in integrating unique puzzle mechanics into the environmental design. + Overall strong puzzle design, teaching the player over time in unique ways -- as many have said, it is a game about "learning," and it works successfully to achieve that description.    TIER 1

    + Hands down one of the most beautiful games or even simply 3D visual experiences ever created.
    + Insane attention to detail in integrating unique puzzle mechanics into the environmental design.
    + Overall strong puzzle design, teaching the player over time in unique ways -- as many have said, it is a game about "learning," and it works successfully to achieve that description.
    ? A fair amount of the puzzles are going to be rough, everyone finds difficulty in different places depending on how they think about things, but some of the puzzles are simply tedious.
    ? The "story" of the world is controversially delivered in a manner that some would describe as "pretentious" -- the quotes and other bits are absolutely related to the content of the game regardless of anyone's opinions on it, but some of it can certainly be argued to come across stilted.
    - Purposefully avoids "progression" or "reward" mechanics due to a philosophical point the game is trying to make, but no matter how smart the delivery is, that doesn't change the fact that the user experience starts to feel stale by the end.    … Expand
  45. Sbeeer
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Absolutely the best puzzle game I've played, and one of my all time favourite videogames ever!
    The Witness doesn't teach you anything, it guides you through the learning process of figuring out puzzle rules by yourself. Kept me occupied for a month!
    10/10 - but only if you're not afraid of a challenge.
  46. Matchet
    Aug 12, 2017
    9
    It's a lovely game, great graphics, nice ambience, challenging puzzles. It may grow a little bit repetitive, but there are so many hours of entertainment.
  47. nunocordeiro
    Jul 3, 2020
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. It's especially good to play with a friend or with your girlfriend. It's challenging, beautiful, and engaging.
  48. GTmAster
    Jun 3, 2017
    10
    The Witness can hardly be called a "game" and can not be observed from the usual "player" positions. The Witness is not a game, it is the author's philosophical reasoning about the cognitive process, the scientific path and the relation of science and faith. It's an epistemological work presented in an amazingly beautiful interactive form. The mind of the player here is not just an outsideThe Witness can hardly be called a "game" and can not be observed from the usual "player" positions. The Witness is not a game, it is the author's philosophical reasoning about the cognitive process, the scientific path and the relation of science and faith. It's an epistemological work presented in an amazingly beautiful interactive form. The mind of the player here is not just an outside observer or a participant in the process, it is the subject of research. Like any philosophical work, The Witness does not give answers, but asks many questions.
    The Witness is a perfect example of how interactive entertainment can be a real piece of modern art.    … Expand
  49. ExpertPL
    Nov 11, 2016
    9
    It's one of the best games I played this year. But first thing you need to know is that it's not for everyone. Everything you find here involves puzzles and creative thinking, if it's not what you like in games, than this game propably is not for you. For the fans of puzzle games, it's certainly a must-have game. With this being said, I never liked puzzle games, but this one changed myIt's one of the best games I played this year. But first thing you need to know is that it's not for everyone. Everything you find here involves puzzles and creative thinking, if it's not what you like in games, than this game propably is not for you. For the fans of puzzle games, it's certainly a must-have game. With this being said, I never liked puzzle games, but this one changed my mind. Also, I definitely recommend finishing this game with 100%.… Expand
  50. hanelik
    May 10, 2017
    9
    Stunning level design. Puzzles may seem to be repetitive, but they are repetitive on purpose. The key to solve some of them is very tricky! The way the scenery of island is included into the puzzles is also amazing. The variability of "one puzzle type" was mind blowing. One point down for not strong (or not understood) story. Great job!
  51. DKurac
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    I completed this game 2 years ago on Xbox and now on PC. It is still the most beautiful game i have ever played. I love every single thing on this game it is pure perfection.
  52. jgmj921
    Mar 27, 2021
    8
    The world and puzzles are masterfully designed and appropriately challenging, despite being a bit repetitive. Instructions are not placed in apparent places or orderly enough that they can be easily missed, resulting in some of the harder puzzles in early game. The story, whether there is one is up for debate, isn't clear for a player to the end, while some of the pieces of audio or videoThe world and puzzles are masterfully designed and appropriately challenging, despite being a bit repetitive. Instructions are not placed in apparent places or orderly enough that they can be easily missed, resulting in some of the harder puzzles in early game. The story, whether there is one is up for debate, isn't clear for a player to the end, while some of the pieces of audio or video are quite interesting. Overall a rewarding experience.… Expand
  53. Gillfinnfish
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    It's a game driven by the joy of discovery, in that there are many things to discover and every new thing learned brings profound satisfaction. Beautiful and brilliantly designed, this is the most engaging experience I've ever had with a video game.
  54. hoanns
    Jun 14, 2020
    9
    Great puzzler, beautiful scenery, great atmosphere. Interesting puzzles, although most of them are just 2d puzzles where you look at a plate. I wish there were more real world puzzles
  55. ShermanSays
    Jun 12, 2020
    10
    The Witness is not a game for everyone, it has an unhealthy obsession for player discovery, but that makes it the best puzzle game I have ever played.

    Pros: Best puzzle game I have ever played Cons: High barrier to entry, sound based puzzles The laser focused design of this game is admirable. There was such detail put into every aspect of the world. It was stated that there were    The Witness is not a game for everyone, it has an unhealthy obsession for player discovery, but that makes it the best puzzle game I have ever played.

    Pros: Best puzzle game I have ever played
    Cons: High barrier to entry, sound based puzzles

    The laser focused design of this game is admirable. There was such detail put into every aspect of the world. It was stated that there were three distinct groups of puzzles in the world, by the developer. First is the base puzzles, the panels that unlock the first ending, the second are spoilers for the best discovery this game has to offer, and the third are the visual perspective puzzles around the world of the witness. These are the only types that do not show completion. Solving each of these types of puzzles are rewarding and difficult, but each time there is an addictive dopamine rush with the discovery that comes with completing a panel.

    The puzzles in this game are among the hardest in any game I have played. Completing all of them is a task of epic proportion, which most players won't complete. The few who do are in for a treat as only then does the narrative rear it's head. The narrative has some surprisingly deep philosophical and theological roots, and works more as an exploration of themes through player action more than any of the audio logs do in the world. The main theme is human discovery as stated earlier, and where the narrative lands on that large topic is poignant.

    This game is not meant to be played by most people. It's design is so focused that it excludes players, the same way that a technically demanding game would.Because of this the players that do engage with it do so on a deeper level. I had to play this game three separate times before being able to finish it. I think that there is nothing that this game could have improved on.    … Expand
  56. NfeKteD
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    The Witness is an exploration and puzzle game without a specific story, which makes its highest point, you walk, solve some puzzles here and there, see some constructions and strange things in the meantime and in no time, the game says something.

    This is his point because, you decide what is happening there, why you are doing everything, and try to understand what may be happening at    The Witness is an exploration and puzzle game without a specific story, which makes its highest point, you walk, solve some puzzles here and there, see some constructions and strange things in the meantime and in no time, the game says something.

    This is his point because, you decide what is happening there, why you are doing everything, and try to understand what may be happening at the game site.

    Another highlight is its setting, the game is beautiful, with different areas and full of mysteries. Its gameplay is based on puzzles to take one point of the panel to another point, following specific rules, the game has more than 500 unique puzzles, but you do not need to complete them all to finish the game, leaving your choice of how to play and even When.

    I recommend it for those who really like puzzles, and want a different game, but chances are you will get sick of it, or even find it meaningless, I recommend watching some videos about it before making the purchase. However I personally do not regret the purchase.    … Expand
  57. GVB
    Oct 30, 2020
    9
    An almost perfect story about obsession and intelligence. Its hard, painfully obscure sometimes... but finish this game without guides or walkthrough its one of the most rewarding experience since finish bloodborne. And its simply beautiful.
  58. The27thSlot
    Jun 29, 2021
    10
    I feel sorry for those who look up answers to puzzles or the puzzle mechanics and then call the game repetitive. The whole point is you have to solve puzzles without actually knowing the mechanics, just knowing that your idea of how they work has allowed you to solve all the previous puzzles. The more you know about this game before you go in, the worse your experience will be.
  59. IAmGood-U
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    One of the best puzzle games of recent years. It really gives you a sense of discovery and intrigue. Definitely play if you like puzzle games.
  60. Giasart
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    Yes, you will get mad at it. Yes, some of the solutions are boringly stupid. But I assure you, the thoughts it generates and the meaning of it all make the sweat worth. The story is scattered, but piecing it together is the real final puzzle.
  61. Giwon
    Jan 22, 2022
    8
    퍼즐 게임을 즐기는 이유는 퍼즐을 풀어냄으로써 얻는 성취감도 있겠지만, 새로운 방식의 퍼즐을 맞닥들이면서 얻는 행복감 또한 크기 때문입니다. The Witness는 이 두가지를 모두 완벽하게 만족시켜주는 게임이었습니다. 관점과 시각의 변화를 기발하게 표현한 퍼즐들을 풀 때는 정말 너무 행복했습니다. 게다가 조화로운 색감과 아름다운 맵 비쥬얼도 즐거움에 큰 역할을 했습니다.

    하지만 이 게임은 아주아주아주 불친절합니다. 친절하고 편리한 게임 시스템이 기반이 되어야 오픈월드 형식의 자유로움을 크게 느낄 수 있을텐데, 귀찮음과 노가다성이 더 부각되는 느낌을 받았습니다. 그리고 고난이도 문제에서 맞닥뜨리게 되는 "어떻게 풀어야 할까?"라는 고민보다 "그래서 뭐 어쩌라고?"라고 느껴지는 납득하기    퍼즐 게임을 즐기는 이유는 퍼즐을 풀어냄으로써 얻는 성취감도 있겠지만, 새로운 방식의 퍼즐을 맞닥들이면서 얻는 행복감 또한 크기 때문입니다. The Witness는 이 두가지를 모두 완벽하게 만족시켜주는 게임이었습니다. 관점과 시각의 변화를 기발하게 표현한 퍼즐들을 풀 때는 정말 너무 행복했습니다. 게다가 조화로운 색감과 아름다운 맵 비쥬얼도 즐거움에 큰 역할을 했습니다.

    하지만 이 게임은 아주아주아주 불친절합니다. 친절하고 편리한 게임 시스템이 기반이 되어야 오픈월드 형식의 자유로움을 크게 느낄 수 있을텐데, 귀찮음과 노가다성이 더 부각되는 느낌을 받았습니다. 그리고 고난이도 문제에서 맞닥뜨리게 되는 "어떻게 풀어야 할까?"라는 고민보다 "그래서 뭐 어쩌라고?"라고 느껴지는 납득하기 힘든 난해한 퍼즐들도 꽤 있었습니다. 내가 뭘 해야될지, 어디로 가야할지, 어떻게 해야 퍼즐이 시작될지에 대한 난감한 상황들이 종종 있었죠.

    "와 어떻게 이렇게 퍼즐을 만들지?"라는 감탄과 "아니 이걸 어떻게 알아... 어쩌라는거야"가 공존하는 퍼즐 게임입니다. 퍼즐게임을 좋아하신다면 구매를 적극 추천하지만, 특히 저처럼 100% 완료를 좋아하는 분들은 불친절한 게임시스템이 가져오는 어마어마한 당황스러움은 각오를 하셔야 합니다.

    Why we enjoy the puzzle games is not only feeling a sense of achievement from solving puzzles, but also get entirely new experiences from new types of puzzle. The Witness satisfies these two things perfectly. When I solved the puzzles through changes in perspective and view point, I was so happy. And view of map is really colorful, harmonious and beautiful.

    But this game is too unkind to user. I am often confused because I don't know what I do, where I go, how to start a puzzle... And some puzzle is too convoluted to understand and solve, not only high-level. On the form of open-world in this game, I just felt bored and repetitive, not freewheeling.

    This game has "Amazing puzzles! Beautiful experience!" and "How can I know this... What the.." both. If you love puzzle games, I recommend this game. But, you should endure the unkindness and confusion from system of this game.    … Expand
  62. ultraviper
    Sep 10, 2019
    8
    This game reminded me a lot of Myst, one of the very first PC games I ever played. In both games you're the only living creature on a mysterious island full of puzzles. And both games are the only ones I've ever needed to use actual pen and paper to get through. The island is colorful and beautifully crafted, with lots of secrets to find, including an entirely optional unique game mechanicThis game reminded me a lot of Myst, one of the very first PC games I ever played. In both games you're the only living creature on a mysterious island full of puzzles. And both games are the only ones I've ever needed to use actual pen and paper to get through. The island is colorful and beautifully crafted, with lots of secrets to find, including an entirely optional unique game mechanic that will change the way you look at everything in the game.

    The puzzles in this are all similar: you have a grid with 1 or more starting points and 1 or more end points, and you have to draw a line between them. But that isn't much of a puzzle so the game complicates things with extra rules, like the line has to pass through certain points, or draw a certain shape. Sometimes there are multiple solutions that cause different things to happen. It all sounds very simple when described like this but the puzzles become brutal when different sets of rules are layered together.

    There isn't really a story; the game is about solving puzzles for the sake of solving puzzles. Which is good since Jonathan Blow's version of storytelling in Braid was giant screens of text in between levels. In The Witness there is no text whatsoever, other than the main menu. All the important communication is told through puzzles, which is done pretty well for the most part. The only words in the game at all come in the form of audio logs of spiritual and philosophical quotes, and a few secret videos, none of which have anything to do with the game and are all easily-ignored pretentiousness typical of Blow.    … Expand
  63. aditya1101
    Jan 5, 2018
    8
    I wish I could give this game a 10/10. There's clearly a ton of work put into it, the puzzle design is super innovative and really well thought through, and the world is absolutely gorgeous and a joy to traverse through. But during my play through, I just kept on feeling my attention slipping and, despite how cool the game was, I just couldn't find the motivation to keep on playing. MaybeI wish I could give this game a 10/10. There's clearly a ton of work put into it, the puzzle design is super innovative and really well thought through, and the world is absolutely gorgeous and a joy to traverse through. But during my play through, I just kept on feeling my attention slipping and, despite how cool the game was, I just couldn't find the motivation to keep on playing. Maybe it's just impossible to build such an expansive game off of such a simple core concept, but this game certainly made an admirable effort to do so.… Expand
  64. TanSula
    Nov 2, 2018
    10
    Это, наверное, лучше во что я играл, красивая, гармоничная и умная игра, которая меняет тебе. Могу сравнивать только с фильмами Тарковского, рекомендую всем.
  65. damaso7
    Jan 6, 2018
    9
    Increíblemente original y novedoso. Es una obra de arte, únicamente mejorable mediante una historia subyacente que sea descubierta y paulatinamente comprensible, siguiendo el concepto de este maravilloso juego.
  66. gold
    Feb 9, 2020
    8
    Множество запрятанных сложных головоломок, мультяшная графика.
    Итог:8.467/10
  67. ChosenUndead99
    Apr 29, 2018
    8
    This puzzle game is really interesting with hundreds of puzzles to solve. You get to explore a large island with lots to discover. Each group of puzzles has a different way of testing you.
  68. Javichuck
    Sep 18, 2018
    8
    Walking simulator y puzzles. 20h he tardado tomándomelo con mucha tranquilidad, se puede completar en menos pero no lo recomiendo. Es un juego bonito, tranquilo y que te ofrece una experiencia personal. Se amolda a cada jugador, a su ritmo y a sus objetivos. Para mi, es el juego más bonito que he podido disfrutar, es una pena que no esté doblado al español porque lo habría disfrutado muchoWalking simulator y puzzles. 20h he tardado tomándomelo con mucha tranquilidad, se puede completar en menos pero no lo recomiendo. Es un juego bonito, tranquilo y que te ofrece una experiencia personal. Se amolda a cada jugador, a su ritmo y a sus objetivos. Para mi, es el juego más bonito que he podido disfrutar, es una pena que no esté doblado al español porque lo habría disfrutado mucho más, aunque para completarlo no es necesario leer ni escuchar nada. Es un juego para tomárselo con calma, disfrutar, relajarse y hacer unos cuantos puzzles. Si te gusta puedes ir un poco más allá completando puzzles opcionales y explorando todo el mapa que siempre te guardará alguna sorpresa. Arte 10, Jugabilidad 8, Historia 8.… Expand
  69. HubertKulesz
    Nov 3, 2018
    8
    The Witness is an excellent trainer of a wit and logical thinking. If you like puzzle games and are up for a challenge, The Witness is your game. It offers over thirty hours of highly cerebral gameplay that will delight every fan of "intelligent" games, yet is open enough to let more casual players explore its landscapes.
  70. mno
    Sep 25, 2018
    9
    It's a brilliant game. It's unique and it has style. The exploration is so much fun because the island is so beautiful, diverse and feels logical. Some puzzles feel awkward, too hard, lack some variety or feel more like work than being fun but for the vast majority it's a puzzle feast.
  71. barawekek
    Dec 6, 2018
    9
    Я могу назвать это лучшей головоломкой за всю историю видеоигр. Игра совмещает в себе СЛИШКОМ МНОГО различных механик, и бросает вызов игроку. На решение некоторых паззлов может уйти не один час, однако для головоломок это наоборот хорошо. Приправлено все это великолепной графикой, из-за чего играть в игру просто приятно. Да, эту игру можно считать, пожалуй, одним из самых сложных квестов,Я могу назвать это лучшей головоломкой за всю историю видеоигр. Игра совмещает в себе СЛИШКОМ МНОГО различных механик, и бросает вызов игроку. На решение некоторых паззлов может уйти не один час, однако для головоломок это наоборот хорошо. Приправлено все это великолепной графикой, из-за чего играть в игру просто приятно. Да, эту игру можно считать, пожалуй, одним из самых сложных квестов, однако попробовать пройти его должен, как я считаю, каждый.… Expand
  72. natth4545
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    Easily the best puzzle game of all time in terms of gameplay. Most puzzle games you simply repeat a process over and over again. This game is not about that. It is about figuring out the rules to a puzzle.
  73. kycokkycka
    Jan 12, 2019
    10
    All those moments will be lost in time All those moments will be lost in time
  74. PeakZach
    Mar 4, 2020
    9
    Beautiful, lots of discover, and the perfect challenge. This game will become a regular rotation on my list.
  75. rangajeezus
    Jun 3, 2019
    10
    Very truly, it is the greatest game ever made. I've never experienced a single bug, glitch or mistake. Unparalleled levels of polish and complexity in thematic composition and expression.
  76. Shadran
    Nov 6, 2019
    9
    Amazing puzzle game. This game is highly rewarding for people with sens for details. Learning system is very unique wich smoothly pushes player to exploring and trying new approaches after learning more about puzzles wich unlocks more places to explore and just like that, you sink hours and hours of gameplay in really well made game.
  77. Lazzakz
    Aug 21, 2023
    10
    Greatest puzzle game ever made. Simply one of the most touching and deep experiences to have with any game.

    10
  78. amazingmold46
    Mar 2, 2020
    9
    And absolutely gorgeous puzzle adventure game that somehow manages to keep line puzzles fun and engaging from beginning to end. If your not into puzzle games already though, this definitely won't change your mind.
  79. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 8
  80. DrAMaximus
    Aug 29, 2023
    9
    Я бы сказал что эта игра - своего рода полигон, где в игровой форме, через созерцание различных идей, концепций и абстракций, происходит стимулирование игрока на размышления, а также его знакомство с иными способами смотреть на одни и те же вещи. При этом какого то конкретного авторского высказывания я не заметил, должно быть нам просто хотели подарить радость от исследования и открытияЯ бы сказал что эта игра - своего рода полигон, где в игровой форме, через созерцание различных идей, концепций и абстракций, происходит стимулирование игрока на размышления, а также его знакомство с иными способами смотреть на одни и те же вещи. При этом какого то конкретного авторского высказывания я не заметил, должно быть нам просто хотели подарить радость от исследования и открытия чего то нового. Мне кажется что любая оценка этой игры будет строго субъективной, но для меня это был очень интересный опыт. Так что рекомендую всем любителям загадок как минимум обратить внимание на данный проект.… Expand
  81. ChiIIaoi
    Apr 6, 2023
    10
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro jogo:
    Jogo mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  82. liane80
    Jun 2, 2023
    10
    A Masterpiece in Puzzle Game Design. When you restart the game after finishing it for the first time you see the game's world through different eyes. It has one of the most fascinating easter eggs of all time. I recommend it!

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PC Game of 2016
37
#37 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
63
#63 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. High-Def Digest
    Apr 10, 2016
    60
    Video games are unequivocally a form of art. But like all art, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With 'The Witness' I feel like I’m in an art gallery watching a gaggle of admirers who are looking at a piece together, commenting on its style and how it makes them feel. I’m the guy standing off to the side, not with them but looking at the same painting. I can admit that it’s pretty, but it doesn’t really evoke a significant response, and so I shrug and move on to the next.
    Read full review
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 31, 2016
    92
    The Witness is a “just” puzzle game as much as orgasm is just a feeling. [March 2016]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Mar 22, 2016
    100
    The most beautiful IQ test under the sun? The Witness is much more than that. Celebration of human intelligence and lament to the fate that results from it. [Issue # 261]
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