The Witness

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 82
  3. Negative: 2 out of 82
  1. CD-Action
    Mar 30, 2016
    70
    To truly succeed, a puzzle game needs to be innovative, like Portal or Antichamber. Unfortunately The Witness lacks that quality. [03/2016, p.54]
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  2. PSNStores
    Feb 26, 2016
    70
    I found the experience about as thrilling as a sudoku book.
  3. Metro GameCentral
    Jan 25, 2016
    70
    A colossal achievement in puzzle gaming, with a very cleverly conceived setting and story, but the lack of variety and reward becomes stifling.
  5. GamesBeat
    Jan 25, 2016
    70
    Games don’t have to be fun. They can have more value than that. And I’m not saying The Witness can’t be fun, but it’s just as often frustrating.
  6. PlayStation Universe
    Jan 25, 2016
    65
    The Witness, at the end of the day, revolves around one’s ability to interpret and solve complex puzzles. The island is gorgeous and memorable while the gameplay itself is as smooth as silk, but there’s no way around the constant need to solve the next puzzle. It is the ultimate stonewalling challenge rewarded only by rare success.
  7. TheSixthAxis
    Feb 1, 2016
    60
    Unique, divisive, and fiendishly clever, there are bound to be those who love it and those who absolutely hate it. Then there are those, like myself, who fall somewhere in between, able to appreciate Thekla’s achievements but frustrated at how The Witness continues to build a wall around itself, as if guarding a secret from its players.
  8. Yahoo!
    Jan 28, 2016
    60
    Too often while playing The Witness, I realized that there were a lot of other things I’d rather be doing than playing The Witness. I respect it; I admire it. I just didn’t enjoy it all that much.
  9. GamesRadar+
    Jan 25, 2016
    60
    As brilliant as it is infuriating, The Witness' ingenious puzzles all too easily have their shine worn away by length and a constantly extending complexity.
  10. CGMagazine
    Feb 17, 2016
    50
    You'll either love or hate The Witness as it will either make you feel smart or stupid. If you don't love puzzles and deep philosophical thoughts, perhaps avoid this one.
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In Progress & Unscored

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  1. Wired
    Jan 25, 2016
    Frankly, I think I might hate The Witness. Even after hours of playtime, I don’t know enough to tell.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PS4 Game of 2016
24
#24 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
23
#23 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 853 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 557 out of 853
  2. Mixed: 148 out of 853
  3. Negative: 148 out of 853
  1. Huffyupp
    Jan 27, 2016
    6
    After about four hours, I grew tired of the endless iteration on the same basic mechanic. The world is beautiful, but the puzzles are soAfter about four hours, I grew tired of the endless iteration on the same basic mechanic. The world is beautiful, but the puzzles are so disconnected from any real physical process or interaction with the setting that it really does just feel like a couple hundred puzzles you might find in a free to play phone game, plopped into a nice landscape. Bottom line: When I solved a puzzle, I didn't feel intelligent. I didn't really feel anything except relief, until the next puzzle, and repeat that 600 times.… Full Review »
  2. Allthat
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    The Witness is a puzzle game that essentially revolves around only one type of puzzle. Although there are variations to it, you’ll basicallyThe Witness is a puzzle game that essentially revolves around only one type of puzzle. Although there are variations to it, you’ll basically spend your time going around solving finger maze puzzles. However there is an environmental element to the puzzles where you’ll find solutions in the world around you. That in my opinion is a really clever implementation by Jonathan Blow (the genius who made Braid). But don’t let finger puzzles put you off... play this game, the world of The Witness is absolutely breathtaking and there is a good story behind all the puzzles even though it is quite subtle.
    In my honest opinion this game is better than The Talos Principle and is on par if not better than the original Myst Games. However my biggest concern is the price, 40 dollars is just too much for an indie game with only one mechanic. The game itself however is an absolute joy and possibly one of the games of the year.    … Full Review »
  3. Winterspark
    Jan 27, 2016
    4
    You just get the feeling this game is too smug and superior for its own good. Its the video game equivalent of some eastern European oscarYou just get the feeling this game is too smug and superior for its own good. Its the video game equivalent of some eastern European oscar winning art film about a disabled gay refugee overcoming adversity in deepest Siberia or the like. I am sure its a wonderful technical achievement on some level but to be quite honest, its video game and I want a reasonable combination of rewarding and fun, rather than going hunting for it amidst some sterile puzzles.… Full Review »
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