Observation

 Xbox One
Metascore
tbd

No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. TheXboxHub
    Jul 12, 2020
    90
    This 6-to-8-hour game is a perfect indie title, especially when you take into account the low price compared to the amount of production that has gone into every molecule of it. The story is fantastic and works beautifully from beginning to end, and the concept and AI interface gameplay ensure that Observation on Xbox One is the most unique thing I’ve played for a long while.
  2. SomosXbox
    Jun 30, 2020
    90
    Observation is one of the many wonders of the Xbox Game Pass catalogue. The No Code game brings us a unique adventure, with a compelling narrative and an experience that will stay with us long after the game is over.
  3. Xbox Achievements
    Jun 26, 2020
    80
    Observation is without a doubt one of the best puzzle games of the year. You’ll be instantly drawn into the story within the first few moments of being S.A.M. and become completely enraptured.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Jul 30, 2020
    9
    Observation begins as a mission in space that astronauts are sent up to conduct experiments but that goes wrong, as a number of errors raceObservation begins as a mission in space that astronauts are sent up to conduct experiments but that goes wrong, as a number of errors race through the processing core of "Sam", who is you the the station’s AI. The twist here is that, while astronaut Emma Fisher is stranded and relies on Sam, you’re not in control of Emma. As Sam you are limited in what you can do. The event comes to be known, has left Sam with a lot of core memory loss, so its prime mission is to repair itself as well as gather information to help successfully complete Emma’s goals. As the game’s title “observation” is how Sam completes tasks. Dotted throughout the station are a network of cameras which can be controlled by Sam and, by extension, allow him to wirelessly connect to systems such as laptops and hatch controls. Documents can also be scanned to give a background to the crew to upgrade Sam’s firmware so more complex tasks can be completed. Observation isn’t a horror game, but there are moments with a sense of doom. Even though you are an AI that is built into the station, some parts make you feel as vulnerable as Emma side you have no control over her ultimately. There are a lot of instances where Sam relies on Emma to help, just like Emma relies on Sam’s or in other words you. Overall an excellent story and immersive environment. The sound design is well done throughout the game, which can increase that feeling of doom and worry as you navigate a darkest parts of the station. The graphics and visual design bodes well for affecting the mood of a scenes. It looks fantastic. The development team at No Code have put a lot of work into this game. It’s a highly recommended title for your Xbox One library. Fans of the genre or nor there is something here worth exploring for all gamers.… Full Review »
  2. lukaszsw
    Jul 20, 2020
    6
    The story itself is interesting - wake up on the station, in the orbit of Saturn, only a single crew member accounted for. You are a computerThe story itself is interesting - wake up on the station, in the orbit of Saturn, only a single crew member accounted for. You are a computer AI in control of some aspects of the station.. A sci-fi horror/thriller though it was not scary for me as there is no sense of danger to an AI controlling cameras. Even power outages and flying your camera sphere around wasn't that scary. The story is quite interesting, unraveled mostly through reading past voice messages. There are some truly brilliant moments.

    The game play is not brilliant unfortunately. Take this - to access any of 100+ objects (door controls/laptops) you have to hold A and than enter 3 buttons - not in order, without any restrictions - it is just busywork. Other example - a couple of times you have to play a mini game of Simon Says - 3 symbols out of 8 in three rounds. It doesn't get harder, it is the same every time. It not challenging for anyone above 5. There are no meaningful puzzles in the game.
    One other infuriating element is that you have to maneuver through and outside the station and interact with certain objects. Only you have no idea what they look like and spend too much time to figure it out.

    The ending is confusing and I'd say not satisfying. It seems that some story elements where added without a reason other then that they are sci-fi tropes or horror tropes.

    Good for space sci-fi fans. Play if you don't have anything else in mind.    … Full Review »
  3. DanMaul
    Nov 17, 2022
    8
    It feels like this is somewhat of a hidden gem since I haven't seen that many people talk about it, but if you're into horror/sci-fi storiesIt feels like this is somewhat of a hidden gem since I haven't seen that many people talk about it, but if you're into horror/sci-fi stories and mini-puzzle games definitely give this one a go. Short (I finished it in about 5 hours and I took my time), incredibly atmospheric, and with a great mysterious story. Most (though not all) of the puzzles are also quite creative and fun to go through and some of them felt fairly challenging at least to me.

    As a downside I feel the movement and camera controls could definitely be better, and it's very easy to get lost and have no idea where you're going until you get the hang of it. But if you persist you are in for quite a ride.

    8.5/10 for me, definitely recommend it especially for fans of the genre.    … Full Review »
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