Observation Critic Reviews

I ripped through Observation in one six-hour sitting, propelled forward by the novel blend of challenging puzzles and gripping storytelling. Though at first glance, Observation may appear to be your traditional first-person horror game, I’ve never played anything quite like it. Challenging and unnerving in equal measure, Observation shouldn’t be missed by anyone in search of a mind-bending and unsettling thrill.

Observation is a fantastic game, bringing gripping science fiction and unique gameplay together for a truly remarkable experience.

Observation's novel approach to puzzle design and gripping plot combine to create a unique science-fiction experience.

If you’re after an experience like no other, that will challenge your problem-solving skills in logical and believable ways, you absolutely need to play Observation. It’s one of the most compelling and surprising games I’ve played in recent years. Its biggest achievement, though, is that it didn’t make me feel like I was playing a game; it made me feel like I was genuinely assisting a crew member in distress.

We don't get many games that aspire to be true and honest works of art, but Observation is one.

Observation is a thought provoking, eerie space drama with dubious computers, failing equipment, and very threatening geometry. Don’t let it get away from you.

Observation is an unnerving, beautiful, and captivating space station thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The No Code space odyssey will delight those in the genre and those looking for a playful experience that only a great indie could offer.

Observation spins a chilling and seductive science fiction tale of suspense and mystery, juxtaposed against strong adventure gameplay and stellar production values.

Observation is a fantastic interactive adventure, with great ideas when it comes to puzzles and gameplay mechanics, as well as an outstanding story and narrative.

Observation uses the unfathomable vastness of space to wonderful effect, conjuring a palpable sense of both isolation and dread that rarely falters across the six or seven hours it'll take for you to see it though. Minor quibbles with some aspects of the storytelling and a couple of quality of life issues don't detract from what is an engrossing adventure that thrills far more frequently than it frustrates.

Observation is a sci-fi thriller that puts you in a situation quite unlike any other. You never quite know what to expect, but the writing is solid enough to make sense even at its most unbelievable, and the characters of Sam and Emma really grow on you. A few niggly navigational hiccups and a couple of dull puzzles can break the immersion a bit, but even so any sci-fi fan should have a look at Observation.

It feels personal and emotional, even if the ending is decidedly oblique. After a rush of pure action games, this is a welcome palate cleanser; a game that really just wants to tell a spooky, evocative, and engaging story. At maybe 5-7 hours (if that) Observation isn’t a huge time sink either, but will likely be a game that sticks in your mind long after you put the controller down.

No Code’s sophomore title nails the organic intricacies of feeling like an artificial intelligence system while also telling a compelling and ambitious science fiction narrative.

An exquisite atmosphere and fresh premise make up for some slightly obtuse puzzles. Observation brims with ideas and images that fill your head.

Despite those occasionals falter — and a somewhat polarising, disappointing ending — I was desperate to complete Observation to get to the bottom of its mystery. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately went out to acquire No Code’s last game, Stories Untold.

Observation is an intriguing, sometimes terrifying, sci-fi thriller. Exploration and puzzle solving, combined with a great atmosphere, create a unique tribute to some classic movies such as Alien, 2001 A Space Odyssey, MOON and Gravity.

Observation isn't perfect, particularly with gameplay that some players may find a little restrictive. However, No Code has once again managed to tell a chilling horror story, this time wrapped up in mind-bending elements that will likely have players thinking on them for weeks to come.

Observation is an important confirmation for No Code. Despite a slight puzzle solving component, the sci-fi horror adventure captures and convinces thanks to a great atmosphere and a well written story, just as it fascinates the new perspective change and a good technical sector.

My frustration never soured my enjoyment of Observation’s story and its wonderfully unnerving atmosphere.