The Signifier Reviews
The Signifier is almost an essential experience for anybody looking for a sophisticated and complex meditation on the effects of technological progress on the nature of humanity but as a game it doesn't quite hang together. Even more frustrating is the fact that its short running time means that it ends just as it's starting to find its feet. As a result it's a title that I am really glad that I have played but can't fully commit to recommending it.
I was expecting to like The Signifier VR more than I did. On paper, it’s got a really cool premise that seemed to offer similarities to Heavy Rain or even the best aspects of Cyberpunk 2077. But the move to VR doesn’t seem to have added much other than slightly downgraded visuals. If you enjoy walking simulators and point and click adventures, then this might be your jam. But otherwise, wait for The Signifier VR to go on sale.
I did not play the original release, so I can’t compare this new version to the old or verify its improvements or the effectiveness of its multiple ending variants, but if the game’s frequent load times have been improved, they must have been really egregious before. In the end, although The Signifier Director’s Cut has a solid intellectual conceit and an interesting story to tell, I’m just not convinced that a point-and-click puzzle game is the ideal medium for telling it. Despite its improvements, it’s still rough around the edges in lots of little ways. Still, the new release of the game manages to drop more than a few thought bombs for later contemplation, so while The Signifier Director’s Cut lacks in polish and execution, it is worth checking out for fans of the point-and-click genre and brainy games in general.
The Signifier have a quite an original concept, but falls short to hold any momentum with repetative sections and and a mess of hastily forgotten plot points. If only the dev team had a bigger budget, then maybe this game could become something entirely else.
Review in Russian | Read full review
The Signifier is an ambitious game that is also aware of its limits. Unfortunately, that is not enough to elevate it among the greats. It offers a great, alienating and at times disturbing atmosphere, but its strongest suit is tackling issues that force the player out of his comfort zone. Unfortunately, mechanics are not as strong as the atmosphere, which makes the short duration (about six hours) a good choice. The ending is a bit fuzzy, however – and probably a setup for a sequel.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It's clearly well thought out, but in execution The Signifer doesn't quite match up to its intriguing concept and utterly convincing setting. The latter are so strong, though, that they keep you engaged even as you grapple with clunkier gameplay aspects and an abrupt ending. Ambitious, cerebral, worth investigating.
The Signifier is a sign of something great. Its story is intriguing and the way it conceptualises all its effort is wonderful. That being said, the general presentation lets it down somewhat and the short playtime left me wanting much more.
The Signifier is an intriguing adventure game/ walking simulator with a compelling story and unique design aspects. The presentation can be a bit janky, but the game has definitely stuck in my mind since finishing it.
The Signifier promises a lot, but doesn't deliver. However, you can't deny Playmestudio have made something unique and I look forward to seeing future titles from the studio.
The Signifier is a relatively solid interactive experience where you dive deeply into the ideas of self, psychology, technology, and the eventually marrying of the two and the potential ramifications. The mindscape, and some of the creepy factors within, are the best parts of the game and something I recommend anyone see at least once, given how it's presented. But, I also wonder if there's enough meat to the average gamer. It's an intriguing enough story with some twists, but there's only so much to do.
The great ideas within The Signifier make it all the more frustrating when the overall experience doesn’t leave you with anything memorable. If it were expanded upon, the sum of its parts could make an amazing experience. The game has some shining moments in the memory sequences, but its ending does nothing with the fascinating threads offered up by its middle.
The Signifier is an intriguing and enjoyable narrative-driven game that benefits from proper pacing and discovery mixed with a very interesting setting and environments.
The Signifier is a thought-provoking, dark sci-fi opera that revolves around controversail themes like subconscious manipulation and violated memories.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you are looking for a Walking Simulator with a great story and lots of innovations, The Signifier might be a good option for you. A game that will be one of your most unique experiences ever even though it's suffering from some fundamental issues.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Behind The Signifier's exciting façade, lies an unexciting walking sim. The story is pretty interesting despite its flaws, and the simulation of the trip to one's memories looks great despite the low budget used, but the actual gameplay just doesn't cut it, mainly because players won't really have to think much, and instead just go through the necessary motions required to move on, repeating the process for a couple of hours.
Gamers who love immersion and emotional experiences should dive deep into the memories and dreams The Signifier offers, even if the gameplay is a little limited and the ending fails to live up to the initial excitement. And I truly hope that a sequel or a spin-off is in development to take advantage of all the solid groundwork that the developers created.
The game is a genuinely fun experience. And like with most VR games today, it still has its share of glitches. There’s certainly frustrating but they aren’t so major that I will avoid coming back to The Signifier. As much as I gripe about the glitches, it is a genuinely good time playing. If you’re going to get into this game, you might want to dedicate a whole afternoon to playing.
This new version is on the one hand a technical improvement in terms of optimization, speed and performance, but also the playable content is expanded, including more memories, dialogues, decisions and even three new endings to add to those that were already in the original edition. , multiplying the replayability of the title.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Signifier is a very interesting investigation game due to its strong atmosphere of suspense and sci-fi ambience. With several thought-provoking elements in the story, fans of adventure titles in general can feel truly rewarded by the game if they like more open works, which evoke reflection. However, the many small misunderstandings prevent the game from reaching its potential.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review