Viewfinder Reviews
The core gameplay hook of shifting reality via photography is incredibly well implemented. This results in an incredibly fun experience from start to finish.
Viewfinder invents an entirely new kind of puzzle, then proceeds to flip it around and explore it from every possible angle. Despite a disappointing narrative, the creativity and character packed into that simulated world is inspirational and bloody good fun.
We definitely recommend it to all fans of inventive puzzles who do not need hardcore complexity and a powerful challenge for the brain. Connoisseurs of elegant level design - too. One of the most talked-about indie games of the summer of 2023 lives up to expectations, albeit not completely.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Viewfinder satisfied my recent puzzle curiosity and my search for new mechanics. Perfectly executed.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
An outstanding first-person puzzle experience that stands out
Viewfinder is a delightfully fresh and enjoyable puzzler. The unique photo dropping gimmick is implemented perfectly, and repeatedly built upon over the course of the campaign. Some elements outside of the gameplay could have used work, but this is still a solid debut effort.
Viewfinder is one of those games that deserves to be highlighted for its simplicity and execution of ideas. A game with a simple narrative and creative puzzles that keep getting more and more interesting. All of this is accompanied by a relaxing soundtrack and beautiful graphics, in addition, of course, to the friendly CAIT that makes our journey through Viewfinder even more pleasant.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Viewfinder is a great debut for Sad Owl Studios. The game is visually appealing and has a cozy feeling to it, with innovative puzzles that are different than your usual puzzle game.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Mind-bending first-person puzzlers don't get much better than Viewfinder so play it if you enjoy games like Portal and Superliminal.
What a ride that was! Viewfinder was pretty much exactly what I expected going into it and fortunately stayed that way the whole time. No matter how hard or easy a puzzle or chapter was, I always felt great completing a level. There aren’t a lot of negatives to say about the game, just an easy recommendation for those who enjoy puzzles and particularly ones that make you think outside the box.
There are puzzle games that appeal to the eyes... and the brain. Sad Owl Studios' offering achieves both thanks to a concept never seen before, using photographs and the ability to alter them. The changes in perspective, the shots, the puzzle solving...
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Much like games like Portal and Blue Prince before it, Viewfinder is a puzzle masterpiece that is appointment gaming for absolutely everyone.
Viewfinder is not just a puzzle experience; it is a serene artistic journey filled with innovation and exploration. It offers a distinct experience away from traditional action games, blending visual beauty, indirect storytelling, and puzzles. If you are looking for a unique gameplay experience, Viewfinder is well worth giving a chance to immerse yourself in its mysterious and creative world.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Viewfinder is a brilliantly creative puzzle game that constantly forces you to think outside the box through level design that never fails to impress, and a gameplay loop that is fun from start to finish. However, the lackluster narrative, irritating dialogue, and major softlocking glitch prevent it from being truly great.
While Viewfinder’s story didn’t pull me in or leave me desperate to unravel the narrative threads, the concept, level design and puzzles on offer here are fantastic, filled with clever ideas and creativity. This is pure video game magic, manipulating imagination itself. Is there any better game than one that makes you exclaim aloud – “Look how cool this is!“?
Viewfinder reshapes the world into a beautiful reality that will have players completely engrossed in the thought-provoking puzzles it presents. Despite its often disjointed story, it offers a surreal experience that players will be talking about for years to come.
Viewfinder is a damn original puzzle game. The basic idea is excellently developed, thanks mainly to the enormous variety of situations we will experience in the course of the adventure. Nevertheless, we would have preferred something ludically more ambitious, while recognizing the huge design implications closely related to the game concept itself.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Good debut for Sad Owl Studios. Viewfinder is a brilliant puzzle game but doesn't go beyond well-trodden mechanics, preventing it from reaching excellence.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Viewfinder is a wonderful demonstration of what games can be and how they can be played. While its story really struggles to come through, the brilliant puzzles, lovely world, and ingenious play more than compensate.
Viewfinder is a brilliant puzzle game. Taking inspiration of games like The Witness or Portal, Viewfinder is not only accesible for people not too fond of the genre but also has a great difficulty curve without feeling too handholdy. The game has a great pacing and doesn't overstay its time, although the story and its characters might be a little more robust.
Review in Spanish | Read full review