Viewfinder Reviews
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
Viewfinder raises and mixes a great series of mechanics where images and perspective play a crucial role to solve the puzzles that the game poses.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Viewfinder is a beautiful example of not needing bombastic stories, realistic graphics, or a billion different ideas to make a great game. Sometimes, all it takes is one idea. Something new, something special, something extraordinary. And that's precisely how this puzzle title can be described.
Review in Czech | Read full review
It really is a remarkable game, and in a year that’s been blessed with way more than its fair share of standout games, I’d put Viewfinder on the same level as any of them.
More than its main mechanic, where we can bring to life all the objects we photograph, Viewfinder surprises by never losing its desire to astonish the player and provide new mechanics and puzzles throughout the campaign.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Viewfinder explores an interesting concept that greatly uses perspective to build entertaining puzzles that do some really interesting things, but in the end I left the experience with the feeling that more could have been done, and some of the new mechanics introduced towards the end don't really get to shine.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Viewfinder is one of the most complete and compelling puzzlers in years with a unique hook that seperates it from the rest of the pack. The aesthetics are mind-melting and the concepts are dazzling, despite the short length and the ease at which you can cruise through the game. All told, Viewfinder is one you won’t soon forget and a game we’ll look back on with the greatest fondness for generations to come.
While it is on the short side, what Viewfinder does is remind us that there are still universes of awesome new mechanics and concepts for gaming to explore. The ability to drop a 2D photo’s physical contents into any 3D space at any time and have it work flawlessly is something you have to experience yourself to understand. With gently ambient music, soothingly warm visuals, and a brief but thoroughly worthwhile story, you’ll be effortlessly absorbed into its magical world. Viewfinder has such a unique, well-executed premise, it takes the whole puzzle genre into the darkroom and develops it into something wonderfully new.
An ode to the creative spark is a direct correlation to all that is precious in our lives. Architecture, philosophy, and art are just as valuable as the nature that surrounds us, and Viewfinder urges us to look at things from a different perspective and challenge our worldview if it does not fit the task presented. Adapting and astute minds will flourish and appreciate the test that Viewfinder proposes in more ways than one.
Viewfinder is a wonderfully unique puzzling experience that’ll keep players bedazzled with its world-altering gameplay mechanics. I was constantly left in awe when I saw these 2D images manifest into the 3D world, whilst the puzzles are meticulously designed to creatively embrace the changes you make in some ridiculously clever ways (even IF it is possible to exploit a few of them). And with plenty of new ideas introduced as you progress, there’s always SOMETHING different to do to alter the imaginatively designed world. It’s just an excellent puzzler and one that feels wholly unique in what it does, because believe me, there’s nothing out there quite like Viewfinder.
Viewfinder is a short and sharp exploration of a strong concept that builds an unimposing space to play with those ideas, and fosters a mild, continual hum of gratification as you go on that journey. A pleasant exercise in gently massaging your brain synapses, it’s like a brisk refreshment that leaves you feeling slightly more satisfied when you’re done.
Viewfinder might not be a particularly long experience, but I never stopped loving its unique photographic magic trick.
While it may not rely heavily on a traditional narrative, Viewfinder's mind-boggling puzzles and immersive photo-based mechanics make it a standout experience.
Viewfinder is a puzzle game that, on the surface, does the genre justice. Starting from a remarkable concept and presented through well thought out mechanics, deep down the game is limited in developing its ideas to more complex and surprising levels. Just like the gameplay, the narrative and visual aesthetics are always pleasant and keep the appeal of quiet fun, but the undeveloped potential is very clear. Even though it's a good game while it lasts, its moderation in exploring its own limits prevents it from being memorable and putting itself alongside the great puzzle titles.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
While slightly too short, what content Viewfinder does have is top notch and occasionally mind bending, matched with a bittersweet but relatable story about friendship, failure, and hope.
With its intelligent puzzles and interesting narrative, Sad Owl Studios' puzzle game leaves a lasting impression and resonates beyond its brief collection of levels.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Amidst all the consistent sequels, remakes, and remasters, Viewfinder beckons to me out of the corner of my eye. It seems playful, creative, and visually stunning in a way all its own, so I can't help but love it. I've had hundreds of images merge with the game world now, and even the 101st time still leaves me intrigued by how well the perspective gameplay actually works. It doesn't take the effects fireworks of Final Fantasy XVI or the graphical opulence of a Horizon: Forbidden West to wow me on a visual level. It's also simply enough to blow my physical imagination around the spatial and let me immerse myself in it at the same time. The rather subliminal story wouldn't have even been needed there. What it would have needed, if anything, was a more challenging first third and maybe a moment or two more that would have made me less inhibited in my creativity by a clearly prescribed course of action. Viewfinder is still a wonderful experience for those who can engage in a very unique way of puzzling. And if you're unsure, play the demo!
Review in German | Read full review
Viewfinder is a complete innovation in the world of puzzle games that offers something completely new and at the same time is brilliantly executed.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Viewfinder needs to be celebrated as one of the freshest, coolest and mind-blowing puzzle games that you've probably ever played.
Viewfinder is one of the most unique puzzle games out there right now. It feels like a Myst or a The Witness with its deep lore and beautifully-rendered world. It feels hopeful and lovely. It messes with your head like Echochrome. It feels gorgeous and real. The characters are charming, unique, and special. The puzzles are challenging and well done. Each set of levels is distinct; each plays with the favourite kind of puzzles of the scientist that lived in it. The whole thing feels lived in, worked in, and loved. Overall, I cannot be happier with Viewfinder than I am. This game is a complete experience and one that I was very sad to see end. I am absolutely blown away by the game’s physics, how polished it is, and how well everything works together. In all honesty, I don’t think two thumbs up is enough.