Viewfinder Reviews
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.
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
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.