Observation Reviews

Observation is ranked in the 63rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
IGN
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
May 21, 2019

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

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May 21, 2019

Inspired by sci-fi classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Observation delivers an unnerving story with a creepy atmosphere that goes to waste thanks to poor gameplay.

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Recommended
May 21, 2019

A smart sci-fi that isn't without problems, though they're balanced out by an incredible amount of style.

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Andy Kelly
Top Critic
82 / 100
May 21, 2019

A stylish, understated, and subtly chilling psychological thriller with a compelling mystery at its core.

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9 / 10.0
May 21, 2019

Observation is a fantastic horror game thanks to its twisting plot, well-realized setting, and challenging puzzles

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8 / 10
May 29, 2019

Observation, a creepy space-station thriller in which you control an AI, is equal parts mysterious and compelling. And, it looks amazing.

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Polygon
Toussaint Egan
Top Critic
Unscored
May 21, 2019

The key to crafting an effective user interface, via video game or otherwise, is a careful balancing act of priorities both aesthetic and utilitarian. The location of the interface, how it functions, who is the user, and how is the interface meant to be seen are all questions and considerations that inform the shape and presentation of a plausible, functional user interface.

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4 / 5.0
May 21, 2019

While it could have done more with its central concept, Observation is a terrific, thrilling adventure game and a superb follow-up for No Code. The blend of the realistic workings of space exploration along with more bizarre elements is perfectly executed and creates an engrossing story with a haunting atmosphere that you'll want to see through.

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Unscored
May 21, 2019

Observation is clever, but it’s also astoundingly dumb.

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8 / 10.0
May 22, 2019
Observation - Easy Allies Review video thumbnail
9 / 10.0
May 21, 2019

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

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VideoGamer
Josh Wise
Top Critic
8 / 10
May 21, 2019

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

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7.8 / 10.0
May 21, 2019

No Code presents another story that catches us from the first moment in which they have taken much care of both the atmosphere and the ambience. A thriller that we will want to play without stopping to solve all the mysteries that it contains.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

DualShockers
Ricky Frech
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
May 21, 2019

Like Stories Untold before it, Observation is game that I think you really need to play to appreciate how masterful No Code is at setting a tone and building a compelling world for players to explore

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7.8 / 10.0
May 22, 2019

Observation has his flaws (mainly in the technical side), but is a great example of how videogames can come up with new ways of telling stories.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Metro GameCentral
Top Critic
3 / 10
May 22, 2019

2001 is hardly the most obvious movie to use as inspiration for a video game and perhaps predictably the end result suffers from slow-pacing and a lack of meaningful interaction.

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80 / 100
May 21, 2019

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 or Gravity.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8 / 10
May 21, 2019

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.

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9 / 10.0
May 21, 2019

If No Code hadn't already gotten its name out there as a strong storyteller with Stories Untold, this game would've put the studio on the map. Observation is everything I hoped it would be.

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6.5 / 10.0
May 21, 2019

Overall, Observation has a handful of issues but is still an enjoyable game if you're a fan of the puzzle and sci-fi genre. It takes around 8-10 hours to play through, which I believe is enough content to justify the $25 price tag. Despite only having one centralized location and some confusing puzzles along the way, the overall player controls and narrative of the story are intriguing enough to draw you in for the journey through space.

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