Observation

 PC
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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 176 Ratings

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  • Summary: Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Players assume the role of S.A.M. by operating the station’s control systems, cameras, and tools to assist Emma inObservation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Players assume the role of S.A.M. by operating the station’s control systems, cameras, and tools to assist Emma in discovering what is happening to the station, the vanished crew, and S.A.M. himself.… Expand

Trailer

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Observation - Launch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Impulsegamer
    Jun 13, 2019
    90
    Overall it’s a fresh change from the standard jump scare, or shooter mechanic that we have so much of today. It’s a compelling story and one worth putting some time into puzzle solving to uncover. The game is pretty forgiving and not too taxing so if you like a bit of problem solving in a sci-fi setting, this might be just up your alley.
  2. PCWorld
    May 21, 2019
    90
    Observation is grander than Stories Untold, more ambitious by half, but equally fascinating and inventive. It’s a pastiche of science fiction new and old but knows when to lean into expectations and when to subvert them, and its approach to mechanical realism is so uncompromising it becomes an artistic statement instead of mere mimicry. I’m already curious what’s next.
  3. Hooked Gamers
    Jun 12, 2019
    85
    While Observation isn’t perfect, developer No Code has managed to create something truly unique. It’s a word that’s used way too often, but I’ve never played anything quite like it. Some will find the gameplay a little restrictive or the lack of handholding frustrating, but the challenging puzzles and compelling narrative create an unforgettable experience. If you favor a good thrilling story with replay value then you shouldn’t miss out on Observation.
  4. Meristation
    May 21, 2019
    80
    No Codes's new production is a narrative adventure that allows you to play as the AI of a space station. A wonderfully written thriller with rich storytelling and background.
  5. Easy Allies
    May 22, 2019
    80
    Regardless of a few dry spells, it’s where this seven-hour adventure takes you that’s most compelling. It isn’t a branching narrative, but there are multiple layers to how events unfold, and the game puts you in the middle of complex situations without over-explaining them, making them just as bewildering as if you were really there. It’s well worth grabbing a pair of headphones, turning out the lights, and seeing where this dark tale leads.
  6. Jeuxvideo.com
    May 22, 2019
    75
    Obversation is a weird little game. With little means, it dares jostle the player and has a good balance between its unique gameplay and its sci-fi scenario. A true UFO.
  7. Gameplanet
    May 28, 2019
    50
    Observation is undeniably beautiful, but it is also vapid and shallow. An interesting premise is let down by simple puzzles and awkward controls. While the game does have some interesting ideas, the execution fails to stick the landing.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 48
  3. Negative: 6 out of 48
  1. tonedef
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    The game is about role playing. Its an atmospheric experience. Its enjoying a story rich environment. The puzzles are to keep you somewhatThe game is about role playing. Its an atmospheric experience. Its enjoying a story rich environment. The puzzles are to keep you somewhat busy in your roleplaying experience. There is no death, no challenge or wrong doing in this game. I wish more developers would focus on this type of approach, it felt like an interactive movie. It was a great take on science fiction and a very immersive experience in space. Highly recommended and definitely a breath of fresh air from the same old experiences on the gaming market.… Expand
  2. BLUEKNIFE
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Terrific game and a breath of fresh air in a gaming world polluted with FPS, Battle Royale, etc. There is something unique and special hereTerrific game and a breath of fresh air in a gaming world polluted with FPS, Battle Royale, etc. There is something unique and special here and I hope to see more from these developers. Top notch voice acting/writing/direction.… Expand
  4. EvilsToy
    May 24, 2019
    9
    Great game! I understand than many negative reviews are for Epic Game Store. Well, also not supporting that policy, but the game is really good.
  5. NBMTX
    Jun 5, 2019
    9
    I enjoyed Observation quite a bit, as a sci-fi walking sim. A lot of people will find it boring, and/or maybe frustrating. If you're lookingI enjoyed Observation quite a bit, as a sci-fi walking sim. A lot of people will find it boring, and/or maybe frustrating. If you're looking for gameplay, this isn't really it. If you're already intrigued by it's premise and just want an interactive 2001 x Interstellar experience, then check this out (...when it's on sale).… Expand
  6. Crimert
    Oct 31, 2019
    8
    The dubbing was really successful. The atmosphere and the environment design were great. Puzzles were moderate. Finished the story mode in 9The dubbing was really successful. The atmosphere and the environment design were great. Puzzles were moderate. Finished the story mode in 9 hrs on record.

    It made me remind of the movie named "Arrival". So if you are a fan of this genre, you would really like this game for sure.    … Expand
  7. Babutto
    Apr 27, 2022
    7
    Hard to write a review on it. It's sort of "rethinking" of Kubrick's "Space Odyssey" and Arthur's Clark "Space Odyssey." Here, they added someHard to write a review on it. It's sort of "rethinking" of Kubrick's "Space Odyssey" and Arthur's Clark "Space Odyssey." Here, they added some horror and mystery, the idea of transcendence. Also, I have noticed "Cloverfeld Paradox" ideas.

    Anyways, it's a nice game to play once. But it could be more at the end and more friendly with the controls. Curious what they are gonna show us next.    … Expand
  8. dr_yev
    May 30, 2020
    3
    Boring, slow, uninspired story punctuated by completely unrealistic and unnecessary "puzzles" that involve slowly panning the camera aroundBoring, slow, uninspired story punctuated by completely unrealistic and unnecessary "puzzles" that involve slowly panning the camera around and having to remember patterns. Given that the protagonist is a an AI from a few years into the future, the slowdowns are silly and just serve to elongate the process. I probably got about half-way through and I do not know that I will be able to force myself to return.… Expand

See all 48 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PC Game of 2019
74
#74 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019
41
#41 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

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