Return of the Obra Dinn

 PC
Return of the Obra Dinn Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 372 Ratings

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  • Summary: Return of the Obra Dinn is a first-person mystery adventure based on exploration and logical deduction.

Trailer

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Return Of The Obra Dinn - Launch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Dec 31, 2018
    100
    Lesson of purpose and purity of game design. All the technical and game principles are subject to great narrative and an experience you will not forget. [Issue#291]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Destructoid
    Oct 18, 2018
    95
    This is a game I can not stop thinking about. I think about it at work -- either remembering crazy moments I didn't see coming, or reflecting on recently discovered information and its implications. This is absolutely a "thinking man's game," and it's one that I hope other developers (or Mr. Pope himself) decide to ape and expand on. Despite the fact that this isn't a detective game, I've never felt more like a dick.
  3. Meristation
    Oct 25, 2018
    92
    The creator of Papers Please offers us a modern classic again.Return of the Obra Dinn uses an original and personal narrative in a development that makes us feel like true detectives. Visually it is an exercise in retro love and good taste. Lucas Pope delivers us one of the games of the year.
  4. PC Gamer
    Oct 19, 2018
    90
    A beautifully constructed and powerfully atmospheric mystery that you really have to work to solve.
  5. Everyeye.it
    Oct 26, 2018
    90
    An artistic manifesto of overflowing power.
  6. RPG Fan
    Dec 10, 2018
    86
    Although a weak ending and a frustrating lack of tutorials up front limit Pope's latest release, the vast majority of his work more than makes up for these setbacks. Whether you're looking for something truly unique, thick vibes, or an excellent mystery, Obra Dinn is for you.
  7. Riot Pixels
    Dec 2, 2018
    71
    There is no thrilling story, colorful characters or allure of the high seas. Instead, Return of the Obra Dinn is a bold, massive puzzle, an exquisite workout for your 'gray cells'. Unfortunately, the innovative gameplay mechanic gradually loses its appeal and excitement towards the finale, and I had to muster my willpower in order to beat the game in one go.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 79
  3. Negative: 4 out of 79
  1. SirRandallGames
    Oct 20, 2018
    10
    The art style of this game is amazing. People don't understand how much work went into this game. The story is great along with the puzzleThe art style of this game is amazing. People don't understand how much work went into this game. The story is great along with the puzzle mechanics of this game. Some of them get really hard at the end. To me, this game is worth 20 dollars. I spent more on not so feature-rich games at $60+. I strongly recommend this game if you like murder mysteries with a puzzle element.… Expand
  2. bootchec
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    Once in a while a masterpiece is born. This is one of those times and masterpieces.
  4. CAPS_LOCK
    Nov 6, 2021
    10
    When you finish this you just wish you could use a time travelling pocket watch in real life, just to go back and do it all again.
  5. hoanns
    Jun 6, 2020
    9
    A truly new concept of story telling. It is pretty hard to figure out without help at times. It sucks the graphic is so limited though,A truly new concept of story telling. It is pretty hard to figure out without help at times. It sucks the graphic is so limited though, because it often relies on visual details to solve fates.… Expand
  6. Fyxhcl
    Jan 3, 2023
    9
    Return of the Obra Dinn is a very original investigation game. It's set on an abandoned ship where the protagonist has to investigate whatReturn of the Obra Dinn is a very original investigation game. It's set on an abandoned ship where the protagonist has to investigate what happened to the 60 people that were on board.

    You can do this by exploring the ship in a first-person view; during your exploration, you'll stumble accross many corpse, and every time you find one, your special power will let you listen to the last seconds of life of that person, and, after that, you'll be able to see and explore the surroundings of a static scene representing their istant of death.

    Starting with an almost blank book containing the ship map, some drawing of the entire crew, the list of people on board and little else, you cannot talk with anyone, examine object or read documents, and just looking at the scenes you'll have to notice a lot of details and make a lot of connections in order to understand who is who and what happened to them. Sometimes this process is very difficult and makes you feel lost, but with attention is possible to identify several characters, and excluding them from the people list will help identifying the remaining ones. The process is fun, the game will confirm your choices every time you get 3 of them correct, and when it happens it's extremely satisfying.

    The game has also flaws, it's short and not replayable, its graphics is stylish but sometimes confusing (and surely not the best you can find), the little area explorable and the lack of any interactivity with the environment let you wonder the potential that a similar game would have, if it wasn't a low budget production.

    In conclusion, Return of the Obra Dinn is a great investigation game, with an original and clever structure that will give you something fresh to play and a lot of satisfaction for completing it. It's not perfect and won't last long, but if you're curious to undersand how a ship with 60 people can disappear for 5 years, and then be found without a single person alive on board... well, you won't regret playing it!    … Expand
  7. Danfritz
    Oct 30, 2018
    8
    It's like a child of Life is Strange (first one) and Sudoku. You have your chart to solve and magic maggafen to play with time. GraphicsIt's like a child of Life is Strange (first one) and Sudoku. You have your chart to solve and magic maggafen to play with time. Graphics are... demanding. You will probably need a glasses after playing it but it's the legacy of sudoku games right?
    Overall it's a good game. Interesting and unique. My eyes hurt but I'm entertained (not in ancient Rome style, more like after a really good coffee at obscure last minute shop waiting for a train).    … Expand
  8. Zer0TheHer0
    Nov 7, 2018
    0
    can't change the controls... unacceptable... can't play with the default ones.
    thank god for refunds

See all 79 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2018
44
#44 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018
38
#38 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

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