Summary

Release Year: 2018
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Puzzle
Platforms: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developers: Lucas Pope
Publishers: 3909

Return of the Obra Dinn: A Haunting and Unforgettable Mystery

Return of the Obra Dinn is a 2018 first-person mystery game developed by Lucas Pope. The game is presented in a unique 1-bit art style, and it tasks players with solving the mysterious deaths of the crew of the merchant ship Obra Dinn.

The game begins with the player character, an insurance adjuster, boarding the Obra Dinn after it arrives in a London harbor, years after being declared lost at sea. The ship is found to be deserted, and the player must use a magical pocket watch to witness the final moments of the crew members’ lives.

As the player explores the ship and witnesses the crew’s deaths, they must piece together the events that led to the tragedy. The game features a non-linear narrative, and players are free to investigate the ship in any order they choose.

Return of the Obra Dinn is a challenging and rewarding mystery game that will keep players guessing until the very end. The game’s unique art style and haunting atmosphere create a truly immersive experience, and the non-linear narrative allows players to approach the mystery from any angle they choose.

Gameplay

Return of the Obra Dinn is a first-person mystery game that tasks players with solving the mysterious deaths of the crew of the merchant ship Obra Dinn. The game is presented in a unique 1-bit art style, and it uses a variety of gameplay mechanics to create a challenging and rewarding experience.

One of the most unique aspects of Return of the Obra Dinn is its use of a magical pocket watch. The pocket watch allows the player to witness the final moments of the crew members’ lives. This mechanic is used to great effect, as it allows players to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.

The game features a non-linear narrative, and players are free to investigate the ship in any order they choose. This allows players to approach the mystery from any angle they choose, and it encourages them to explore every nook and cranny of the ship.

As players explore the ship and witness the crew’s deaths, they must use their detective skills to piece together the events that led to the tragedy. The game features a variety of clues, including witness statements, ship logs, and personal belongings. Players must use all of these clues to determine the identity of the killer and the motive for the murders.

Setting

Return of the Obra Dinn is set on the merchant ship Obra Dinn, which is found deserted in a London harbor, years after being declared lost at sea. The ship is a large and complex vessel, and it features a variety of different rooms and areas to explore.

The game’s 1-bit art style creates a unique and haunting atmosphere. The ship is depicted in black and white, and the only colors that are used are red and yellow. This creates a sense of unease and mystery, and it helps to immerse the player in the game’s world.

Characters

The Obra Dinn is crewed by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique story and personality. As the player explores the ship and witnesses the crew’s deaths, they will learn more about each character’s life and motivations.

The game features a large cast of characters, and each one is fully realized and believable. The player will come to care about the crew members, and they will be determined to solve the mystery of their deaths.

Themes

Return of the Obra Dinn is a game about many things, including death, loss, and redemption. The game explores the themes of what it means to be human, and it asks players to confront their own mortality.

The game’s unique art style and haunting atmosphere create a truly immersive experience, and the non-linear narrative allows players to approach the mystery from any angle they choose. Return of the Obra Dinn is a challenging and rewarding game that will stay with players long after they finish playing it.

Conclusion

Return of the Obra Dinn is a masterpiece of mystery gaming. The game’s unique art style, haunting atmosphere, and non-linear narrative create a truly immersive experience. The game’s challenging puzzles and rewarding mysteries will keep players guessing until the very end. Return of the Obra Dinn is a must-play for fans of mystery games and adventure games.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Introduction

Papers, Please is a puzzle game developed by Lucas Pope and released in 2013. The game puts players in the role of an immigration inspector at the border of the fictional communist state of Arstotzka. Players must examine the documents of travelers and decide whether to admit them into the country or not. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, thought-provoking story, and unique art style.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Papers, Please is simple but addictive. Players are presented with a series of travelers, each with their own unique set of documents. Players must examine the documents and decide whether or not the traveler is eligible to enter Arstotzka. Players have a limited amount of time to make each decision, and they must be careful not to make any mistakes.

If a player makes a mistake, they will be penalized. Penalties can range from fines to being fired from their job. Players must also be careful not to let too many travelers into the country illegally. If too many illegal immigrants enter the country, the player will be arrested.

The game becomes increasingly difficult as it progresses. Players will be presented with more and more complex documents, and they will have to make more difficult decisions. The game also features a number of random events, which can make the gameplay even more challenging.

Story

The story of Papers, Please is set in the fictional communist state of Arstotzka. The player character is an immigration inspector who works at the border of Arstotzka and Kolechia. The game follows the player character as they navigate the complex world of immigration law and bureaucracy.

The story of Papers, Please is told through a series of vignettes. Each vignette features a different traveler, and each traveler has their own unique story to tell. The player character’s decisions will have a direct impact on the lives of these travelers.

The story of Papers, Please is a powerful and moving one. The game explores the themes of immigration, bureaucracy, and the human condition. Papers, Please is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Art Style

The art style of Papers, Please is unique and distinctive. The game is rendered in a stark black-and-white style, which gives it a cold and oppressive atmosphere. The character designs are simple but effective, and the game’s environments are both detailed and realistic.

The art style of Papers, Please perfectly complements the game’s gameplay and story. The black-and-white color scheme creates a sense of urgency and claustrophobia, and the simple character designs help to emphasize the game’s themes of bureaucracy and anonymity.