When we talk about sci-fi genre-based puzzle-solving games, Obduction tops the list. The game is developed and published by Cyan Ventures which has previously released some of the most liked adventure puzzle games.
In this article, we will conduct an obduction VR review. We will talk about its features, pros, cons, and finally some important factors to consider before playing.
Further, we will look at two alternatives to the game, “Quern – Undying Thoughts” and “The Witness” you might consider playing.
Obduction VR Game
Obduction, a virtual reality game, is the first VR-compatible game by Cyan Ventures and is known to be designed in a highly technical format, and with extremely detailed and unique graphics.
Further, it has a gripping storyline that keeps the players engaged. The structure of the full game is not based on a traditional setting, which makes it different from the other games.
Alternate #1
Quern – Undying Thoughts
Quern – Undying Thoughts is the right space for all puzzle enthusiasts. It offers excellent visuals and sound effects, including giving cues in audio, but it also challenges you with an increasing level of difficulty as the game progresses. One of the main points of the puzzles is that they are developed based on logic.
Alternate #2
The Witness
This Witness is a puzzle game based on the theme of an island setting. It offers up to 500 puzzles, each unique in its offering of challenges and environment. Not only that it also has a phenomenal graphics and audio presence.
Quick Summary of the Main Product
Obduction VR Game is the successor of Myst (1993) and Riven (1997), both of whom were published by cyan worlds.
It is greatly suitable for those that have been dedicated fans of solving puzzles. For beginners, this game might not be the best idea.
The input tools required to play the game are tracked motion controllers, a gamepad, and a keyboard/ mouse. It is supported by both seated and standing play areas.
The game was released in 2016, and it can be played on the following platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.
Features and Benefits
GamePlay
In this game, the player is required to search his way out by himself towards the end on basis of clues. There are no instructions provided and the players are expected to explore their way out.
The reviewers have stated that out of the standing and seated options, the seated one is relatively much more comfortable. Further, the movement of vehicles in the game is not as effective.
The backtracking option in the game has been considered a positive by some, and negative by others.
We did find that most people tend to believe that backtracking allows them to invest further into the game and use their exploration skills.
Overall it is based on a similar atmosphere as its predecessors, Myst and Riven.
Storyline
This game is known to have a very engaging storyline. One of the factors that define the interest of the players in the game is the storyline. Obduction successfully checks this box.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Play Obduction VR Game
Visuals
The visuals are displayed in the same sense as Myst and Riven which are considered to be predecessors of the game. Hence, the players raise objections that the game gives off the same vibe instead of something new.
Further, on the 4k display, the graphics are not up to standard.
Pricing
The game is fairly expensive in comparison to a few other games. However, as reviewed by customers, the game is known to provide the value it charges for.
Mode
Obduction is a single-player mode game. It means that it cannot be played alongside other members.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Obduction VR
- Engaging storyline
- Metacommentary
- Long running time
- Well structured backtracking option
- Frame rate issues
- No proper instruction guide
- Single-player mode
Social Proof
Following, we have added some screenshots of some of the reviews of the game by players.
In the majority of the reviews by critics and users, the game has been labeled as one of the best puzzle games available.
What are the positives mentioned by reviewers?
The central point of the favorable reviews has revolved around how the game has carried the legacy of its predecessors Myst and Riven in maintaining the standard.
At the same time, it has been successful in delivering new dynamics to the game.
Customers have further reviewed that the layout, audio, and visuals of the game have kept them interested and motivated throughout.
On the other hand, some of the reviewers have complained about the long-running time.
Especially for those who haven’t played Myst and Riven, long-running hours seem to have become draining leading to reduced motivation to continue participating.
Similar to Obduction VR Game (Recommendations)
#1: Best Atmospheric VR Puzzle Game - Quern : Undying Thoughts Review
Quern – Undying Thoughts is an adventure puzzle game known to have increasingly logical puzzles to solve, with extremely impressive graphics.
One of the interesting attributes of the game is that there are audio cues present in the game. The game also consists of an In-notebook feature that can be used to write cues, through a simple touch.
The game Quern – Undying Thoughts is a single-player mode game. It was released in 2016 and can be played on several platforms including Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, and several more.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Play Quern-Undying Thoughts
Visuals
The game provides one of the best visuals. The visuals are one of the reasons why this game is among the favorites of players.
Reviewers have stated that the visuals have a resemblance to the Myst and Riven series, which attracts a lot more players.
Pricing
The game is pretty reasonable in price. Considering its offerings, the price charged for it is quite low, and this is one fo the factors why the game is popular among players.
Mode
Quern-Undying Thoughts is a single-player mode game. A single-player mode game cannot be played alongside friends or other members.
- Impressive storytelling
- Excellent graphics
- Logical puzzles
- Quality Soundtrack
- Resemblance to Myst Series
- Single-player mode
- Ineffective In-game notebook feature
- Ill-paced backtracking
Best Atmospheric Puzzle Game
The Best Atmospheric Puzzle Game is Quern – Undying Thoughts because it is known to provide the value of the amount it is charging and be one of the games with the best graphics. It is available in single-player mode.
#2: Best GamePlay VR Puzzle Game - The Witness Review
The Witness consists of over 500 puzzles. The concept of the game revolves around exploring dozens of locations and objects on the set of an island on the basis of the cues and figuring the way out.
The game does not provide tutorials to understand the rules. Hence, it requires experimentation to figure out.
The game was released in 2016, and It can be played on many platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and oculus rift.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Play “The Witness.”
Visuals
The game consists of lively graphics based on the theme of the island setting. Moreover, each of the over 500 puzzles is unique in its visuals.
Pricing
This game is known to charge a fairly high amount. Due to this, it becomes out of consideration for some players. However, it is believed that the game offerings are worth the price charged.
Whereas the developer Thekla has priced the iOS version at $9.99 in the App Store.
Mode
It is a single-player mode game. Hence, it cannot be played alongside other players.
- Fascinating visuals
- Music availability
- Well structured
- Over 500 puzzles
- Unique puzzles
- Noise-canceling spatial audio
- Single-player mode
- No guide book
Best GamePlay Puzzle Game
The Best GamePlay VR Puzzle game is The Witness because it has the most pleasing visuals with well-designed structure. It is a single-player game and it’s available on multiple platforms at different prices.
Buyer’s Guide
Visuals
The visuals set the tone of the game for the players. More the detailed and well-designed visuals are, the more the game looks which adds to the motivation of the gamers.
Hence, it is important to understand the value of visuals in a VR game.
Pricing
Price of the game is a significant factor as it determines whether the player can afford to play the game or not.
Most of the games are not costly and a lot of platforms charge the same for a single game. However, it still requires research to figure out which game offers the value of the price it is charging.
Mode
Knowing whether the game is available in single or multiplayer mode is crucial for the players.
The single-player mode of the game means that the game can only be played as a single player. On the other hand, the multiplayer mode will allow the players to play the game alongside other members.
Obduction VR Game - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Obduction a VR Game?
Yes, the first adventure puzzle game compatible with VR is Obduction. Its predecessors, Myst and Riven, were not VR compatible. Hence, it is a major advancement by the publishers.
Is Obduction an open-world game?
Yes, It is an open-world game. It requires players to be creative and explore their way out of the alien world to the end by themselves. There are several ways through which the player can reach the end goal.
Is Obduction part of Myst?
Obduction is considered to be the spiritual successor of Myst and Riven. The publisher and developer of these three games are Cyan Worlds. Myst was released in 1993, and Riven was released in 1997.
Whereas, Obduction was released in 2016. Obduction is also called the VR version of Myst and Riven.
Which genre is Obduction VR Game?
Obduction is an adventure puzzle game. The landscape of the game is based on the science fiction genre.
Is Obduction VR Game single-player or multiplayer?
As mentioned on the platform steam, Obduction is a single-player game.
What is the main reason behind the popularity of Obduction?
Obduction is developed by Cyan Ventures, who have previously developed Myst and Riven. Both of which have been extremely famous adventure puzzle games. This is one of the reasons why Obduction is popular among players.
What is the overview of the game setting in Obduction?
In this game, the player is stuck and expected to find his way out of the strange alien universe where he has been abducted by the aliens.
Which VR headset supports the Obduction game?
The game is supported by the Steam headset collection which are Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Wrapping Things Up
With that, we conclude our Obduction Review. Solving puzzles requires creativity.
Quern – undying thoughts and The Witness are excellent alternatives to consider when looking to play an adventure puzzle game.
However, out of all puzzle VR games, Obduction as it benefits from being supported by the history of its developers gains a lot of credibility as a game. In addition to that, its offerings make it one of the most popular games among players.
Let us know your opinion about the game in the comments below.
