Observer is a cyberpunk horror game developed by Bloober Team, released in 2017. Set in a dystopian future in the year 2084, the game takes place in Krakow, Poland, where society is dominated by oppressive corporations and riddled with social decay. The world is plagued by cybernetic augmentation, poverty, and widespread disease following a catastrophic event known as the "Nanophage," which decimated the population.
Premise
The player assumes the role of Daniel Lazarski, an "Observer" detective, voiced by renowned actor Rutger Hauer. Observers are specialized neural police investigators employed by the Chiron Corporation, one of the megacorporations controlling the world. They are equipped with neural implants that allow them to hack into the minds of others, experiencing and investigating their memories, fears, and dreams to solve crimes. This mechanic lies at the heart of Observer, blurring the line between reality and imagination as you dive into the fractured psyches of various characters.
Gameplay
Observer blends elements of psychological horror, first-person exploration, and investigative gameplay. The core gameplay revolves around Lazarski’s ability to hack into suspects' neural implants. This unique mechanic creates immersive, often surreal, experiences filled with nightmarish imagery as players explore disturbed minds and fragmented memories.
Players investigate various crime scenes using Lazarski’s detective tools. These include:
Electromagnetic Vision: Used to scan electronic devices and technological objects.
Bio Vision: Helps detect biological evidence like blood and tissue.
Dream Eater: The neural interface tool that allows Lazarski to connect with the minds of deceased or unconscious individuals, extracting memories and subconscious thoughts.
Much of the gameplay takes place within claustrophobic apartment buildings, filled with a range of tenants, some hiding secrets and others damaged by their cybernetic augmentations. The game's environments are steeped in an oppressive atmosphere, often dimly lit, with flickering neon lights, rusty metal walls, and malfunctioning technology.
Themes and Story
Observer is deeply rooted in classic cyberpunk themes, particularly the relationship between humanity and technology. The game explores the philosophical question of what it means to be human in a world where people modify themselves with implants and virtual reality to escape their grim lives.
The story is driven by Lazarski’s search for his estranged son, Adam, who has gone missing. This personal investigation leads Lazarski to a decrepit apartment complex where a brutal murder has taken place. As Lazarski delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers layers of corruption, conspiracy, and the blurred boundary between virtual and real existence. The game also weaves in elements of psychological horror, with intense sequences that challenge the player’s perceptions of reality.
Art and Atmosphere
The visual design of Observer is heavily influenced by the cyberpunk aesthetic, with rain-soaked streets, neon lights, and a world saturated with decay. The game’s environments are gritty, oppressive, and filled with disturbing details, contributing to a foreboding atmosphere. Its sound design is equally effective, with an eerie, ambient soundtrack composed by Arkadiusz Reikowski, enhancing the unsettling nature of the game’s world.
Horror Elements
While Observer is classified as a psychological horror game, its scares are subtle, relying more on atmospheric tension and disturbing imagery rather than traditional jump scares. The mind-hacking sequences are particularly unsettling, as they often descend into surreal, chaotic dreamscapes, full of glitches, distortions, and hallucinatory visions that leave the player questioning what is real.
Reception
Observer was praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, and innovative use of cyberpunk themes. Critics highlighted Rutger Hauer’s performance as a standout feature, as well as the game’s unique and unsettling take on the cyberpunk genre. However, the slow pace and heavy reliance on investigation may not appeal to all players, as it leans more toward narrative exploration than action.
Conclusion
Observer is a deep and atmospheric experience that challenges the player's perceptions of reality, identity, and humanity. Its combination of cyberpunk dystopia, detective investigation, and psychological horror creates a compelling narrative-driven game that stands out in the genre. Fans of cyberpunk media like Blade Runner and horror games that focus on atmosphere and psychological tension will find Observer a haunting and memorable experience.
30 сен 2024
