Viewfinder | PC Review
Since 2011, I’ve been chasing the purple dragon. Since Valve still seems unable to count to three, many other developers have attempted to recapture the magic of Portal 2. None have quite achieved that combination of satisfying solutions and intriguing storytelling peppered with fantastic humor. Viewfinder from developer Sad Owl Studios may not be trying to be the next Portal game, but they come very close. It manages to do something very special with perspective puzzles that genuinely feels like a breath of fresh air sorely needed in today’s market. This game should definitely be on your radar if you haven’t checked it out already.
From a Certain Point of View
Viewfinder is definitely the most unique approach to a game I’ve seen in quite a long time. Each level’s goal is to simply open a teleportation device back to the main hub, opening the way to the next level. Most of the time, this consists of moving batteries to a power pad near the device. Sounds simple enough, right? In order to do this, you’ll have to utilize the game’s perspective system. This starts out simply enough. Towards the beginning, you’re given a photo on an easel. The game’s mechanics allows you to place this photo somewhere in the environment. When you activate the picture, it becomes part of the 3D world itself. It’s truly something that has to be seen to believe. It seems an impossible task from a development standpoint, but Sad Owl pulled it off beautifully.
And that’s only the beginning. The puzzles expand the more you proceed, and it’s genuinely impressive just how much the game works your brain in new and interesting ways. This is the epitome of those moments where you think to yourself, “How did they think this up?” It’s truly something to experience, as it will bend your brain in ways that you simply won’t expect.
A Dream Within a Dream
One thing I wasn’t expecting from the original trailer for Viewfinder was a story. At first glance, I just assumed it was puzzle after puzzle. That’s actually how the game starts until a specific moment happens that turns things on its head. The reveal was pretty awesome, and I was immediately invested in what was going to happen next. I won’t reveal the plot here, because it’s a fun surprise. The novelty wears off by the end of the game for sure, and I was definitely more interested in what the game was doing mechanically rather than with its story. It just didn’t stick the landing in ways I was hoping or expecting from other similar titles.
My only other real issue with the game is the final level, which is timed. I know this might not bother other players, but I despise having a ticking clock staring me down while I’m trying to solve puzzles. I’d much rather do so at my own pace. Thankfully, this is the final puzzle of the game, but it’s still very frustrating to get halfway through a puzzle only to have to start over and repeat the steps you know until you have a chance to tackle your new one. That’s not fun to me, but I admit that I could be in the minority here.
This is a small issue in an otherwise more-than-worth-playing title. There’s a ton of love poured into Viewfinder from the visual style, to the nostalgia and voice acting. The game has a digitized cat (yes, you can pet it) that acts as your guide. He gives words of encouragement as you solve puzzles, adding to the satisfaction as well tidbits of story along the way. It’s a nice added touch that didn’t have to be there, but I’m grateful that it is.
Viewfinder Final Verdict
Viewfinder might not scratch the itch quite like I was hoping for, but I’m more than happy with this game. It’s definitely one of the biggest surprises of the year and gives me hope for developers thinking outside the box in the future. If you’re on the fence for trying this one, I wouldn’t hesitate. Just don’t expect incredible storytelling or humor. It’s an ingenious puzzle game with a decent story that’s more than worth your time.
To hear me talk more about Viewfinder, be sure to listen to our July 26th episode of The Gaming Outsider Podcast around the 1:01:31 time stamp.
This review is based on a PC copy of Viewfinder provided by Uber Strategist for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation 5.
Viewfinder
$24.99
Pros
- Ingenious Perspective Puzzles
- Pleasant Art Style
- Satisfying Encouragement from Voice Actors
- Fun Story Surprises
Cons
- Story's Novelty Wears Off Quickly
- Final Puzzle Solution is Timed
