Observer: System Redux

The main pros of the game

• Atmosphere and Visuals: The game is praised for its stunning graphics, detailed environments, and immersive sound design that effectively convey a bleak cyberpunk atmosphere.
• Engaging Narrative: Many players found the story to be thought-provoking, with deep themes surrounding corporate oppression, transhumanism, and the fragility of the human mind. The writing is often highlighted as a strong point.
• Voice Acting: Rutger Hauer's performance as the protagonist, Daniel Lazarski, is frequently noted as a highlight, adding depth to the character and the overall experience.
• Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The combination of detective work and psychological horror, including mind-hacking sequences, offers a distinctive gameplay experience that diverges from traditional action-oriented games.
• Expanded Content: The System Redux edition introduces new side quests and quality-of-life improvements, enhancing the overall experience.

The main cons of the game

• Pacing Issues: Many players felt that the game suffers from slow pacing, particularly in the latter parts, where it becomes convoluted and less engaging.
• Over-reliance on Walking Sim Elements: Some reviews criticized the game for being overly reliant on walking simulator mechanics, leading to repetitive gameplay and a lack of meaningful interaction.
• Stealth and Horror Elements: The stealth sections and jump scares were often viewed as unnecessary or poorly executed, detracting from the overall experience.
• Technical Issues: Players reported performance problems, especially when using features like ray tracing, as well as bugs and glitches that interrupted gameplay.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• More Engaging Detective Gameplay: Some players expressed a desire for deeper investigative mechanics that allow for more logical piecing together of clues, rather than relying on scanning.
• Improved Clarity in Objectives: A clearer objective system and better interface for tracking quests were suggested to enhance the player experience.
• Less Abstract Dream Sequences: Many users found the dream sequences to be overly long and confusing, wishing for a more straightforward narrative without the heavy reliance on artistic interpretation.
• Combat Mechanics: While the lack of combat was intentional to enhance the horror experience, some players felt that the game could benefit from more traditional gameplay elements, such as combat or more interactive puzzles.

Summary

• Overall, while Observer: System Redux is celebrated for its atmosphere, storytelling, and visual presentation, it faces criticism for pacing issues, gameplay mechanics, and technical problems that some players found detracted from the overall experience.

Summary generated on: November 17, 2025