The Witness

"The Witness"

Reviewed By: Carless Yen

The Witness is a first person open world puzzler where you find yourself isolated on a island. It is loaded with almost unlimited amounts of puzzles, and secrets. To do everything on the island could have you investing 100 hours on it. 100 hours of challenging puzzles one after another. Puzzles where you not only use your eyes, but your ears as well. It almost feels at times everything around you is a clue, or a puzzle at times. The puzzles start out simplistic, to ease you in. By the end though become really really in depth and hard. So hard to where i really believe, that not everyone may be able to finish this game. The fact that you have no instructions where to go in this large open world, and really nothing telling you really what to do makes me feel most will really struggle advancing near the end. Although the puzzles are hard, they are always fair. They also run very smooth, the controls on all the puzzles are crisp and spot on. I really think this is the most in depth puzzler to date, and earns it way along side the greats like Portal and Talos Principle. As far as difficulty think it surpasses them. One of the most brilliant games I have played in my many years of gaming.

The environment is stunningly beautiful, while also eerily creepy. I also study reviews before I do my own, and I haven't heard anyone else say this so maybe it is just me. In my opinion the game feels isolated. Almost has a feeling of a Twilight Zone episode in its feeling of isolation, and strandedness. Almost becomes addictive to the point where you just keep going to see what lies ahead, and if you will make your way off the island. The videos, statues, and surroundings all lend to a creepy horror survival feel. Every area is different, they all have a different appearance or theme that keeps the game fresh while, being very pleasing to the eyes. The Witness is one of the most visual games of this new gaming generation, and without a doubt one of the most intellectually brightest. The videos, and audio hidden objects deliver pure brilliance as far as quotes and lecture. You will have to be smart to finish The Witness, but you might find yourself a tad smarter for doing so. In my opinion it is learning experience, that dusts off the mind and makes you put that brain to work.

The Witness is without a doubt a Game of the Year nominee. Don't let the 40 dollar price tag scare you away, the hours you spend on it, and content within are well worth the price. Just feel a $20 price point would have been better starting point to get the game out there. I feel it deserves to be played by everyone who enjoys the genre. Hope this price point doesn't scare them off.

Pros: Brilliant puzzles, and content

Variety of beautiful and creepy designed areas

Crisp,smooth controls

Tons of secrets, and content

Replay value

Cons: Can be near impossible for all. Puzzles can be really difficult.

Price a little high at $40 for a Marketplace game, but worth it.

Overall: 9.8 Open world puzzle magic. A real learning experience twisted a long with a feeling of isolation and survival. A can't miss game for all puzzle fans.

For more info on The Witness go to:https://www.facebook.com/The-Witness-370086665750/