Viewfinder: A Clever and Innovative Puzzle Game

Gameplay School

Viewfinder, the new puzzle game from Sad Owl Studios, offers a clever and innovative concept that will challenge your perspective. With its minimalist style reminiscent of games like Portal and Superliminal, Viewfinder uses photos and illustrations as a backdrop to navigate through levels and solve puzzles.

Thrown into the game without many explanations, players quickly adapt to the gameplay mechanics. Each level requires the player to join or power a portal to progress. This is done by using the photos and illustrations found in each area, bringing them to life in the real world. Describing the gameplay in words is difficult, but in practice, it is both simple and smart.

The controls in Viewfinder are simple and efficient, allowing players to easily navigate through the levels. The game introduces new mechanics over time, adding complexity and ensuring a varied gameplay experience. With 70 levels in total, Viewfinder manages to keep players engaged throughout its approximately five-hour lifespan.

Viewfinder, between dystopia and utopia

Viewfinder also offers a well-crafted and engaging story set in a dystopian world. In this world, Earth is on the verge of becoming uninhabitable due to climate change. Players take on the role of a character searching for a tool that can save the planet and its inhabitants, which exists in an alternate reality.

The narrative elements in Viewfinder are not the main focus of the game, but they add depth and intrigue to the overall experience. Players can discover more about the story through collectibles and newspapers scattered throughout the game. Additionally, the player’s companion, a cat AI named CAIT, contributes to the atypical and mysterious atmosphere of the game.

Viewfinder promotes a forgiving gameplay philosophy. Challenging puzzles are part of the game, but mistakes are not punished harshly. The rewind mechanic allows players to easily correct their errors and try again. As the game progresses, more possibilities open up, giving players a sense of freedom and allowing them to solve puzzles at their own pace.

Viewfinder not only offers an intriguing gameplay experience but also invites players to reflect on the fallen world depicted in the game. Benches are strategically placed throughout the game, offering players moments of contemplation while enjoying the visually stunning environments. This adds a meditative element to the overall experience and encourages players to immerse themselves in the world of Viewfinder.

With a Metacritic rating of 85, Viewfinder is proving to be a hidden gem among puzzle games. It is a refreshing and enjoyable experience that is worth exploring. Whether playing on PC or PS5, Viewfinder is available for the modest price of €24.99 (€22.49 on Steam until July 25).