During the Sci-fi fair in Kista in 2004, I had the opportunity to meet Rutger Hauer. He was signing copies of Blade Runner for fans. I presented him with a copy of the b-movie Split Second from 1992, where Hauer portrays a tenacious detective pursuing an unusual killer. Mr. Hauer shared insights into the film’s production, much to the increasing length of the queue behind me. This brings us to today’s subject: Observer, a game developed by Polish studio Bloober Team. Set in future Krakow, it shares thematic similarities with Split Second, particularly its dystopian atmosphere.
The year is 2084. We assume the role of Daniel Lazarski (Rutger Hauer), an Observer tasked with locating his missing son. Observers possess the capability to interface directly with individuals’ neural implants, effectively “hacking” their minds to uncover hidden truths.
The game presents a cinematic experience, commencing with an extensive scrolling text that establishes the game’s lore and setting. Subsequently, you find yourself in a police vehicle, and the visual allusions to Blade Runner are immediately apparent. The technology presented has a distinct retro aesthetic, complemented by compelling music and sound design. Rutger Hauer’s portrayal of the protagonist is notably effective. While prominent actors frequently contribute their likenesses and voices to games, Hauer’s performance as The Observer elevates the experience.
Beyond the initial appreciation for the game’s aesthetics and the protagonist’s character, engagement with the core game mechanics reveals certain shortcomings.
The game adopts a deliberately slow pace. Character movement is measured, bordering on tedious at times. The absence of an in-game map necessitates meticulous attention to spatial awareness. Simple actions, such as opening doors, require multiple button presses. Investigating crime scenes involves a complex process that, while initially engaging, can become protracted. Utilizing different “visions” to perceive the environment in unique ways is crucial for progression. This is not a game that offers extensive guidance. Furthermore, the visual presentation on the Nintendo Switch in portable mode appears somewhat dim. Increased brightness would be beneficial, as the “dark mode” setting tends to obscure details. The level design fosters a pervasive sense of claustrophobia, due to the prevalence of dimly lit corridors and confined spaces.
Originally released on other platforms in August 2017, Observer is currently available through Xbox Game Pass. It has now been ported to the Nintendo Switch. As with many Switch conversions, the reduced screen size of the handheld mode presents challenges in terms of visual clarity. Certain details may appear quite small. However, the developers have implemented touch screen functionality, allowing players to directly interact with the environment. This functionality, however, did not extend to actions such as opening drawers and doors during our testing.
Observer offers a mature and immersive gaming experience. With patience, exploring the dystopian Krakow of the future proves to be an engaging and rewarding endeavor. The game features a rich narrative, enhanced by Rutger Hauer’s consistent presence. Despite its drawbacks, Observer is a compelling title.
