Return of the Obra Dinn – An In-Depth Review

Return of the Obra Dinn, developed by Lucas Pope, is a unique and captivating mystery adventure game set in the early 19th century. Released in 2018, the game has garnered critical acclaim for its distinctive art style, complex narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics. In this review, well delve into various aspects of the game, including our own opinion, gameplay elements, and some interesting curiosities and facts about its development.

Opinion

Return of the Obra Dinn offers a refreshing departure from the usual fare of puzzle and mystery games. One immediately striking aspect is its monochromatic art style, reminiscent of old Macintosh games. This stylistic choice not only sets the game apart visually but also enhances its atmospheric and eerie setting. The games narrative, which unfolds through a series of fragmented memories, is gut-wrenchingly compelling. As you piece together the fate of the Obra Dinns crew, you cant help but feel a profound sense of immersion and connection to the story. However, its intricate and sometimes perplexing puzzles may not appeal to everyone, but for enthusiasts of the genre, its a rewarding experience.

Jugabilidad

The gameplay in Return of the Obra Dinn revolves around examining various scenes frozen in time, depicted in stark black and white. The player assumes the role of an insurance adjuster, equipped with a magical pocket watch known as the Memento Mortem. This device allows you to witness the exact moment of a characters death, providing crucial clues necessary to unravel the mystery.

• The Memento Mortem: The pocket watch is the cornerstone of your investigation, freezing scenes at the last moments of crew members lives. By exploring these frozen moments, players gather vital information to identify each individual and determine their fate.
• Notebook: Organizing your findings, the notebook is where you keep track of the crews identities, their roles, and their ultimate fates. Every clue you uncover adds to a growing web of connections and possibilities.
• Deductive Reasoning: The game heavily relies on the players ability to deduce relationships, motives, and sequences of events. It requires keen observation and sharp deductive skills to piece together the complex narrative.

What makes Return of the Obra Dinn unique is its non-linear progression. Players can explore the ship and its scenes in any order, creating a highly engaging and dynamic experience. This open-ended exploration rewards patience and encourages thorough scrutiny of each scene.

Historia del Juego

The story of Return of the Obra Dinn is a dark and intricate tapestry of human relationships, greed, and tragedy. Set in 1807, the Obra Dinn, an East India Company trade ship, mysteriously reappears after being declared lost at sea. As the insurance adjuster, its your task to solve the mystery of what happened to the ship and its crew of 60 souls.

The narrative unfolds through snapshots of key moments, revealing a series of interconnected stories involving betrayal, supernatural elements, and desperate survival. The fragmented storytelling compels players to reconstruct events and understand the motivations and outcomes of each crew member. Its a mature and thought-provoking tale that keeps players engrossed from start to finish.

Curiosidades

• Solo Developer: Lucas Pope, the sole developer of the game, is also known for his previous work on Papers, Please. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative design philosophies are evident in both titles.
• Visual Style: The 1-bit monochromatic art style is inspired by early computer games, particularly those on the Macintosh. It adds a unique aesthetic that perfectly complements the games eerie atmosphere.
• Music and Sound: The soundtrack, featuring haunting orchestral pieces, enhances the dark and mysterious tone of the game. Sound effects and voice acting also play crucial roles in immersing players in the story.

Conclusión

Return of the Obra Dinn is a masterfully crafted game that offers a truly unique experience. Its combination of innovative gameplay, compelling narrative, and distinctive visual style make it a standout title in the mystery and adventure genres. While its challenging puzzles may not appeal to all players, those willing to invest the time and effort will find it a deeply rewarding and unforgettable journey. Lucas Pope has once again proven his prowess as a game developer, delivering a title that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.