Observer: System Redux’s next-gen treatment of its original 2017 release adds new story elements, faster loading times, and all the accoutrements you would expect of your shiny new next-gen hardware. The game as a work of fiction sits somewhere between an homage and an alternative universe of Ridley Scott’s seminal film Blade Runner. Furthermore, there are direct thematic references to the aforementioned film’s basis in Phillip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and George Orwell’s 1984. If any of these dystopian universes appeal to you, grab a pair of headphones, draw the curtains, and jump into the grimy, neon surveillance-state of 2084.
This latest version sports a suite of enhancements to take advantage of the next generation of hardware. Now including 4k textures, enhanced lighting, shorter load times, and running at native 4k/60fps, the System Redux version also includes more narrative content, mechanics, and side missions. Whether you’re returning to the game or waiting to jack-in until now, you certainly won’t be disappointed in the presentation. These enhancements are a boon for the gameplay as so much of your time is spent carefully scouring crime scenes, speaking with tenants, and slowly wandering the labyrinthian apartment complex so named “The Stacks.”
You play as a special detective classified as an “observer,” aptly named after your ability to hack into suspects’ memories. The game designates these levels as dream eater sequences. Rightfully so, everyone in the universe has a healthy fear of your ability and responds differently when they find out who you are. The game stars Rutger Hauer in both voice and likeness playing Daniel Lazarski. Formerly the antagonist in the film Blade Runner, he must now take on the role of detective and uncover why his estranged son has chosen to reconnect now. Soon after arriving at his grimy apartment, the complex is locked down due to fear of a plague outbreak and the residents are all locked in their quarters. You uncover a gruesome murder and must use your augmented enhancements to track down the perpetrator.
You’ll continually need to recalibrate your deteriorating mental state using the convenient medication provided by an oppressive mega-corporation. Lazarski quickly learns not to trust what he sees and hears. You’ll uncover evidence primarily through two augmented scanners: one biological and one technological. It’s gratifying to hear him remark about a clue after running forensic analysis. It made me feel like I could uncover the next breakthrough just around the corner and quickly motivated me to scour every corner of the war-torn corridors. You’ll also hunt for key codes and hack various electronic locks à la Deus Ex. Through reading emails, listening to recordings, and environmental storytelling, you’ll be lulled into believing you’re in control. This false sense of security is then ripped away as you fight to maintain your grip on reality.
The art and sound design are by far the standouts of the game. The upgrade to textures and lighting add a new level of immersion to this world, particularly through ray-tracing and enhanced particle effects. Graphical manipulations of glitches and errors accompanied by disturbing sounds and audio stings constantly make you question who’s pulling your strings. Observer took me down the rabbit hole for about 11 hours, and when I came out the other side I was ready for more.
Making dialogue decisions and voice acting are two imperative elements to this game’s impact. Most of the conversations you have are through a closed door, so the voice acting has to feel real to not break the immersion. Early on you’ll meet a custodian named Janus who is voiced by Polish actor Arkadiusz Jakubik. His performance coupled with life-like animation and antiquated cyber-prosthetics are some of the best in the business, and I was excited every time I got to interact with him.
The only area I wish the creators had spent a bit more time on is a few “hide-and-seek” segments. Without giving too much away, there are a couple of levels where you will need to hide from a lurching tech-monster. I found the AI to be inconsistent and it was difficult to understand why I was or wasn’t spotted. Because of this, I found myself sprinting through these segments and hoping for the best as I didn’t feel I could predict my visibility with much accuracy. This was by no means enough to deflate my enjoyment, and the segments never lasted more than 10 minutes. Apart from this criticism I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this game and plan to go finish some side quests.
As one of the last voiced roles Rutger Hauer played, I enthusiastically recommend Observer to cyberpunk fans. System Redux is a definitive way to cyber sleuth with the numerous next-gen enhancements that make the atmosphere feel real and lived-in. Currently, rumors are swirling of a new Silent Hill game, and publisher Konami has announced a partnership with Bloober Team. It makes me excited to see what this team could do with an established franchise like Silent Hill. In the meantime, I’m content to keep exploring this lovingly crafted, sinister world. At the time of writing, Observer: System Redux retails for $29.99 on the Xbox store.
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Game seems interesting. I did not play the original. Is this a follow-up or the same game as the original? It’s cool that it’s got Rutger Hauer!
Actually, this is the original game, remastered with new story elements. So now you can play the best and most complete version of the original game. I believe this was one of Rutger Hauer’s last projects before he passed.