Platform: PC (version reviewed), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre: Puzzle game and walking sim

In Viewfinder, Sad Owl Studios’ latest adventure title, you explore a simulation filled with puzzles galore, with degrees of walking involved. What sets this one apart from other walking simulators is that the puzzles involve reshaping the world around you using pictures, photos, and perception-shifting. Honestly, that’s more than enough to turn a lot of heads, especially after witnessing many technical tricks this game has up its sleeve to render all of its creative conundrums seamlessly.

Photo Op

Viewfinder’s story is about a scientist trying to find a solution to a real-life outside conundrum inside a virtual world created by really smart people back in the day. To say more is venturing into spoiler territory, and the game’s length is under 5 hours. But it’s captivating and insightful ,to say the least, with many stories to be found within the virtual landscape you’re exploring.

But really, the main star of Viewfinder is its picture and photo-related puzzles and mazes. To say that the adventure title is a mind-bending game is an understatement. Throughout your journey through the virtual wonderland, you can create platforms using pictures, take photos to superimpose objects needed to solve puzzles, and even use a photocopier to clone photos containing objects needed to progress. Most of the puzzles require you to find a teleporter exit, as well as find batteries to power up said exit, but the puzzles that block your escape plan are really mind-bending.

Most importantly, there’s a ton of variety with the brainteasers and its theme of pictures, paintings, and viewpoints that will make you feel challenged yet inspired. You will be presented with situations where you can’t figure out a solution to a teleportation puzzle, only to have it appear like a stroke of genius 30 minutes later with you going “I’m an idiot for not figuring it out so soon”. I’ve come across plenty of portions where these revelations happen, particularly in puzzles involving the power of soundwaves as an alternate energy source for these teleporters.

You’re not going to get far in Viewfinder without exploring all options on a stage, but the beauty of the game is that it’s emanating a relaxing and pleasant vibe. With the exception of the last level which is purposely on a countdown and it’s for plot reasons, every level in Viewfinder lets you take your time in figuring out its mechanics and hooks. If the solution doesn’t seem obvious, maybe turn that photo you took upside down and then superimpose it. Or maybe take a photo of your subject at a different angle. Or even make multiple copies of the photo you have. What’s marvellous is that the game renders out the solutions and “copy images” so seamlessly that part of you will feel anxious that you might break the indie game. You can’t, as far as I know.

As with all walking simulators, you also get a story of the people who used to live in the virtual world of Viewfinder. You’ll get gramophones with logs detailing the backstory of the creators and also a talking cat who cheers you on. You’ll even find a postcard or two that opens up bonus areas from M.S Esher puzzlescapes to even a barcode forest. They come with collectibles that flesh out Viewfinder’s narrative more. Like I said, it’s best to delve into the storyscape yourself as many of Viewfinder’s gameplay elements make up more than half of the experience and subsequent value as a game.

Just Frame

I may not be a huge fan of these kinds of adventure games, but Viewfinder does offer a ton of creative puzzles that speak to me as a creative in the business. If you love imaginative brainteasers involving photographs and optical illusions but in immersive first-person video game form, you’ll have a picture-perfect time with Viewfinder. You won’t find a more surreal and brain-tingling experience like this in anything other than a first-person video game.

Final Score: 80/100