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MONSTER

The Witness

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Witness
Item: The Witness
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Crime, Open World, Artistic, Puzzle and Logic, Mystery, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableJan 26, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperThekla, Inc

Overview

The Witness was the seventh game released by interactive fiction pioneers Infocom. The player character is a detective who has been summoned to the Cabeza Plana, California office of Mr. Linder, a millionaire. Linder fears that his life is in danger... and indeed, as he sits in his office with the player, he is murdered before the player's eyes. The player then must solve the murder.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Witness are varied, offering a complex and nuanced perspective on its narrative approach. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Gameplanet appreciate the dense and philosophical themes explored in the game, with hidden audio logs and video recordings adding depth and interpretation to the story. Twinfinite also praises the scattered voice recordings that touch on discovery, religion, science, and introspection, enhancing the world-building and player immersion. These elements contribute positively to the overall experience, offering players a thought-provoking narrative to unravel. On the other hand, critics such as Brash Games and Game Informer express concerns about the lack of a strong, traditional narrative in The Witness. Brash Games mentions a missed opportunity in storytelling, while Game Informer criticizes the barren narrative front and heavy reliance on audio logs, which may deter some players looking for a more explicit storyline. Additionally, Metro GameCentral points out the obscurity of the story and the absence of character interaction, which could potentially lead to a disconnect for players seeking a more engaging narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards The Witness prioritizing puzzle-solving and exploration over a linear narrative. While some critics appreciate the game's focus on philosophical themes and the way the story is pieced together as players progress, others find the lack of a clear narrative or character-driven plot to be a drawback. The game's mysterious and thought-provoking storytelling approach seems to have divided opinions, with some critics like IGN acknowledging that the story enriches the overall mystery of the game, while others like Game Rant find it to be a refreshing departure from traditional storytelling in video games. Ultimately, The Witness's unconventional narrative style seems to be a defining feature that either resonates with players seeking a more contemplative experience or leaves others craving a more structured and explicit story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on The Witness's narrative approach. Some praise its dense themes and hidden audio logs, enhancing player immersion. Others criticize its lack of a traditional narrative and character interaction, feeling it may disconnect some players. Overall, the game prioritizes puzzle-solving over a linear story, with some finding its unique storytelling refreshing while others desire a clearer plot. The Witness's unconventional narrative style divides critics, making it a contemplative experience for some and leaving others wanting a more structured story.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of The Witness, highlighting its challenging and innovative puzzle mechanics. Critics like COGconnected and Gameplanet described the puzzles as clever and mind-bending, pushing players to think in new ways and providing a sense of accomplishment when solved. Game Informer and Push Square commended the game for its deviously simple core mechanic that leads to brain-bending puzzles and satisfying "a-ha" moments. The puzzles, according to Digital Spy and Adventure Gamers, gradually increase in difficulty, requiring players to comprehend and solve them without hand-holding, offering a rewarding experience that fosters personal achievement. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about the potential drawbacks of The Witness's gameplay. PSNStores mentioned that some players might find the puzzles repetitive and aggravating, while Metro GameCentral noted a lack of variety and tangible rewards for completing puzzles. Shacknews highlighted the quick ramp-up in difficulty, which could lead to frustration for some players. Additionally, Yahoo! pointed out that the nonlinear structure of the game might be confusing and potentially frustrating for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding The Witness's gameplay. The game's focus on challenging and evolving puzzles, as noted by multiple critics such as Game Revolution and Polygon, creates a unique and satisfying experience for players. The Witness's innovative puzzle design, lack of hand-holding, and rewarding sense of accomplishment resonated well with reviewers, making it a standout title in the puzzle/platformer genre. Despite some minor criticisms about repetition and difficulty, the majority of critics found the gameplay of The Witness to be engaging, thought-provoking, and ultimately a rewarding experience for players seeking a cerebral challenge.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about The Witness' challenging and innovative puzzles that push players to think differently and feel a sense of achievement. Some concerns include repetitive gameplay and lack of variety, but overall, the game's unique puzzle design and rewarding experience make it a standout title in the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of The Witness, highlighting its stunning beauty and immersive environments. Critics such as Examiner, Gameplanet, and Guardian commended the game for its vibrant and detailed island setting, with beautiful natural landscapes and architecturally designed buildings. The use of color was a standout feature, with Digitally Downloaded noting the different color themes for each area enhancing the puzzle mechanics and creating a visually appealing experience. The attention to detail in the visuals, as mentioned by PSNStores and Polygon, added depth to the exploration and gameplay, making the island a joy to explore. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about the disconnect between the puzzles and the world around them, impacting immersion. CGMagazine noted that while the game was visually beautiful with a large and colorful island, the puzzles felt disconnected, breaking the immersion for players. Metro GameCentral highlighted the lack of interactivity in the world, which was a point of criticism despite the staggeringly beautiful art design and use of color. TheSixthAxis mentioned that the lack of substantive variety in puzzles could make the visual splendor feel like an illusion, potentially detracting from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Witness. The game was praised for its gorgeous and meticulously crafted visuals, with critics like Critical Hit and Gameplanet describing the island as majestic and sublime. The diverse environments, lush colors, and intricate details were lauded by multiple reviewers, contributing to a visually stunning and immersive experience. While some critics pointed out minor flaws such as puzzle-world disconnect and lack of interactivity, the general sentiment is that The Witness excels in delivering a visually captivating and artistically rich world for players to explore and unravel its mysteries.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about The Witness's breathtaking graphics and visual design, praising its stunning beauty, immersive environments, vibrant colors, and detailed island setting. However, some critics expressed concerns about the disconnect between puzzles and the world, impacting immersion. Despite minor flaws, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers lauding the game for its gorgeous visuals and artistically rich world.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Witness have received mixed but mostly positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its immersive sound design, utilizing ambient noises like waterfalls, wind, and machinery to create a living, breathing environment. Critics such as Brash Games and Game Revolution appreciated how these natural sounds added to the atmospheric puzzle-solving experience, making players feel connected to the game world. Additionally, the inclusion of voice recordings and audio logs, particularly those narrated by Ashley Johnson as mentioned by Digital Spy and Examiner, was highlighted as a positive aspect that deepened the narrative and added layers of mystery and intrigue, as noted by Digitally Downloaded. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the lack of traditional music in The Witness. While the absence of a prominent soundtrack was seen as a deliberate choice to enhance the solitude and contemplative nature of the game by reviewers like PlayStation Universe and XboxAddict, it also led to a sense of emptiness or exclusion for some players, as pointed out by XboxAddict. Yahoo! mentioned that the audio logs scattered throughout the island didn't necessarily enhance the gameplay experience, indicating a disconnect between the sound elements and player engagement. The optional nature of the audio logs, as highlighted by Kill Screen, also raised questions about their impact on the overall gameplay flow. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Witness excels in creating a unique audio experience that complements its gameplay and atmosphere. The use of natural sounds and voice recordings, as praised by Twinfinite and Wccftech, contributes to the immersive and enigmatic world of the game. While the absence of traditional music may not appeal to all players, the majority of critics appreciated how the sound design enhanced the sense of solitude and exploration in The Witness. IGN's positive mention of the warm, electric buzzing effect and the inclusion of quotes from philosophers and scientists in audio logs reflects the overall sentiment that the sound design and music, or lack thereof, contribute significantly to the overall experience of The Witness.

TL;DR

music and sound design

The Witness impresses with its immersive sound design featuring ambient noises and voice recordings, enhancing the atmospheric puzzle-solving experience. While some critics noted a lack of traditional music, many appreciated how the sound design deepened the narrative and added mystery. Overall, the game's unique audio experience contributes to its enigmatic world, despite mixed feedback on certain elements.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Witness has received predominantly positive feedback from the critics. Game Revolution highlights the recordings of actors like Ashley Johnson and Phil Lamar, emphasizing how they add depth and curiosity to the game's world, enhancing the overall experience. Examiner also praises the voice acting by Ashley Johnson, mentioning how it contributes to the immersive experience. Additionally, Wccftech commends the well-acted audio messages in the game that significantly contribute to the story. However, there are some mixed opinions regarding the voice acting in The Witness. GamingTrend questions the whereabouts of Ashley Johnson in the game, indicating a lack of clarity or presence in her performance. This ambiguity may have created some confusion or disconnect for players expecting a more prominent role from her. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Witness, particularly by actors like Ashley Johnson and Phil Lamar, adds depth, immersion, and storytelling to the game. Guardian notes how these voice actors provide performances through audio logs, enriching the environment with recitations from notable figures. Twinfinite also emphasizes how the voice recordings by various individuals contribute to a narrative of discovery, religion, science, and introspection, enhancing the overall experience for players. Despite some minor concerns raised by GamingTrend, the majority of critics appreciate the voice acting in The Witness for its positive impact on the game's storytelling and atmosphere.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the voice acting in The Witness, praising performances by Ashley Johnson and Phil Lamar for adding depth and immersion to the game. While some express mixed opinions, the majority agree that the voice acting enriches the storytelling and atmosphere, with audio messages enhancing the overall experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on different gaming platforms for The Witness, there are both positives and negatives highlighted by the critics. On the PlayStation 4, Push Square notes that the game runs smoothly, attributing it to the extended development time, which is a positive aspect. Wccftech also praises the PlayStation 4 version for running at 60 FPS without any technical issues, showcasing a seamless gameplay experience. Additionally, ICXM mentions that the Xbox One version of the game features improved lighting and anti-aliasing, enhancing the visual quality for players on this platform. However, there are also some negatives regarding the technical performance on each platform. Digitally Downloaded raises concerns about accessibility issues on the PS4, such as challenges for colorblind players and potential motion sickness due to the field of view, which could impact the overall experience negatively. Wccftech also mentions the possibility of motion sickness on the PS4 due to lighting and FOV settings, indicating a potential drawback for some players. PC Gamer reports mild glitches and a documented crashing problem on the PC platform, suggesting technical issues that may disrupt the gameplay experience for PC players. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of The Witness on different gaming platforms is mixed. While some platforms like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One offer smooth gameplay experiences with improved visuals, there are concerns about accessibility issues and potential motion sickness for some players. The PC version seems to have more technical issues, such as glitches and crashing problems, which could impact the overall enjoyment of the game. Despite these drawbacks, the game's prolonged development time and smooth performance on certain platforms are acknowledged positively by the critics, showcasing a balance between technical achievements and potential challenges for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed reviews on the technical performance of The Witness across different gaming platforms. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One offer smooth gameplay with improved visuals, but there are concerns about accessibility issues and potential motion sickness. PC version faces glitches and crashing problems. Despite some drawbacks, extended development time and smooth performance on certain platforms are praised.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Witness are varied, with several positive aspects highlighted. Critics like DarkStation, Examiner, and Game Revolution praise the game for offering a significant amount of content, including numerous puzzles and hidden challenges that encourage players to explore and discover more. Game Informer also mentions the fun of solving puzzles and the anticipation of what lies ahead in the game, adding to its replay value. Additionally, critics such as Guardian and IGN point out the interconnected series of puzzles and hidden obstacles that provide replay value by allowing players to revisit areas and uncover new secrets with each playthrough. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's replay value. GamingTrend and Yahoo! suggest that The Witness may not have much replay value due to its inaccessibility and lack of explicit guidance, potentially limiting players' desire to replay the game multiple times. Metro GameCentral mentions the mammoth length of the game as a disadvantage, citing a lack of variety in puzzles and an obscure storytelling approach that could impact the game's replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the replay value of The Witness. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and PlayStation Universe emphasize the game's hidden content, challenging puzzles, and rewarding outcomes that encourage players to explore and engage with the game's intricacies. While some critics raise concerns about the game's difficulty and potential limitations in replay value, the majority appreciate the depth of content, the sense of discovery, and the intellectual challenges that The Witness offers. IGN's estimation of 80 to 100 hours to fully experience everything in the game underscores the depth and richness that contribute to its overall replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on The Witness' replay value, but overall, many praise its abundance of content, challenging puzzles, and hidden challenges that keep players engaged. Some critics mention concerns about accessibility and lack of variety in puzzles impacting replayability, but the majority appreciate the game's depth, discovery elements, and intellectual challenges. IGN estimates 80 to 100 hours for a full experience, highlighting the game's rich replay potential.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Witness has garnered significant praise from critics for its challenging and unique puzzle gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive world. Critics like COGconnected, who believe it is one of the best puzzle games out there, and Digitally Downloaded, who laud its complex narrative and high replay value, highlight the game's positive aspects. The meticulously designed world and elaborate puzzles, as noted by DarkStation, reward diligent players in meaningful ways, creating a captivating and rewarding experience. The game's intelligent puzzle design, as commended by Game Revolution and Twinfinite, along with its compelling adventure and fulfilling learning process, as noted by IGN and several others, contribute to making The Witness an engrossing and satisfying experience for players seeking a mental challenge. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out negatives about The Witness, such as its lack of variety in puzzles, sparse story segments, and occasional frustration due to the lack of clear direction. Metro GameCentral mentions the lack of variety and reward as drawbacks, while Game Informer expresses disappointment in the lack of an involved plot and anticlimactic ending. Additionally, some critics, like GamesBeat, question the value of solving difficult puzzles without a clear reward or purpose, indicating a potential source of frustration for players seeking a more cohesive experience. These criticisms suggest that while The Witness excels in certain areas, it may fall short in providing a fully satisfying and cohesive gameplay experience for all players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding The Witness is that it is a challenging and rewarding puzzle game that offers a unique and engaging experience for players willing to delve into its intricacies. The game's artistry, gameplay, and world design have been widely praised, with many critics highlighting its ability to make players feel clever and accomplished. While there are concerns about its narrative elements, lack of variety in puzzles, and occasional frustrations, the majority of critics appreciate the game's ambition and the mental challenge it presents. Ultimately, The Witness is recommended for those looking for a thought-provoking and immersive puzzle adventure that pushes the boundaries of traditional gameplay experiences, as echoed by critics like The Escapist and Game Rant.

TL;DR

The Witness: A challenging and rewarding puzzle game praised for its unique gameplay and immersive world. Critics laud its intelligent puzzle design and captivating experience, though some point out drawbacks such as lack of variety and sparse story. Overall, recommended for players seeking a mental challenge and immersive adventure.

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Reviews

156 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Oct 6, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly praises The Witness and recommends everyone to give it a fair shot.

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100

Examiner

PlayStation 4

Jan 27, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witness is a super hard but super rewarding game that challenges players and offers a unique and engaging experience.

100

IGN

Xbox One

Sep 13, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witness is an intelligently designed puzzle game that offers a compelling adventure and a fulfilling learning process. It is a game that embodies its themes and offers a satisfying experience.

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100

Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Jan 28, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witness is praised for its challenging puzzles, beautiful visuals, engaging gameplay, and immersive world, offering a near perfect experience that captivates players despite its difficulty.

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100

Telegraph

PlayStation 4

Jan 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its inventiveness, satisfaction, and addictive nature. The reviewer considers it a truly special game that makes the player feel clever.

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100

Game Rant

Feb 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witness is an engrossing and hugely satisfying experience that solidifies Jonathan Blow as one of the very best active game designers. It has a refreshing storytelling approach, engaging gameplay, strong visuals, and high replay value.

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100

VideoGamer

PlayStation 4

Jan 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witness is described as one of the best games the reviewer has ever encountered, with addictive gameplay and a captivating world.

100

Game Revolution

PlayStation 4

Jan 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends The Witness, praising its absorbing gameplay, challenging puzzles, and beautiful design that complement each other effectively.

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100

Digital Spy

PlayStation 4

Jan 30, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as very good and recommended for those who enjoy solving puzzles in a gorgeous island setting.

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100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Jan 26, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Witness offers an impressive collection of puzzles, challenging gameplay, and a beautiful, eerie world to explore. The journey is rewarding for those who enjoy puzzle-solving, with high replay value.

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