Get ready to solve puzzles where perspectives will be your main ally.
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Back in the 2022 Game Awards, a game called Viewfinder slipped into the nominations, a title that dared to do something that’s very rare these days; I’m referring to innovating, a verb that now seems to be almost exclusively related to independent developers like Sad Owl Studios, the British team behind this particular title that brings us together today.
The title arrived on PC in 2023, and after two years on that platform, it’s decided to make the leap to Microsoft’s hardware, which I consider a great move, taking into account the lack of quality games in this genre on Xbox Series.
To understand Viewfinder, you need to think outside the box; I could tell you it’s a first-person puzzle game, but that wouldn’t convey what the game is really about. In terms of story, the game takes us to a future where oxygen has become the most precious and scarce resource, but the solution seems to be hidden in a virtual environment abandoned by a researcher, which we’ll have to explore using photos to reach different objectives.
The story unfolds through notes found within the virtual environment, recorded conversations, and even images and paintings scattered throughout the scenarios. Within the simulation, we also meet Cait, a very friendly feline who is part of the virtual reality’s AI and will often guide and encourage the protagonist, and whom you can also pet when you’re close.
Bring your camera, as it will be your primary tool to save humanity in this unique adventure we’re about to analyze.
Technical Aspect
What stands out the most is the graphics, which, although cartoonish, are truly beautiful, both in design and in the explosion of colors in each one, or the strange mixtures of color and black-and-white scenes that generate a virtually gratifying effect.
Additionally, the game will sometimes display different strokes, with simpler graphics, like children’s doodles; phases where everything seems to be seen through night vision goggles, or scenarios that seem to be taken from an 80s FPS, something truly wonderful that will bring a smile to the faces of nostalgic gamers like myself. 
Although slightly lower in terms of technical aspects, simply because it’s not as noticeable at first glance, is the sound, which is truly an excellent job in itself. Each photo you enter has its own effects depending on the theme, and the accompanying music is designed to relax the player and not become a nuisance that takes away from the immersion.
I conducted my analysis on the Xbox Series S without any bugs or performance issues, although it’s also true that the game doesn’t demand a lot from the hardware. Nevertheless, the movements are very fluid, and the physics feel more than correct.
Regarding localization, the on-screen texts and menus are completely in Spanish, although the voices are only in the original English.
Gameplay
The game’s mechanics are extremely simple, yet not trivial at all; in fact, in 42 years, I had never seen anything similar (not that it doesn’t exist, but I hadn’t seen it, and it’s not common at all). The game presents 5 worlds, each with its own theme, where you must solve different puzzles.
The protagonist will acquire photographs that can be manipulated in different ways to, in some way, fit them into the current scene and give access to a new dimension or advance in the scenario, freeing a closed door, for example, or reaching impossible heights.
Each of these puzzles varies in difficulty, and it’s possible that you’ll solve some very easily, while others will take you a long time to figure out, trying countless possibilities until you find the solution in a moment of pure satisfaction. That being said, even in the most complex parts, the game never becomes frustrating or tedious, although you may spend a good amount of time investigating the areas; but as you progress through the levels, you’ll also learn the secrets of the perspectives, and the puzzles vary enough to not feel like you’re repeating the same action constantly.
Placing the photos in the correct spot is a task that requires care, as the image replaces anything that was previously installed there, but when that happens, the option to rewind is always available, allowing you to try another option quickly and without too much technical hassle or the tedium of loading a previous save.
In some scenarios, it will be crucial to change perspectives, gather batteries to activate teleporters, create copies of images with a photocopier, etc., but there’s always a solution available or some kind of hint that helps the player orient themselves, even if it’s just a little, towards a possible solution.
Each world has its own set of collectibles, which, while not essential to the story, serve as an addition to the replay value and will trigger some unique lines. These items are defined by the theme of the scenarios, for example, in space, you can collect planets in scale, in others, wooden ducks, and other cute designs.
Duration
About 7 hours will be enough to complete the game’s story, which may bring a tear to your eye at the end, or maybe not. The replay value lies mainly in the idea of collecting all the collectibles, but the culmination is always the same, although you can always start a new game and try to complete all the scenarios and puzzles in record time.
Conclusion
Viewfinder is a game that clearly shows the developer’s heart and passion, a very unique adventure that constantly challenges players with an interesting proposal and, above all, with extreme originality.
The game is an invitation to all players looking for an intellectual challenge, far removed from action, to spend a pleasant time, perhaps with family, solving puzzles and advancing through enjoyable scenarios with a story that’s not too tense, serving as a thread throughout the game. It may not be the type of game for everyone, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t at least try it; I’m sure it will captivate you.
Translator and video game localiser with a passion for retro titles and simulators. He has never let go of a controller since he was given an Atari 2600. He collaborates with different developers in the localisation of their titles into Spanish through Camelot Translations.
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