Challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you with an instant camera. Viewfinder is a new single player game offering gamers hours of interesting and fun experiences while uncovering the mysteries left behind.
The game's primary mechanic revolves around using a camera to take pictures and then placing those pictures into the environment to alter and manipulate the world. This core concept allows for a wide variety of creative puzzle-solving opportunities. Players can take photos of platforms, columns, and other objects, then reposition or rotate those photos to create bridges, stairs, or other traversal elements. The puzzles consistently introduce new twists on this basic mechanic, such as photos that can't be directly placed, cameras that destroy the original object when a photo is taken, and more. Reviewers praise the game for continually presenting new ways to interact with the environment and solve challenges, keeping the experience fresh and engaging throughout. Many highlight specific moments where they had to think in unconventional ways to progress, leading to satisfying "aha!" moments when the solution clicked. The game's rewind feature also allows players to experiment freely without fear of failure, encouraging low-risk exploration of different approaches.
One of the game's standout strengths is how it encourages player creativity and flexibility in solving puzzles. Rather than a single "correct" solution, the game often presents open-ended challenges that can be tackled in multiple ways. Reviewers appreciate that they could approach problems from different angles and apply the core mechanics in novel ways to reach the goal. This open-ended design allows for a sense of personal expression, as players can reshape the environment to suit their own perspective and preferences. Reviewers describe moments of pride and accomplishment when they discovered unique solutions that differed from the intended path.
The game's pacing is praised for gradually introducing new mechanics and puzzle types at a smooth, measured pace. Reviewers note that the early levels serve as a strong tutorial, teaching players the basics before steadily ramping up the challenge. The game strikes a balance between presenting straightforward puzzles and more complex, brain-teasing challenges. While some reviewers felt the difficulty could have been pushed further in the later stages, most agree that the overall progression feels well-designed, keeping the experience engaging without becoming overly frustrating. The game's rewind feature, which allows players to undo actions, is cited as an important tool that enables experimentation and supports the learning curve.
Alongside the core puzzle-solving, reviewers highlight the game's environmental storytelling as a strength. The surreal, dreamlike worlds are praised for their visual appeal and the way they integrate with the gameplay. Subtle details and collectibles scattered throughout the levels provide additional context and narrative without interrupting the flow of the puzzles. While the overt story elements received more mixed reviews, with some finding them unnecessary or distracting, the general consensus is that the environmental design and the way it ties into the puzzles create a compelling and immersive experience.