Beholder: Conductor

Beholder: Conductor is a narrative-driven strategy game set in a dystopian world aboard a train, continuing the themes of surveillance and moral choices from the Beholder series. Players assume the role of an official navigating complex human stories and making impactful decisions that influence multiple endings. The game features pixel art graphics and an atmospheric soundtrack that complements its tense and immersive setting. While it introduces fresh gameplay mechanics such as rummaging through passengers' belongings instead of camera placement, some players find the storyline less gripping compared to the original Beholder, noting a lack of memorable twists and underdeveloped plot elements.

Despite some criticisms regarding repetitive gameplay and occasional bugs, the game is praised for its meaningful choices, emotional depth, and engaging characters. Its difficulty scales well, making it accessible yet challenging, especially in elite modes. The inclusion of a cat companion adds charm and emotional attachment for many players. Overall, Beholder: Conductor is appreciated as a solid addition to the franchise, offering hours of strategic and narrative enjoyment.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's atmospheric pixel art graphics and the immersive soundtrack that enhance the dystopian setting. The meaningful moral choices and multiple endings provide depth and replayability. The new gameplay mechanics, such as searching passengers' cabins, offer a fresh twist on the series' investigative style. Many enjoy the emotional storyline and the presence of a cat companion, which adds warmth to the tense narrative. The game balances complexity and accessibility well, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and fans of the series.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the storyline being less engaging and lacking the impactful twists of earlier Beholder titles. Some players find the gameplay repetitive and occasionally slow, with long periods of waiting for events. The game sometimes feels underdeveloped in its plot progression, and the ending has been described as abrupt or unsatisfying. A few technical issues and the absence of certain quality-of-life features, like a save option, have also been noted. Additionally, some players wished for more dynamic character interactions and deeper narrative complexity.