Beholder

Beholder is a dystopian-themed game that combines point-and-click puzzle elements with a management overlay, set in a bleak totalitarian world. Players take on the role of a landlord tasked by the oppressive government to spy on tenants, report suspicious activities, and make morally challenging decisions to protect their family. The game's atmosphere, enhanced by somber music and minimal voice acting, effectively immerses players in its grim setting. The gameplay involves managing time-sensitive objectives, balancing spying, blackmailing, and completing government tasks, which can create tension and require strategic prioritization.

However, some players find the gameplay repetitive and overly timed, which may reduce the tension after repeated playthroughs. While the game is praised for its strong world-building and multiple endings, criticisms include a lack of deeper management mechanics, occasional frustrating UI elements (like unreadable fonts on TVs), and some reported bugs affecting quest outcomes. Overall, Beholder appeals to players who enjoy story-driven, strategic moral dilemmas in a dystopian setting but may not suit those looking for fast-paced or highly varied gameplay.

Highlights

Players highly praise Beholder's immersive dystopian atmosphere, with excellent world-building that evokes classic totalitarian themes reminiscent of 1984. The storyline and characters are engaging, offering multiple endings that encourage replayability. The gameplay loop of spying, reporting, and managing tenants is unique and thought-provoking, challenging players to make difficult moral choices. The soundtrack complements the mood well, and the game's difficulty provides a satisfying challenge for those who enjoy strategic time management and puzzle-solving within a narrative framework.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's repetitive gameplay, with some players feeling the timed mechanics become tedious rather than thrilling. The limited management aspect disappoints those expecting deeper simulation elements. UI issues such as small or poorly aligned fonts hinder readability on larger screens. Some bugs have been reported, including quest-breaking glitches that impact story progression and outcomes. Additionally, the necessity to restart for different endings without save continuity frustrates players who prefer more flexible playthroughs. Overall, the game may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced or highly dynamic gameplay experiences.