Obsidian Review

Looking for puzzles? Look no further.

Many people would just look at Obsidian and just assume that it is a Myst clone just because it is a puzzle-solving game. Far from it. Instead of using still pictures, Obsidian uses full video and SGI renderings to create a extremely realistic environment for you to romp around in. For people who thought Myst was amazing when it was released, you'll be pleased to know that Obsidian's graphics are extremely well done and surpass Myst in every way.

You play the character of Lilah Kerlin. You are a science engineer who has developed a satellite dubbed "Ceres," which uses nanotechnology. You and your partner (and husband) Max Powers launched the satellite to rescue the increasingly toxic atmosphere surrounding Earth in the year 2066. When the two of you decide to go on a camping trip to enjoy what Ceres has done so far, you notice a weird growth, a black shiny rock, which grows several feet daily. This is where you enter the game, at your campsite with Max missing. After a little exploration, you find that Max has been sucked into the rock, and when you approach the rock, you too are sucked into the world of Obsidian.

Once inside, you'll find yourself in a futuristic government bureau office that defies gravity. You'll soon be walking on what was the ceiling a couple moments ago. As you complete puzzles and advance through the environment, you will travel to different worlds, all with their own physics, graphics, and puzzles. Expect to meet giant mechanical spiders, irreverent tight-wad driods, and an assortment of other creatures all made to tickle your fancy. There is a distinct level of comedy in Obsidian, something that has been drastically missing in this genre.

As you expect, the puzzles will keep you thinking for a great while. However, unexpectedly, you will also end up moving your mouse around like a maniac attempting to complete the quick puzzles. Unlike Myst, not all of the puzzles are slow moving, some require hand-eye coordination to complete. This really makes the game more appealing to those of you who prefer machine guns and pistols. According to Rocket Science, the puzzles will take you around 60 hours. That's a lot of gameplay.

If you like your games a little less linear, with more than a single plot or outcome, you will be mildly pleased with Obsidian. You get to make a final choice at the end, either siding with machines, creating a human-less world of perfection, or siding with the humans, with all their mistakes, but full of life. Depending on what you do, you'll be rewarded with different, beautiful full motion video sequences. A real feeling of completion and accomplishment awaits, when you finish this game; a feeling that has been missing from all too many games these days.

Overall, Obsidian is a deep puzzle game, and is in many ways better than Myst. It takes the genre one step further, upping the ante if you will. If you enjoyed Myst, or are just yearning for a good puzzle, you'll love Obsidian.