When asked to name my all-time favorite games, you’d have to delve quite deep before a triple-A title emerges. My personal list is typically dominated by gems like Citizen Sleeper, Disco Elysium, Before Your Eyes, and of course, Return of the Obra Dinn. It’s only after these that a big-budget game like Titanfall 2 or Dragon Age: Origins might make an appearance, depending on my mood. I wouldn’t call myself a gaming ‘hipster’; I simply adore titles that push boundaries and explore innovative concepts, a spirit often found thriving in the indie scene. While our comprehensive list of the best indie games features many fantastic options, new, affordable treasures are constantly being released. That’s why I’m thrilled to see Return of the Obra Dinn, a game now seven years old, attracting more players than ever before. The exact reason for this sudden resurgence, however, remains a delightful mystery to me.
One apparent reason for the surge is that Return of the Obra Dinn is currently on sale. While this 50% discount, matching its historical lowest price in many regions, isn’t unique (it’s the fourth sale this year), this particular offer does provide an extra five dollars in savings.
Beyond the sale, the exact reason for this sudden rush to Lucas Pope’s iconic detective game remains unclear. Today, it boasted over 1,300 concurrent players on Steam, a higher peak than even its launch period, according to SteamDB. There haven’t been any major streamers showcasing it or recent YouTube documentaries highlighting its brilliance. It simply appears that players appreciate a good deal, and frankly, who wouldn’t?
My excitement is immeasurable knowing that more individuals are experiencing Obra Dinn than ever. Its distinctive ‘ditherpunk’ art style and the meticulously unfolding mystery create a truly singular vision, unmatched by many titles. Often, in detective narratives, you either anticipate the twists and solutions well in advance, or they emerge so abruptly that you feel you never stood a chance of solving them.
Obra Dinn masterfully crafts puzzles that strike a perfect balance between being delightfully frustrating and immensely satisfying. The solutions consistently feel just within reach, making you believe that one more crucial investigation will unlock the entire mystery and reveal the missing piece of the puzzle.
Yet, despite the palpable closeness of its solutions, the game is also brimming with unexpected surprises. I wouldn’t dream of spoiling them, but if you’re embarking on this journey for the first time, prepare for an absolute treat. For those returning, armed with foreknowledge of every twist and turn, you’ll discover even more intricate details you might have overlooked during previous playthroughs. It’s truly remarkable how endlessly replayable this detective game proves to be.
I’ve deliberately avoided spoilers, so I apologize if this description has been somewhat vague. My intention is to convey that this is an exceptionally special game. Don’t just take my word for it; 96% of Steam reviewers concur, collectively ranking it among the best PC games ever made. And yes, I wholeheartedly agree with their assessment.
Whether you consider yourself an indie game connoisseur or are merely beginning to explore the vast ocean of independent titles, Return of the Obra Dinn represents an essential next step in your gaming journey.
Return of the Obra Dinn is currently available at a 50% discount, priced at $9.99 / £8.37, with this special offer concluding on Thursday, October 23. It’s available for purchase on Steam.
If you’re seeking more games in this intriguing genre, consider exploring our curated list of the best puzzle games on PC. Alternatively, if the allure of ocean-based adventures calls to you, our top picks for pirate games might be more to your liking.
What are your personal favorite games of all time? Do you think Obra Dinn could dramatically shift your rankings, even seven years post-release? Share your thoughts in our community Discord server, where staff and fellow readers discuss their top gaming choices and the latest news.