Users wrote

Reviewers consistently praise The Talos Principle for its clever puzzles and deep philosophy. Many highlight the game’s atmospheric visuals and calming soundtrack. A common caveat is motion sickness from the 3D presentation, and some find puzzle progression repetitive or the star collection frustrating. Overall, players note multiple endings and the Road to Gehenna DLC as strong additions, making it a thought-provoking puzzle adventure.

Last updated: 2026-03-06

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Engaging and varied puzzles (38 mentions) - Puzzle design is clever and rewards thinking. The game introduces new mechanics gradually and mixes puzzle types, keeping progress satisfying. There are easy puzzles and very hard ones, offering a wide challenge. Solutions feel earned through creativity and patience.
• Philosophical and thought-provoking narrative (32 mentions) - The game explores consciousness, morality and humanity through terminals and dialogue. It invites reflection beyond puzzles. The tone is calm and contemplative and many find the writing strong. It stands out as a narrative experience in puzzles.
• Atmosphere, visuals, and music (28 mentions) - The environments are beautiful and immersive. The visuals age well and support a peaceful mood. The soundtrack enhances focus and discovery. Overall, atmosphere is a key strength.
• Multiple endings and lore through terminals (12 mentions) - There are several endings influenced by choices. The Road to Gehenna DLC expands both story and puzzles. Text logs and terminals deepen the lore. Replayability is enhanced by endings and extra content.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Motion sickness and dizziness from 3D visuals (12 mentions) - Many players report nausea or dizziness due to camera movement and lighting. Some sessions trigger symptoms quickly, preventing long play sessions. Accessibility may be limited for sensitive players. This is a common concern across many reviews.
• Puzzles can feel repetitive and tedious (9 mentions) - Later puzzles can repeat similar patterns and be time-consuming. Some players feel progress slows and the game becomes a slog. The repetition reduces enjoyment for a subset of players. However, core puzzles remain praised by others.
• Stars and difficult, finicky puzzles (7 mentions) - Hidden stars are very hard to locate and require precise actions. Some star puzzles are extremely finicky to solve. The pursuit can feel grindy and punishing.
• Dense lore can be off-putting (5 mentions) - The philosophical logs and text can be heavy for some players. It may slow progression. Not everyone enjoys the heavy exposition.

Compared Games

• Portal (25 mentions) - Puzzles and atmosphere are often compared to Portal; similar approach to clever puzzles and environmental storytelling.
• The Witness (6 mentions) - Compared to The Witness in terms of puzzle variety and open areas at times.
• Portal 2 (5 mentions) - Some reviews compare its humor and puzzle design to Portal 2.
• Soma (4 mentions) - Philosophical depth similar to Soma.