Users wrote

Beholder is widely praised for its oppressive atmosphere and moral tension. Reviewers highlight the deep narrative where every choice has consequences across many endings, encouraging replay. The monochrome art, moody soundtrack, and strong world-building add to the experience. Some players find the game very challenging and emotionally heavy, with grindy moments and a high bar for new players, but many still recommend it.

Last updated: 2026-03-09

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Atmosphere and moral tension (9 mentions) - The game creates a heavy, oppressive mood that makes you question your choices. Reviewers repeatedly note the tense atmosphere and the weight of decisions on characters’ lives. This mood is sustained through the whole experience and influences how you play.
• Multiple endings and replayability (8 mentions) - There are many endings and different paths to reach them. Players mention that choices lead to varied outcomes, encouraging multiple playthroughs. The game rewards exploration of different strategies and suspects how things can unfold differently.
• Deep world-building and storytelling (7 mentions) - Beholder offers a rich backstory and a bleak world that invites players to read between the lines. Reviews praise the lore, character depth, and the way the plot unfolds through player choices. This depth supports long-term engagement beyond simple mechanics.
• Soundtrack and visual style (6 mentions) - A strong, moody soundtrack and striking monochrome visuals reinforce the dystopian setting. Reviewers frequently comment on how the art and music enhance tension and atmosphere. The presentation helps immersion even when gameplay is challenging.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• High difficulty and time investment (10 mentions) - Many players describe Beholder as very challenging. It often requires several playthroughs, careful planning, and persistence to progress. The pressure and risk of failing endgame checks can be discouraging.
• Grindy and repetitive gameplay (6 mentions) - Some reviewers feel the gameplay loop is grindy and repetitive, with many tasks feeling similar or tedious. The need to constantly manage resources can slow progression for some players.
• Depressing and emotionally heavy (5 mentions) - Several reviews note that the game’s mood is oppressive and bleak, which can be emotionally exhausting. It may not be enjoyable for players seeking lighter experiences.
• Technical/UI issues and translation concerns (4 mentions) - A subset of players report UI quirks, rough translations, and occasional glitches or save-related frustrations. These issues can hinder the experience for some.

Compared Games

• Papers, Please (12 mentions) - Beholder is often likened to Papers, Please for its surveillance and moral-choice dynamic, but with a darker, more personal setting.
• This War of Mine (4 mentions) - Some reviewers mention a similar survival-and-macabre tone or vibe to This War of Mine.
• Detroit: Become Human (2 mentions) - A few reviews compare Beholder’s branching-morality and narrative weight to Detroit: Become Human.