Return of the Obra Dinn
Adventure
Indie
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Cloud
Remote Play on TV
Family Sharing

Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.

Developers: Lucas Pope
Publishers: 3909
Release Date: Oct 18, 2018
Price (USD): $11.99
Current Players: 766

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(97%)
engaging mystery
unique puzzle
art style
soundtrack
narrative structure
art style
storytelling
character identification
art style
user interface
lack of replayability
tedious transitions
The game is praised for its engaging mystery and unique puzzle mechanics that require players to use deduction and logic without hand-holding. Many reviewers appreciate the game’s art style, while some find it visually straining. The soundtrack is often highlighted, though the interface and replayability aspects receive criticism. Overall, the game is largely celebrated as a unique and fulfilling mystery adventure.

Positive Points

  • The game is praised for its engaging mystery and unique puzzle mechanics that require players to use deduction and logic without hand-holding.
  • Many reviewers appreciate the one-of-a-kind art style, which uses a monochrome, retro-inspired design that adds to the atmosphere.
  • The soundtrack is often highlighted as being particularly fitting and elevating the game's dramatic and eerie tone.
  • The narrative structure is seen as innovative, telling a complex story through fragmented, non-linear vignettes of the crew's demise.
  • Negative Points

  • Some players find the art style to be visually straining, making it difficult to distinguish critical details necessary for solving puzzles.
  • A few reviewers mention that the game's user interface can be clunky, especially when revisiting scenes or navigating through memories.
  • The lack of replayability is noted as a downside since the game’s core mystery can only be experienced once when the player is unaware of the outcomes.
  • Certain elements, like the waiting periods between scene transitions or the need to physically revisit bodies to re-enter memories, are described as tedious.
  • Mixed Points

  • While many love the game's unique storytelling and art style, others feel it's either too stylized or becomes challenging over prolonged gameplay.
  • The difficulty and necessity of trial-and-error in identifying characters are points of contention; some find it rewarding, while others find it frustrating.
  • Common Themes

  • The game is often compared to other puzzle/adventure games like Outer Wilds, praised for its originality and depth.
  • Its innovative use of a detective story that engages players in active problem-solving with minimal guidance is a major highlight.
  • Despite complaints about certain mechanics, the game is largely celebrated for its story and the satisfaction it provides when mysteries are solved.
  • Updated 1/14/2026, 12:02:07 AM UTC