Viewfinder

The first-person puzzle adventure Viewfinder is currently available for free, for Windows, 100% free to keep, for a limited time as part of a time-limited Epic Store’s giveaway offer. Take advantage of it, as Viewfinder normally costs US$24.99!

Viewfinder is an independent first-person puzzle adventure game whose core mechanic revolves around manipulating images and photographs to alter the physical space of a world where global warming has led to the collapse of humanity. The game was developed by Sad Owl Studios and was initially released on July 18, 2023.

The game features a calm soundtrack, a relaxing atmosphere, and a deliberately contemplative pace, supporting a main campaign that lasts approximately six hours, along with additional challenge content. Its narrative does not present a direct introduction, with the story being told in a fragmented manner through audio recordings and the voices of different characters, including a cat that appears in the world and provides context.

Published by Thunderful Publishing and currently available for PlayStation 5, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, Viewfinder received generally positive critical reception and has won several awards. In addition, it remains highly rated on PC online platforms, at least up to the time of this publication.

You can get the game here!

Trailer

Gameplay

Viewfinder is based on mapping the images contained in photographs or other two-dimensional works onto the three-dimensional space of the game’s world, creating new geometries and layouts. These images can be placed, rotated, and repositioned by the player, with their contents becoming physically real within the environment. This mechanic is used to solve puzzles and access teleporter devices at the end of each level.

Levels are organized into multiple hubs, each containing several stages accessed through portals. In some cases, the player must power teleporters by locating batteries or activating other power-related mechanisms before progressing. While early puzzles introduce the core mechanics in a straightforward manner, later stages expand on these concepts by introducing additional constraints and tools.

As the game progresses, the player gains access to new abilities and devices, including a Polaroid-style camera that allows the capture of in-game images, which can then be used in the same way as pre-existing photographs. Other tools, such as image-copying devices and stage-specific upgrades, are introduced to increase puzzle complexity.

Puzzles generally allow for multiple solutions, encouraging experimentation. To prevent permanent failure states, the game includes a rewind system that enables the player to undo recent actions and try alternative approaches without restarting the entire level. An optional hint system is also available through the menu to assist players who become stuck.

In addition to the main stages, optional challenge levels are available, which build upon previously introduced mechanics and require a more advanced understanding of the image manipulation systems. Exploration outside of direct puzzle-solving is encouraged, with collectible notes and audio recordings scattered throughout the environments, providing additional narrative context.

About the game

Challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you with an instant camera. Viewfinder is a new single player game offering gamers hours of interesting and fun experiences while uncovering the mysteries left behind.

Viewfinder is a mind-bending first person adventure game in which you can bring pictures to life by placing them into the world.

Reshape Reality: Beyond photographs, bring paintings, sketches, screenshots and postcards to life while reshaping the world
Exploration is learning: You will learn the secrets of the world, the reason why it exists, and the freedom to create. Explore multiple hub worlds that are all cohesive and encompass similar, but complex, differences
Experience as much as you want: Viewfinder’s narrative is player driven and will be an approachable experience to someone who just wants to play and solve puzzles, and a rich well thought off world to a player who wants to learn more
Find the answer to the impossible, once you step in the world of Viewfinder