A variety of trailers and announcements were made during the first State of Play livestream from Sony, including one that confirms the release date for Observation which will release on PS4 and have PSVR support. In the trailer, players are able to catch a glimpse at the futuristic LOSS space station and learn more about the challenges facing crew members like Dr. Emma.
Reveal Trailer for Observation Drops at State of Play
© No Code
The reveal trailer for Observation feels somewhat reminiscent of the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, though instead of facing off against an AI like HAL you the player are HAL. This concept was emphasized in a previous IGN feature where
“A really simple way to break it down is that Observation is kind of 2001: A Space Odyssey – but you’re HAL.”
Observation takes place on the LOSS (Low Orbit Space Station) with the player acting as an AI named SAM. The game opens after the AI is forced to reboot after a problematic event, and it’s up to the player to unravel what has happened over the course of the game and how to set things right.
What’s interesting is how gameplay deviates from you working with technology as a human being, to you actually becoming that technology. In IGN's feature, an example is given
“In SAM’s case, that involves flicking your multifarious gaze to a camera that can see the door in question, interacting with its control panel, adding that control toggle to your operating system menu, and finally, opening the door.”
It’s different than keying in commands, as you’ll need to problem solve how to best meet the needs of the crew aboard LOSS. The game appears to offer a nice blend of mystery, thriller, and a touch of horror thanks to the isolated tension offered by the location. The trailer ends by announcing that Observation is scheduled to release on May 21,
To learn more about Observation, be sure to check out the game’s page courtesy of developer No Code, and recap the trailer shown during Sony’s State of Play livestream down below!
