How Return of the Obra Dinn is the Perfect Detective Game - An Analysis

Let's see what makes the magic pocketwatch tick in Return of the Obra Dinn.
- Credit to Spazbo4 from World of Longplays for L.A. Noire gameplay footage: @worldoflongplays
Footage used from from Nier Automata, Death Stranding, Wolfenstein 2 The New Colossus, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Horizon Forbidden West, Return of the Obra Dinn, Papers Please, L.A. Noire, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments, Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, and The Outer Wilds.
A video essay on Return of the Obra Dinn.

[@ricochet1732]

It might also be worth looking at Curse of the Golden Idol. I jumped into it on recommendation for more games like Obra Dinn and it really does scratch a similar "playing the game in your head" itch, with a similar situation of being given a static set of scenarios and your only mission is to find out what the hell happened here

[@saharadunes1846]

Really fantastic analysis!! Brought up a lot of points and criticisms that I hadn't even considered. I think your main point about Return of the Obra Dinn being played inside your own mind is super spot-on. It's a logic puzzle for gamers.

[@Pixel_Whip]

Thanks, really glad you liked it!

[@ALLHAILSUNSETYOUTH2]

How the hell does this have so few views

[@nootnooty]

This was a really insightful take on the game! Might just give it a play!

[@ChimeratAlpha]

I've returned to Return of the Obra Dinn multiple times. It just takes a year or so between playthroughs. Or a mind, like mine, that sucks at names. :p

[@MrSchmatze]

hey, quality stuff! I would love to see some similar videos about Outer Wilds and the Case of the Golden Idol from you! :)

[@Pixel_Whip]

Thanks! I'd love to at the very least do a video on The Outer Wilds eventually, I'd want to do it justice.

[@sean2mush]

good video.

[@Pixel_Whip]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@jkcrosby]

chants of senaar does a similar thing :D

[@Pixel_Whip]

I've been meaning to get around to playing that! Thanks for mentioning it.

[@imogen6897]

epic vid