Reality-bending puzzle game Viewfinder launches as a PS5 console exclusive on July 18, Sad Owl Studios has announced.
PS5 owners can now download a demo from the PlayStation Store. It will help them get to grips with the subtleties of the gameplay mechanics ahead of Viewfinder’s full release, after which the demo will remain permanently available.
At the time of writing no price was confirmed, and the PC version has yet to receive an official release date.
In order to progress through Viewfinder’s story, the player needs to reshape the game’s digital world by manipulating and placing pieces of art, found objects, and photographs the user has captured using the in-game camera – hence the title, Viewfinder.
Upon being set in position, a 2D picture, such as a sketch of a room or photograph of a bridge, will immediately take on a 3D aspect, thus allowing the player to create their own MC Escher-esque worlds as they explore Viewfinder’s compact narrative.
Thankfully, Sad Owl Studios has included a VHS-style rewind feature, which, as highlighted in a new gameplay trailer, lets players explore with impunity, free of the fear of reality paving their way into a dead end, or deleting an all important teleporter.
Create, destroy and rewind with Viewfinder.
Watch the new mind-bending trailer and play the demo today: https://t.co/Rd16wPujpy pic.twitter.com/7iz0GG56M0
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) June 8, 2023
“We wanted to encourage experimentation and remove the fear of failure,” wrote Sad Owl Studios’ director Gwen Foster in a PlayStation Blog post announcing the game’s release date. “Now when you stumble upon something that would have otherwise been game breaking, you can just turn back time and try again!”
“It is very important that people play the game at their own pace and discover things in their own way. It doesn’t matter how you play the game, as long as you have fun along the way.”
Be sure to stick with IGN for more Viewfinder content in the run up to launch.
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer