The latest addition to the beloved Beholder series has finally arrived on Nintendo Switch, and it's just as fantastic as you'd imagine. With a truly original premise, "Beholder 3" takes the series to new heights while still maintaining the classic gameplay that fans have come to love. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for this release, and it did not disappoint!
In the game "Beholder 3," you play as a government agent in a dystopian society, tasked with monitoring and controlling the lives of the tenants in your building. Through surveillance and search, you must enforce the state's laws and eliminate anyone threatening the ruling regime while balancing your duties with your personal relationships and moral dilemmas.
Pros
Plot: The story's plot is seamless, allowing both returning players and new players to easily pick up where they left off or understand what is happening. It is straightforward, focused on completing missions, and continuously propels the narrative forward.
Themes: Compared to previous games, "Beholder 3" has toned down its graphic content and tackled more age-appropriate themes. One notable addition is the character of Kim and her exploration of sexuality in a dictatorship where it is not accepted, leading to potential consequences such as re-education camps or worse. This theme brings attention to the harsh realities faced by individuals in many countries worldwide and provides a thought-provoking way to engage with the subject.
Tutorials: The well-designed tutorial in "Beholder 3" is similar to that of "The Sims 4" and is easily accessible for review at any time. This feature is especially useful for players who need a refresher. The game's diverse gameplay elements, such as blackmail, snooping, and breaking in, are introduced gradually, allowing players to fully understand each concept before moving on to the next, making the learning process smoother.
Previous Beholder Games: "Beholder 3" is a delightful blend of the best parts from both "Beholder 1" and "Beholder 2". The game seamlessly integrates home interactions and ministry missions, creating a well-rounded experience. While it's unfortunate that the ministry aspect comes later in the game and isn't as interactive as in previous installments, combining both worlds enhances the overall gameplay.
Saving: "Beholder 3" allows for unlimited saving options! No more having to choose between starting a new save or erasing your previous progress. This feature is a game-changer as it enables players to revisit previous progress whenever they desire.
Gameplay Balance: It's difficult to evaluate "Beholder 3" without comparing it to its predecessors in the series. The first game was heavily centered around family life, while the second game disregarded it completely. "Beholder 3" strikes a harmonious balance by incorporating family elements but not to the point of being overwhelming or causing undue stress. Players can enjoy the game without constantly worrying about their family's well-being.
Cons
Technical Issues: Reports of bugs and technical issues are widespread, and initially, I thought it only applied to PC players. However, I encountered glitches even on the Nintendo platform. Although the beginning of the game runs smoothly, problems arise when reloading a manual save. Some actions may not register, missions can disappear and then suddenly reappear, and these issues persist until the game is restarted. To resolve these bugs, it's recommended to save, quit the game, turn off the console, and then restart it.
Stuck in a Rut: As you progress in the game, you may find yourself stuck in a particular path and unable to deviate from it. The consequences of your actions will catch up to you, but it may feel like you're at a dead end. I remember when trying to escape with Kim, suddenly having to come up with 10k for Lukas, and all other missions at work seeming to halt. It clearly indicates that the end of the game is near and might not have a happy outcome.
Outcomes: The level of impact your choices have on the story seems to have decreased compared to the earlier games in the series. You may feel like your decisions don't matter much as there are few endings. Unlike Beholder 1, where your choices had a real effect on your family and neighbors, in this game, the consequences of your actions seem predictable and the outcome is always the same.
Missing the thrill: The lack of the ability to steal and the cost of snooping takes away some of the excitement in the game. It's a bummer that we can't experience the thrill of taking risks and trying to get away with it.
This was a great experience! I don't necessarily agree with all the reviews on Stream, and I think this game deserves more recognition. Although, I wouldn't mind if this was the final installment in the Beholder series. My personal favorite will always be the first game, and I can't wait to play it again! If you’re a first-time player or wondering which of the three games to grab, go for Beholder 1.
Total Game Time: 10+ hours
Games Similar to Beholder 3: Beholder 1 and 2 (of course), My Child Lebensborn, and Little Misfortune.
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