2024-07-22 16:00:00
It is not common for us to become the “person on the chair” in video games. Just like in movies, video games usually see players take on the roles of secret agents and field operatives, rather than providing valuable intelligence and solving problems that the on-site individuals cannot crack, as smart and versatile support technicians. Bureau 81 decided to subvert this script with The Operator, a short mystery game centered around an employee of the Federal Department of Intelligence, a government agency investigating unusual and often chilling crimes.
The idea behind The Operator is essentially to assist field agents. The entire game takes place on a computer, which is the operating system of your actual operating system, and on this fully functional system (which even includes a fully operable terminal), you must evaluate and select evidence to help field agents make connections, advance their investigations, and possibly even save their lives. This could involve searching through video clips for hidden clues, cross-referencing names or license plates against a complete database, discovering chemical compositions, or aiding in bomb defusal. Regardless of the task at hand, you complete it through this computer system.
This is a meticulously crafted system with enough depth and diversity. Bureau 81 keeps you engaged by showcasing frequently unique puzzles, challenges, and mechanics, many of which are used once and then, unfortunately, never touched again, ensuring that despite the limited visuals, you remain fully immersed. These puzzles are also crafted in a delicately balanced manner, so you never feel overwhelmed or confused as you break them down. Each one is designed to be easily overcome, although some originality is applied, and if you do encounter difficulties, there is a hint system to guide you in the right direction. I do think Bureau 81 is a bit too forgiving regarding puzzle solutions since you can’t really get things wrong; if you mess something up, the game will tell you. This does bring a slight sting to the experience, but you can see why it is so, as the core of The Operator is a very complex and twisted conspiracy.
This is an advertisement:
This game can only be played once because there are many plot twists along the way. I won’t spoil them here, but as you continue to narrate this story, you will notice the connections between the unique cases you are associating with growing increasingly. You discover heart-wrenching information about yourself, the FDI, and the cybercriminal HAL, and figuring out whom to trust becomes a more complicated and confusing task. In many ways, this is a very Cold War-like struggle, and Bureau 81 does an excellent job weaving a subtle and ever-unraveling story that never ceases to amaze.
The fully voiced dialogue you are continually introduced to, along with a range of mechanics and software, creates a miracle in enhancing the immersive quality of this game. Frankly, you won’t want to stop playing, especially when the plot twists start to take effect. Being that person on the chair, the supporting lead character star, has never been more fascinating. This may be partly due to the fact that The Operator also isn’t overly lengthy, clocking in at around four hours, which means you can easily complete the game in one or two sittings. Yes, as I mentioned earlier, it is not replayable at all, but it doesn’t need to be. It is a coherent and very engaging puzzle project that offers some fundamental and simple systems and mechanics, which it then hones to a high degree of sophistication.
This is an advertisement:
The best way I can describe The Operator is that while playing this game, I never once wished I was on the other end of the phone, dodging gunfire and avoiding danger in a high-stakes operation. Bureau 81 somehow becomes more exciting than Alfred being Batman…