Hob

Hob is an interesting little game on Steam. It's action-adventure but it's more isometric top-down style like the 2D Zelda games. While a 3D game, it has a fixed camera angle so that the game is designed around it. You never have to worry about the fussy camera. I don't exactly know what to make of the game, but I enjoyed my time with it.

One striking thing about Hob is that there is no dialogue anywhere (except for your little upgrade area to explain the upgrades). Everything is conveyed through motions and objects. The story is conveyed more through the environment, which has been ravaged by different evil forces.

Another thing is the puzzles. Hob's puzzles aren't really puzzles. They're more like "hit that button over there." This is not meant as a negative, but it is something that's a bit odd and takes some getting used to. Everything is based on simply activating various switches. It's more about navigating the world and discovering one thing after another. Eventually, you realize that there is a grand puzzle, where the whole world seems to come together, and you're being gently led through it piece by piece.

It has perfectly serviceable combat. Most of the joy of Hob seems to be exploring this strange post-multiple-apocalypse world you're in, and seeing how the various devices all fit together.

The art style is simple and elegant. Due to the lack of dialogue, most of the game is conveyed through the art, so it needs to be effective. The soundtrack is unobtrusive and ambient.

Hob is a fun game. I definitely recommend it if you want something a little weird. Coming from a guy who likes bosses and this game has practically none, this is a glowing review. It's not too long so it's not too much of a commitment. Check out the game if it suits you.