OneShot

This is definitely one of the greatest indie games ever created in my opinion. The story is compelling, the characters are immersive and the bond you form with Niko during the game is just unreal. The puzzles are a masterpiece, eventhough i did have to look up hints for some of them i never felt frustrated or that they were too difficult. The game seemingly switches from cozy to very tense all throughout the game making it so you'll never feel bored or that it's all too linear.

In short: amazing game, hats off to the devs

Amazing game, just down right cinematic masterpiece, i left the game in my library for months and now i just couldn't stop playing it until the end, thank god indie game developers have passion and determination to make games just like the One shot team

i like this game, it's really good game

so excuse me not knowing what to say i haven't played the game in a bit, i know with profile like mine it's suprising.

i lied. i did play it yesterday... yet didn't read dialogue on purpose i had to get footage and screenshots

it was really fun to play this game i finished it mulitple times and solstice was good but due to me not having feelings i didn't cry once. but ending left me, i don't know what to say i just couldn't decide it was hard so i opened reddit like the user(loser) i am to see which one to pick better i think it was returning the sun

and i liked the pancake episode

hope you relized that this is pointless and i don't know what to say, am i a real fan at this point? not being able to say anything about the game isn't a good sign

you should play it even though im faking being a fan i guess. sadly.

so just don't froget the tube of water in your playthrough please

i played both oneshot and oneshot world machine and got all achivements because i love this game.

one of the most amazing and complex stories i've ever had the pleasure of playing through. the way the game interacts with both you, the player, and the actual files itself is nothing less than a pure masterpiece.

This game literally changed my perspective on reality.
also I cried a lot

the game has very unique puzzles and has one of if not THE best story ive ever seen in a game
very much recommended to give it a shot (ONE shot even...)

for 2-5 hours (including solstice) of your time you get an unforgettable experience that could make you cry, incredibly well built story and character design

I've had this game sit in my head for almost a decade at this point and never once made the effort to write a review for this thing.

Firstly, OneShot is good, REALLY good.
Probably the best RPG Maker game you can play period, and I mean *period*.

It isn't the best technically, there isn't any combat, there are surely better ones with puzzles, or "deeper" narratives, or heavier themes, and I have plenty of games I would consider better in different aspects, but none of them have the same impact this game has.
Niko and the world that you are given is indescribably rich in the impression it leaves with you, if you go in blind and let the game do its job then you don't need to try to like or connect with Niko, you just do. Something that a game excels in over anything else is responsibility, but never is it something that is often touched on or acknowledged, here though you are responsible for Niko.
You feel the weight of responsibility in OneShot and I think that is exactly why this game matters, why this story is so important and valuable for me, I haven't reopened this game once in 7 years of writing this review but I still feel the responsibility that I had for Niko, the love I have for their safety and happiness.

OneShot knows what it is, and that's why I see it as a genuine 10/10.
I'm living today because the voice this game gave me has stuck with me through time, good and bad.

I finally played OneShot and I had a fantastic time ! Be careful, spoilers ahead:
- First the story, it was amazing, and it's important since this game is extremely story-focused ! I had no idea there was a separate New Game+ ending, and it was a very nice surprise hehe. I like when stories have a sad turn, and this one had it, although the ending choice for Niko was for me very very obvious, I didn't have to think long. Niko is also super cute :3

- I'm a huge sucker for gameplay and I have to admit this one didn't really have anything involving gameplay mechanics, it's 95% about the adventure. There are some puzzles here and there but nothing crazy, so I wish there was more gameplay involved, but that's only me liking games like that !

- The soundtrack doesn't have something crazy, but it wasn't bad either, nice ambiance^^

- I love meta stuff, when the game requires you to do something on your computer, so that was always amazing moments when I had to do that, a lot of fun and required you to really think sometimes ! Please games, do more of that hehe

In the end, a very emotional adventure with a super cutie with us, very well-crafted and connected between the two endings. I highly recommend :3

This Game Is Worth It and I Love It

in fact I feel like I already miss the game, it's world, and characters but all good things must come to an end and this is a good one.

When you play this game, take your time to breathe in the world and really connect with the story. Try to understand the world and give it a chance because in a way you actually are a part of it. It does take time to connect with the world of this game but once you do there's hardly any going back... in fact there is no going back but I'm happy leaving it here like this and happy with the memories I made playing this game.

Once you accomplish your goal check your documents/games/oneshot folder

I started this game unsure if it was anything special outside of just a creative puzzle game and yet once my journey was over I knew without a doubt that it really IS something special. It's one of those games I would love to rewind time and experience for the first time again. in fact I'm not even sure when exactly I became so attached to the game but that's just how it pulls you in as you piece together all that it truly is.

The only thing bad I can say about this game is I wish that the window wasn't so small because you absolutely need to play it windowed and with wallpaper engine turned off. (Just trust me on this) My fix for this was changing my desktop resolution to 1920/1080 and settings scale to 125% temporarily. Unfortunately the higher resolution your monitor the tinier the window will be as it was just made more so for 1080p monitors.

If you're looking for games to play and want an adventure that really pulls you in by the end of it then this world is for you... but remember you only have One Shot... once it's over, its over.
Enjoy it for what it is because there's no going back.

Started out thinking it was a run of the mill rpgmaker indie game, and ended it speechless at points. I would protect Niko with my life

Beautiful game. It's amazingly immersive and makes you truly care about all of the characters. The art is warm and cozy, and the music is incredibly atmospheric. It's incredibly memorable (maybe because it made me cry too many times) and the puzzles are really fun as well. The worldbuilding and story are also amazing and... wait why are you still reading this? Go play it or wishlist it already, it's bound to be worth it.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET THIS GAME
Oneshot is such a iconic story game that will forever be in my favourites list it always makes me way too attached too the characters and the story line
If you like 4th wall breaks and fun puzzles THIS IS THE ONE!!!
also if u enjoyed games like undertale and kinito pet for example,
so BASICALLY if ur reading this just get it :)

Help me. This game is giving me an existential crisis. You see, I bought this game because of the reviews. “Overwhelmingly Positive”, with 98% recommended – both recent and all time. It HAS to be good, right? Right now (March 2025), there are multiple reviews calling it the “greatest/most creative/best game I’ve ever played.” By rating, this has to be one of the best PC games ever made.

Thing is, I’m now 100 minutes in, and I’m bored out of my f***ing mind. It plays like a generic adventure/puzzle game. There’s a bit of fun 4th wall breaking, and meta dialogue… but that’s it. I’m so bored, I’m actually going to ask for a refund.

So… am I an idiot? A weirdo? Crazy? Blind? Aesthetically, it looks like it was made for the Commodore 64, so it’s not the graphics. Or is it? Am I seeing what everyone else is seeing? Am I too old? Have I aged out of the “gamer” target audience? Have my standards turned ancient without me noticing it?

I swear I’ve played great games before. Yet, I feel a total disconnect with the rest of the community regarding OneShot. Maybe I can’t tell what a gaming masterpiece is anymore. Maybe I have no idea how to properly have fun playing video games. What if I’m a hallucinating fool, and I don’t know it?

Perhaps I’m some crazy, has-been gamer, screaming at the world to provide original game mechanics, while everyone else points and laughs at me. I mean, I’m currently using a f***ing Steam review as a form of self therapy. The world must have left me behind years ago, and I’ve just been too stupid to know it. I’m falling apart. Help.

A game that I will cherish, forever.

I never expect that I would get attached to a character so quick, wonderful story aswell!

Really great, love the visuals, sound design, music, story, puzzles, general aesthetic, etc. Worth getting all achievements if you like. There is a lot of walking, but personally it's not a problem to me (even if you do replay the game by removing files, which I still recommend doing anyway). Supporting World Machine Edition and the OSTs is also good, I think the games are definitely worth it.

Really enjoyed the game. Lot of good characters, good puzzles, etc etc. Really well written. Overall good 10/10 game for me.

The atmosphere alone is worth picking up the game, combined with an amazing story, an impeccable soundtrack,
and Unforgettable Characters makes this game a underrated gem. 10/10 Would fall in love with the series again. <3

Good story game. Music realy good too

I've always been a fan of puzzle games, and I love this! The puzzles are hard but not too hard so as to make me have to look anything up. I only had to look up one thing, and that was only because I couldn't find a certain place. As for the story, it's very meta. Overall, DO NOT spoil this game for yourself. I've loved the gameplay and would recommend this to anyone with a love for puzzle games!

Easily one of the best games I've ever played. OneShot is memorable, surprising and innovative. The story is pretty good and the ideia of you being a divinity that helps Niko (the "messiah" of this world) to save the world (that isn't even hers) is amazing. The game destroys the fourth wall in a way so immersive that is actually impressive.
After your first try to save the world you can play it again (by deleting the fake save file) and get a "new" story that complements/continues the first one.

OneShot is perfect.

11/10

This game is something special, truly. As with many things, its hard to really explain why this game is so good without spoiling it, but if you give it just a bit of your time and your undivided attention, and if you really truly love games as a medium for expression, then you'll love this game.

I've know about this game for a long time, but only recently bought it because I needed a new pixel game to scratch the itch. Without giving anything away, OneShot is the greatest game I have ever played. It's such a touching and unique experience. We are all gods of the game worlds we play in, but OneShot makes it very clear how important that is to the characters within it. You are directly responsible for what happens to these characters, and they make sure you know it. Having beat the game *completely* -wink-, I feel fulfilled, like I did the right things... I just want more lol

1000/10 game

An absolutely stunning game. The story is great and beautifully written (kudos to Eliza Velasquez and Nightmargin). Also one of the best fourth wall breaking games. 9.5/10, absolutely despised the puzzle with doors towards the end

this game's art is honestly beautiful
and is honestly a really fun game in general!
I really like how it makes you, the player, look through your actual computer to solve puzzles

amazing game full of puzzles and insults to throw at you
i know that i am not the brightest god in the universe so
stop being mean im trying to save the world here
anyway i would suggest this game to every one who love adventure and puzzles enjoy :)

This is one of my favourite games of all time and has stuck with me in a tangible way. It's probably not for everyone, very quiet at times and the puzzles can be a little obtuse, which is pretty normal for RPG maker games like this. But the ambience, the characters, the music and the overall style of the game just suck me in and haven't let me go for YEARS. If you're considering giving it a go, don't hesitate.

Incredible experience. A very good and touching game on RPG Maker. Glad to have played it and to have invested it.
This version is the best if you can get it. In any case, hats off to everyone involved. Got intense feelings in just 6 hours. I'll never forget this game.

Memorable characters, extremely fun gameplay, and a beautiful story. Made me cry like a baby.


Also Niko.

Short (in comparison to most of the games i play, at least) but really got me invested, and made me care. Gameplay drags a bit, but not enough to be a real problem.

"You have only one shot, ...."

Simplicity is often underrated, and that's remarkable when you look at our gaming panorama, that affects even the indie community. And yet, this small piece of art that has simplicity and care at its core manages to be one of my most cherished games ever.

OneShot has you exploring a barren world, devoid of light and joy, in which you merely interact with its elements and characters, the latter of them are dearly written and easy to like and chat with. The two protagonists are also a big part in what makes this game so heartful, and one of them is more special than many games and other pieces of art ever try to replicate.

While this game features no combat or action sequences, it's best not dismissed as a visual novel or some similar concept because the core of this game is as videogame as it could be, and it never, ever, could be translated into any other kind of media.

I, most often than not, praise a bit too much the atmosphere of the games I review here, and while trying to be a bit more nonchalant about it, I can't avoid stressing how impactful and deep the atmosphere of OneShot is. The cozy and eerie scenarios, coupled with the delicate designs and absurd music work all so well and so harmonically with each other that's impossible to go unnoted.

The soundtrack itself is another marvel to comment about, with songs ranging from calm and touching to energic, happy, oppressive, sad and scary, and even when working with such variety, all of them are held together by the same themes that the game presents. It's the kind of music that fits for you, being all alone, staring at the endless night skies above our heads.

The original version, being a freeware, emphasizes the fact that you really only have one shot, because that's actually the case and failing or succeeding this given chance will permanently close the doors to the player, although the Steam remake, being a paid product and all, is much more lenient is this department. Also contrary to the original release, this new version is much more polished, more complete and is highly more accessible than the former, so it's the way to go for any newcomer, even if part of the gimmick is a bit lost.

To make matters more worthwhile, the Steam version also includes a whole new story arc which touches on whole different matters pertaining to things left unsaid on your original run, and even though it's not mandatory to the OneShot experience, it's a whole new point of view through this magnificent kaleidoscope, with the same level of quality seen prior.

If you're still here, I'd like to point further that although there's a console(and Steam too, for the Deck) edition named World Machine, which emulates a PC environment for those other platformers, something that's completely reasonable as far as accessibility and appeal to different customers go, I'd highly recommend you stick to the 2016 version because this extra layer smudges a bit of the intimacy that the game offers upon the player. The upside is that this edition has a section for lore and character segments that compile many informations about this grand universe that isn't available in the original release :(

What I find more important in this game is that, despite fidgeting with the game medium itself is no new idea, OneShot goes a mile further in using this concept not to scare you or for a number of laughs(although both things may come across your experience here), but instead to deeply resonate the narrative to you, the one in control.

OneShot is a masterpiece that's not extremely beautiful, nor original, innovative or carrying a grand scope in mind, but in the end it shows the full potential of how love can create a simple and beautiful thing that echo to anyone who comes across it.

very cute puzzle and exploration game, was looking for something simple but told a story whilst still playing a game, and this really hit what i needed. Niko is such a sweet boy, and the saddness i felt when ever we moved from one area to another, unable to turn back and speak again with the many sweet NPCs was palpable. The game mechanics when it comes to its 4th wall breaking aspects are very fun and unique, but i'm also glad a wiki exsists because i would have gotten stuck a few times! really recommend this for a fun night or two in

An actually good game in this age of horrible AAA games and unoriginal titles. This game holds up well today and it seems it will hold up the same amount in the future. Had a fun time, and this is now in my top 5.

This is one of the best indie, forth wall breaking, game i have played with an amazing story that made me tear a bit.I recommend this game a hundred percent.

When I got the first ending, which it's the Return The Sun. After that, it made me confused like... this is not the "true" ending of game.

And after the Solstice experience... Wow... it hurts me... it made me cried... it's sad to see Niko went back home... (i had sit just to listening to the last ost of the game for 3 mins straight)
I'll miss you, Niko.

pros:
+ has niko in it
+ well executed 4th wall breaks
+ fun puzzles
+ has niko in it
+ good story
+ has niko in it
cons:

OneShot... A very heart-touching game with insanely clever game mechanics.
This game breaks fourth-dimensional space, making the player a god who can communicate with the main character, creating a never-before-seen storyline. The game's story itself isn't bound just to the game world, making it surreal.

Game mechanics that break from their normal bounds, allowing elements and puzzle pieces to exist outside the game on the player's computer and inside a folder, this allows for very unthinkable storytelling where the player needs to solve puzzles outside the game, a dynamic game state where the game closes itself when the main character sleeps, an indefinitely empty room as the main character doesn't exist anymore, and much, much more.
At last, the arts in this game are very gorgeous, and the soundtracks make the game more dramatic.

With the wonderful way it tells the story to the player and an actual heart-touching storyline, this game really deserves the top leaderboard. Personally, as I write this, I will give this game second place on the leaderboard, with the number one best storyline being Omori, and the third being Life is Strange 1.

Go in blind.

Just, go in blind. I went in knowing nothing, and I came out of the experience with a new must-play game.

There is no combat. Very reminiscent of old point-and-click "use this on that" kind of gameplay, only more fluid and natural.

Help Niko, ok?

Would be better if it actually worked properly on Linux. Other than that it is awesome. Stunning pixel art, charming characters, rational puzzles, unique mechanics (that will all only work on WIndows), etc. Play it (if you have Windows).

Truly one of the best games iv'e ever played. With unique puzzles, more characters than you can shake a stick at, a fantastic score, and one of the best atmospheres ever, this game will make you gin from ear to ear playing it. I would highly recommend to anyone who likes story driven, indie games. 10/10 would play again, but you only get Oneshot
*IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PEOPLE WITH WALLPAPER ENGINE RUNNING*
-One of the puzzles in the second area requires wallpaper engine, or any other wallpaper programs, to be turned off

This was a wonderful experience. I love the world, the characters, the story, everything! Goodbye Niko, I'll never forget you.

Finished the world machine version and i got to say this game a beautiful game. The music, the art style, absolute cinema to play, and niko is a amazing character and i love them :)))

I love this game and the way it truly makes you feel like you are part of its story in a way that no other medium can. God I love video games.

I don't think I can possibly recommend this game enough! It was an absolutely fantastic experience and one that I shouldn't have put off at all.

The sole weakness, if you can call it that, is that it isn't overly long. It's a cozy length that respects your time and doesn't waste even a single moment. It leaves you wanting to experience more of the world, to spend more time with it's lovely inhabitants, to enjoy the delightful soundtrack every step of the way, and a strong desire return to the story even after it's finished.

So just give it a Shot. Set aside some time, go in blind, and just enjoy the ride. You may come out the other side with teary eyes and a story worth remembering like I did.

This is the most touching game ever. I can't describe how deeply it tugs at the heartstrings. A simple pixel story game, yet it will forever be etched in my heart and memory.

Oneshot is really one of those games that stay with you long after you finish it. Its storytelling, atmosphere, and fourth-wall breaking leave a memorable experience, and the ending left me speechless..

A stunning game with an amazing story, absolute must play if you love anything Undertale-esque, or even just want a heart wrenching story.

Not gonna lie, this is one of the best games I have ever played.

Even though I don't play story games, OneShot is different from the other games in this genre and I can see why.
The most unique thing I have seen in this game is that the game communicates with you and builds a strong connection.
Worth mentioning that the game requires some creativity and thinking outside the box. :)
The storyline and the art are very good and well put together.

Now, is this game actually worth buying? Yes, some friends recommended me this game, I looked over the trailer and the store page, and I said to myself: "Yeah, looks cool, maybe I should try it one day."
I would have never expected it to be THIS GOOD though.

If you want to have a more fun experience, try to avoid spoilers. :)))

I am done here. What are you waiting for?? Go play the game already!!

It's way too good of a game. it gave me a mental breakdown and i can't help but feel like niko is real. and that they're somewhere else.

The game is very good all the way until the second half you play after the first "ending". The second run with the real ending ruins the entire game's story and appeal, on top of being generally dogshit to playthrough.