Developer Dontnod doesn’t shrink back from tough subjects, even when it means some missteps alongside the best way. On one hand, that is admirable; the studio has helped push the medium ahead within the tales it will probably inform, exploring difficult topics like psychological well being and racism. On the opposite hand, that is new territory, and there’s nonetheless loads to be taught. Tell Me Why showcases this quandary; Tyler breaks new floor as a transgender protagonist, however Dontnod additionally delves into subjects equivalent to grief, panic dysfunction, and the significance of remedy. For all these steps ahead, this game nonetheless stumbles with some portrayals and plot holes.
Tell Me Why facilities on twins Tyler and Alyson, who’re introduced again collectively after being separated for a decade. While glad to be reunited, the event hits a somber notice since they have to put together to promote their deceased mom’s home – which additionally means confronting the tragic occasion that brought on her demise and separated all of them these years in the past. Tyler and Alyson’s bond is highly effective and honest, and I loved each scene between the 2 of them, whether or not it was simply banter or going through their tough previous. Dontnod does an amazing job at surfacing recollections that showcase how particular their relationship is, since they solely had one another rising up.
While Tyler and Alyson’s exchanges are what make the expertise, the identical can’t be mentioned for the general story. It has a very good quantity of suspense and stress as you attempt to determine what actually occurred with their mom, however Tell Me Why’s three-part arc strikes at an over-accelerated tempo. Relationships really feel rushed, particularly in the case of romance and forgiveness.
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None of that is extra obvious than when attempting to uncover what sort of particular person the twins’ mom actually was. She finally ends up feeling extra like a plot gadget than particular person as a consequence of unexplained particulars, and even ultimately, you by no means actually get any satisfying solutions. I gained’t spoil something, however her story is filled with plot holes, particularly by way of her psychological well-being, and it’s a disgrace Dontnod didn’t deal with this side higher contemplating its delicate nature. That being mentioned, the writers do a a lot better job with Tyler; the story touches on him being transgender, but it surely’s not the main focus. The story strikes a very good steadiness between acknowledging this a part of him however not letting it overshadow or outline the journey of confronting his mom’s loss of life.
The highway to acceptance has you exploring Tyler and Alyson’s small hometown in Alaska and making decisions as they recall recollections from their previous. Dontnod takes the twins’ intense connection one step additional by giving them a particular means to listen to one another’s ideas and look at their recollections from the previous collectively. In some ways, you might be chasing their recollections as they floor, which generally results in discovering a mandatory merchandise or new clue. I preferred this side as a result of it showcases how two folks can keep in mind the identical occasion in a different way, and it matches effectively with the general theme of reflecting on how the previous formed you as an individual.
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However, there’s one a part of Alyson and Tyler’s particular means that didn’t work for me. At sure moments within the story, the twins keep in mind occasions a bit in a different way, equivalent to if a personality appeared offended or unhappy throughout a heated alternate. You then choose whose reminiscence you wish to imagine. It feels such as you’re being compelled to invalidate how the opposite character feels, or simply selecting the model you wish to imagine over discovering the reality. This isn’t about coming to phrases with the occasions, and I discovered the mechanic extra irritating than worthwhile, prefer it was unnecessarily pitting the characters towards one another.
The decisions in Tell Me Why really feel extra delicate and fewer impactful in comparison with Dontnod’s previous work, and I felt like I didn’t have as a lot company over the story or occasions. Your choices issue into Alyson and Tyler’s relationship and the way they select to maneuver on with their lives, however the variations are minor.
When you’re not making dialogue decisions, you encounter minor puzzles and minigames, that are additionally very hit and miss. I liked ice fishing and fixing the riddles, however inspecting graves to search out an individual or looking archives by remembering file names are extra tedious than enjoyable. One cleverly applied mechanic helps Alyson get on monitor throughout a panic assault by an app that you just faucet to control her respiration.
Tell Me Why doesn’t precisely reply the query it poses in its title, and possibly that’s the purpose. Even so, I got here away with blended emotions by the tip. I actually loved attending to know Tyler and Alyson, and I felt the suspense and intrigue of determining this bigger thriller, but it surely additionally disillusioned me. This was solely additional illustrated within the ending selection, which is simply completely terrible by way of the way it’s introduced and the way the characters rationalize it within the scenes that comply with. It doesn’t finish on a powerful notice, and what’s in between is filled with highs and lows. The highs make it price enjoying, however simply anticipate to be shaking your head when these low factors hit.
Score: 7.75
Summary: The highly effective bond between twins Tyler and Alyson shines, however the general story stumbles.
Concept: Reunite twins after a decade to filter their deceased mom’s home and fire up painful recollections within the course of
Graphics: Alaska offers a lovely and serene backdrop for the twins’ journey, even when the graphics aren’t that spectacular. The facial animations and dialogue syncing might use some work
Sound: Dontnod has a aptitude for locating nice music to help its characters’ emotional plights. Outside of some awkwardly delivered strains, the voice appearing is pure and effectively performed
Playability: Straightforward controls make exploration and conversations simple to maneuver, however deciding on objects after they’re shut collectively utilizing a controller could be irritating
Entertainment: Tell Me Why shines brightest when it’s specializing in the highly effective bond between twins Tyler and Alyson, however the general story and reminiscence mechanics don’t ever attain the identical excessive bar
Replay: Moderate
