If you’re a fan of games that are both cute and cozy, then “Tell Me Your Story” is a game you should definitely consider. This beautiful hand-drawn puzzle game allows you to accompany the main character as she delves into the past of her grandmother.
Story
The game’s story is likely one of the most wholesome narratives you’ll find in a game. The player assumes the role of a granddaughter who has moved in with her grandmother. However, Grandma’s memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, so the granddaughter decides to create a charming scrapbook of her grandmother’s adventures. The only issue is that Grandma needs a bit of help remembering her past.
As the player progresses through the game, they’ll complete a variety of puzzles that reveal more about Grandma’s story. The game doesn’t utilize any narration, so much of the storyline is open to interpretation and is conveyed through stunning illustrations. The story is not only captivating and wholesome, but also family-friendly, making it a great game for individuals of all ages. When it comes to the story, “Tell Me Your Story” earns a “Fully Caffeinated” rating.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is divided into different sections of the story, each containing numerous puzzles to solve that help uncover Grandma’s past. The game employs classic point-and-click functionality to complete an array of puzzles. Some puzzles simply require moving objects to find something hidden underneath, while others necessitate more puzzle-solving skills.
While the game is generally simple in terms of mechanics, there were moments of frustration due to some puzzles being poorly explained and the hint cards often being unhelpful. As a puzzle lover, I would have appreciated more challenging puzzles, but it’s evident that the puzzle element wasn’t the primary focus for the game’s development. The ambiguity of some puzzle elements did detract from the otherwise wholesome and cozy ambiance of the game, earning the gameplay a “Buzzed” rating.
PERFORMANCE
“Tell Me Your Story” performed very well during gameplay, with no bugs or issues. The controls were straightforward, as is often the case with many point-and-click style games. However, the lack of on-screen writing, while beneficial for localization, isn’t ideal for accessibility. Despite this, the game is well-executed overall, earning it a “Juiced” rating for performance.
DESIGN
In terms of design, “Tell Me Your Story” is as cute as a button, exuding a wholesome and cozy aura. The graphic style is beautifully and skillfully executed. The design of the characters, brought to life through simple animations, is particularly noteworthy. The soundtrack contributes to the cozy feel and sets the stage for the wholesome story to unfold. The sound effects add an extra layer to the puzzles and are a great addition. All the visual and sound components harmonize perfectly to give the game a truly great vibe, leading to a “Fully Caffeinated” rating for design.
ORIGINALITY
“Tell Me Your Story” is a hybrid of a puzzle game and a visual novel. It could be compared to games like “A Little to the Left” in terms of style and puzzle elements, but it does feel less puzzle-focused. The story is unique in its exploration of our relationships with our grandparents, demonstrating the value of sharing our own stories. While the game feels original in many ways, it doesn’t quite strike as entirely unique, earning it a “Juiced” rating for originality.
THE FINAL BREW
“Tell Me Your Story” is a wholesome, story-rich game that combines some puzzle elements with a cozy story that will tug at your heartstrings. While it’s simple in terms of mechanics and the puzzles aren’t the most challenging, it compensates with a heartfelt narrative. After carefully grinding the beans and brewing this game down, it’s time for the taste test: “Tell Me Your Story” is “Juiced”.
“Tell Me Your Story” is available now on Nintendo Switch and Steam. With a play time of 1.5-2 hours, it’s a perfect choice for a cozy night in.
Check out Tell Me Your Story here: https://bit.ly/3xXtMz7
Until next time, stay caffeinated!