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CRITIK

Tell Me Why

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tell Me Why
Item: Tell Me Why
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Interactive Movie, Drama, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableAug 27, 2020

PlatformXbox One, PC

DeveloperDONTNOD Entertainment

Overview

Tell Me Why is the latest narrative adventure game from DONTNOD Entertainment, the studio behind the beloved franchise, Life is Strange. In this intimate mystery, twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan use their supernatural bond to unravel the mysteries of their loving but troubled childhood in beautiful small-town Alaska.

Elsewhere

6.9

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Tell Me Why has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes. Attack of the Fanboy commends the game for its engaging narrative with mysteries and character development, focusing on family drama and realistic conflicts. CGMagazine appreciates how the game delves into the complexities of memory, knowing loved ones, and coming home again. Additionally, GameSpew praises the emotionally charged story that is difficult to stomach at times but keeps players invested from start to finish. The narrative's focus on family dynamics, misremembering events, and uncovering past secrets resonated with critics like GAMINGbible and Pure Xbox, who found the themes relatable and the characters well-rounded. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were some critics who had reservations about certain aspects of Tell Me Why's story. Game Rant felt that the narrative was not as engaging as that of Life is Strange, citing long stretches where it feels like nothing is happening and a lack of compelling questions or mysteries to unravel. Game Revolution also found the story hindered by awkward script, contrived exposition, and slow pacing, impacting the overall experience for some players. Additionally, PC Gamer noted that while the narrative explores themes of identity, family, and prejudice, the collision of different tones and plotlines made the story feel fractured and broken at times. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Tell Me Why. The game is praised for its deep and emotional narrative, tackling complex topics with sensitivity and respect. Critics like Press Start Australia and Worth Playing appreciate the game's strong emphasis on narrative, well-developed characters, and realistic dialogue, touching on serious subjects like transgenderism and family dynamics. The story's exploration of themes such as family, memory, grief, and trauma resonated with many reviewers, creating a compelling and thought-provoking experience for players. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics found Tell Me Why's story to be engaging, mysterious, and impactful, making it a standout title in the narrative-driven genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Tell Me Why for its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes like family dynamics and memory. The emotional story keeps players invested, although some critics found the pacing and script lacking. Overall, the game is hailed for its deep exploration of identity, family, and prejudice, making it a standout title in the narrative-driven genre.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Tell Me Why has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the well-designed puzzles and engaging gameplay elements. Attack of the Fanboy highlighted the enjoyable puzzle-solving experience, while CGMagazine appreciated the detective work and memory recall mechanics. Game Informer noted the inclusion of dialogue choices and unique gameplay mechanics introduced in Chapter 3, adding depth to the player's interactions. Additionally, God is a Geek and Worth Playing commended the problem-solving mechanics and choices that affect the story, providing an immersive experience for players. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay in Tell Me Why. Daily Star and GameSpot criticized the slow pacing and clunky interactions, with Daily Star mentioning frustrations with picking up objects and lack of dialogue skipping options. Game Revolution highlighted the mundane and repetitive nature of interactive scenes, lacking variety and engaging elements. Critical Hit pointed out that the twin telepathy mechanic felt underdeveloped, impacting the overall strength of the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Tell Me Why leans towards a positive reception with some minor drawbacks. While the game offers engaging puzzles, impactful choices, and a unique narrative experience, there are issues with pacing, interactive elements, and the depth of certain gameplay mechanics. Critics like GamesRadar++ and Xbox Tavern appreciated the inventive puzzles and subtle choices that shape the story positively. Despite some criticisms, the majority of reviewers found Tell Me Why to be a compelling adventure game that successfully blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and decision-making mechanics to create an emotionally resonant experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Tell Me Why. Positive feedback includes praise for well-designed puzzles and engaging elements, such as detective work and memory recall mechanics. Critics highlighted the inclusion of dialogue choices and unique gameplay mechanics in Chapter 3. However, some critics raised concerns about slow pacing, clunky interactions, and underdeveloped twin telepathy mechanic. Overall, Tell Me Why is seen as a compelling adventure game with engaging puzzles and impactful choices, despite some minor drawbacks.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Tell Me Why have received high praise from multiple critics. Many reviewers highlighted the stunning and immersive environments, such as the picturesque Alaskan landscapes and detailed interiors, which contribute to the overall beauty of the game. Critics like GameSpot and Trusted Reviews appreciated the attention to detail in character design and the realistic animations, while Game Rant and Worth Playing commended the excellent presentation with detailed character models and beautiful snow-covered landscapes. The incorporation of Tlingit culture by GameSpot and The Digital Fix was also noted as a positive aspect, adding depth and authenticity to the setting. On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with character animations and facial expressions. Critics like IGN and Xbox Tavern mentioned that facial animations lacked movement and that character movements could be stilted at times. Press Start Australia and Pure Xbox highlighted problems with stiff animations and wooden character appearances, which could detract from the overall visual experience. Additionally, some critics, such as Attack of the Fanboy, mentioned that animations could break immersion, and Game Rant noted that character faces sometimes struggled to convey emotion effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Tell Me Why. The game is praised for its gorgeous visuals, attention to detail in character and environmental design, and the immersive depiction of the Alaskan setting. Critics appreciated the realistic yet artistically designed visuals that create a beautiful and evocative world to explore. While some minor issues with animations were mentioned, the overall sentiment is that the stunning landscapes, detailed environments, and the incorporation of indigenous cultures elevate the visual experience of the game. The combination of realism and stylized backdrops, as noted by TheXboxHub, and the believable character animation highlighted by TheSixthAxis, contribute to making Tell Me Why a visually impressive and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Tell Me Why's stunning graphics and visual design, praising the immersive Alaskan landscapes, detailed character models, and incorporation of Tlingit culture. Despite some minor flaws like stiff animations and emotion conveyance issues, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game offers a beautiful and evocative world with realistic yet artistically designed visuals, making it a visually impressive and engaging experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Tell Me Why have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the voice acting performances in the game. Daily Star and GameSpew both highlighted the stellar voice performances, with GameSpew specifically mentioning the ensemble cast's strong delivery. MondoXbox also commended the English voice acting and the quality of the Italian translation for texts and subtitles, emphasizing how the sound design enhanced the emotional impact of the story. Additionally, Twinfinite appreciated the fantastic curated soundtrack that accentuated emotional moments, contributing to the overall immersive experience. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the sound design and voice acting in Tell Me Why. TrueAchievements noted shaky voice acting, with some characters sounding wooden or awkward, while Press Start Australia described the sound design as a mixed bag, with performances ranging from great to below par. Windows Central mentioned that the performance and dialogue could be janky at times, indicating inconsistencies in the overall sound experience. New Game Network also pointed out that the music was not a prominent feature, mostly relying on a synthesized tune for a sinister atmosphere, which might have limited the impact of the soundtrack on the game's tone. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Tell Me Why leans towards the positive side. The strong voice acting performances, particularly by Alyson and Tyler's voice actors, received widespread acclaim for their authenticity and emotional delivery. Critics like Worth Playing and Xbox Tavern highlighted how the voice acting and musical backing enhanced the immersive experience of the game. While there were some criticisms regarding shaky voice acting and inconsistencies in sound design, the majority of reviewers appreciated the curated soundtrack, emotional depth, and atmospheric enhancement provided by the sound design and music in Tell Me Why.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have praised the voice acting in Tell Me Why for its authenticity and emotional delivery, with some calling it stellar and highlighting the ensemble cast's strong performances. The sound design and music have been commended for enhancing the emotional impact of the story and creating an immersive experience. However, some critics have expressed concerns about shaky voice acting and inconsistencies in sound design. Overall, the consensus leans towards positivity, with the majority appreciating the curated soundtrack and atmospheric enhancement provided by the sound design and music in Tell Me Why.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Tell Me Why has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers highlighted the stellar performances of the voice actors, particularly for the main characters Alyson and Tyler. Critics such as GameSpew, GamingBolt, and God is a Geek praised the excellent voice acting, with GamingBolt specifically mentioning the standout supporting cast that added depth to the story. The authenticity and emotional resonance brought by the voice actors, as noted by critics like Worth Playing and Xbox Tavern, contributed significantly to the depth of the characters and the overall narrative experience. Additionally, the casting choices, such as using a trans male voice actor for the transgender character, were commended for adding authenticity, as mentioned by KeenGamer and RPG Fan. On the other hand, a few critics did express some reservations about the voice acting in Tell Me Why. CGMagazine noted some flat voice acting and dialogue that hindered the connection between the twins, while TrueAchievements mentioned shaky voice acting with some characters sounding wooden or awkward. Game Revolution criticized the unskippable dialogue and excessive exposition, which detracted from the overall experience for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the majority of reviewers leans heavily towards positive appraisal of the voice acting in the game. In conclusion, Tell Me Why's voice acting has been widely praised for its strong performances, emotional depth, and authenticity, particularly in portraying complex characters like Alyson and Tyler. The majority of critics, such as Adventure Gamers, New Game Network, and The Digital Fix, lauded the voice actors for delivering believable and impactful performances that enhanced the narrative experience. While there were some minor criticisms regarding flat delivery or excessive exposition, the consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting being a standout aspect of Tell Me Why that significantly contributed to the game's emotional resonance and immersive storytelling.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise Tell Me Why's voice acting, especially for main characters Alyson and Tyler, noting stellar performances and authentic portrayals. Some critics mention minor reservations like flat delivery and excessive exposition, but overall, the majority of reviewers applaud the emotional depth and authenticity brought by the voice actors, making it a standout aspect of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on Xbox One, several critics noted some positives. GAMINGbible mentioned that despite control quirks and washed-out visual prompts, the game felt comfortable overall. Worth Playing highlighted that while there were some minor bugs like clipping and T-pose issues, they were not game-breaking and are expected to be addressed in future updates. XboxAddict also pointed out that minor issues like clipping and lip syncing did not detract significantly from the overall experience. These comments suggest that despite some technical hiccups, Tell Me Why on Xbox One still managed to provide an enjoyable gaming experience for many players. On the flip side, there were also notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on Xbox One. Twinfinite reported frequent audio glitches and crashes that impacted the overall experience, even with some issues being resolved with updates. Windows Central highlighted audio cutting out periodically and lip syncing issues as technical issues that affected gameplay. Press Start Australia mentioned texture pop-in and dialogue ceasing at times, although they expected these to be patched out. These comments indicate that there were significant technical challenges that affected the gameplay experience for some players on Xbox One. Overall, the consensus among critics for Tell Me Why's technical performance across all platforms is somewhat mixed. While some critics like GamesBeat and RPG Fan praised the smooth performance on PC without significant technical issues, others on Xbox One, such as Twinfinite and Windows Central, pointed out various technical issues like audio glitches, crashes, and lip syncing problems. The general sentiment seems to be that while the game may have some technical shortcomings, it still manages to deliver an engaging narrative experience. As GAMINGbible mentioned, the game is comfortable in its skin overall, suggesting that despite the technical issues, Tell Me Why still resonated positively with many players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed reviews on Tell Me Why's technical performance on Xbox One. Some praised its overall comfort and minor bugs, while others criticized frequent audio glitches and crashes that impacted gameplay. Despite these issues, the game still managed to provide an enjoyable experience for many players.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

92%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Tell Me Why are quite varied. Some positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers include the impact of choices on relationships and resolutions, as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy. This feature offers some replay value, especially for players interested in exploring different outcomes based on their decisions. Additionally, MondoXbox appreciates the episodic release format with weekly episodes and the option to make different choices that impact the story, which encourages replayability. The inclusion of collectibles hidden in the environments also provides an incentive for replaying chapters, adding to the overall replay value. On the other hand, several critics point out certain negatives that affect the replayability of Tell Me Why. Game Rant mentions the limited replay value due to the inability to skip dialogue and the short length of the game, with only three chapters that can be completed in under 10 hours. IGN expresses concerns about the lack of impactful choices and consequences, stating that the decisions rarely made the reviewer feel conflicted and the consequences were not severe enough to feel invested. Game Revolution also criticizes the lack of skippable dialogue and the focus on mundane tasks, which hinders replayability and may frustrate players looking to engage with the game multiple times. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the game having limited replay value. While there are elements like choices impacting relationships and resolutions, episodic release format, and multiple endings that contribute to replayability, the short length of the game, lack of impactful decisions, and linear nature of the story are factors that diminish the overall replay experience. Critics like Trusted Reviews acknowledge the engaging character development but also point out weaker moments in certain episodes, which may deter players from replaying the game extensively. In conclusion, while Tell Me Why offers some replay value through its decision-making mechanics and multiple endings, the general sentiment suggests that the limited impact of choices and the linear narrative structure may restrict the desire for multiple playthroughs among players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Tell Me Why. Positive aspects like impactful choices and episodic release format contribute to replayability, but limited impactful decisions, short length, and linear story hinder it. While some appreciate the character development, the consensus is that the game offers some replay value but falls short in providing a compelling experience for multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics' opinions on Tell Me Why overwhelmingly praise the game for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. Attack of the Fanboy notes that the engaging narrative of Tyler and Alyson makes the game worth experiencing, while GameSpot and Pure Xbox commend the game for its powerful and emotional storytelling that explores important themes with depth and empathy. The game is also lauded for its representation of marginalized groups, as seen in Stevivor's opinion that it offers a complex and impactful narrative without using minorities as mere tools. The characters in Tell Me Why are consistently highlighted as a strong point, with GameSpew praising the well-realized characters and Game Informer mentioning the engaging central characters as a highlight. On the downside, some critics point out weaknesses in Tell Me Why, such as a weak ending, limited dialogue choices, and pacing issues. COGconnected mentions that the game is let down by a weak ending and limited dialogue choices, while Game Revolution criticizes the underwhelming conclusion and slow pacing. PC Gamer notes that the game feels fractured and broken, with shifts between tones that can be jarring, impacting the overall storytelling experience. Additionally, IGN highlights that the gameplay elements like puzzle-solving and decision-making may not provide enough depth or impactful consequences for some players, affecting the overall engagement with the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tell Me Why is a significant achievement in narrative-driven gaming, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development. Critics like Daily Star and GameSpew find the game to be a compelling experience with intriguing characters and an engaging story that resonates with players. Despite some flaws and criticisms, such as pacing issues and weak endings, the majority of critics appreciate the game for its emotional depth, representation of marginalized groups, and mature handling of challenging themes. The positive reception from critics like The Digital Fix, who recommend the game as a genuinely engaging story and a significant step forward for trans representation in media, reflects the overall sentiment that Tell Me Why is a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven adventures seeking a thoughtful and emotionally impactful journey.

TL;DR

Critics praise Tell Me Why for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. The game explores important themes with empathy, represents marginalized groups respectfully, and offers engaging storytelling. However, some critics point out weaknesses like a weak ending, limited dialogue choices, and pacing issues. Despite flaws, Tell Me Why is seen as a significant achievement in narrative-driven gaming, with intriguing characters and a mature handling of challenging themes. It's recommended for fans of emotionally impactful journeys and those seeking strong storytelling and character development.

CRITIK

Reviews

117 reviews found

100

TheGamer

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why is a profound work of emotional honesty that tackles important themes and delivers a satisfying narrative experience. It is a masterpiece and the reviewer's favorite video game.

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100

GameSpew

Xbox One

Aug 27, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why is Dontnod Entertainment's best game yet, with well-realized characters and a story that leaves a lasting impact.

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100

Player 2

Xbox One

Aug 27, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why is a shining example of a emotionally-charged, nuanced, and relatable story. The developers deserve praise for their dedication to realism and consultation with experts.

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100

Stevivor

Xbox One

Aug 27, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why offers more than just representation, providing a complex and impactful narrative that avoids using minorities as mere tools.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Sep 15, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

DONTNOD's strongest game to date, with a gripping narrative and strong characters, despite some minor flaws.

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Shacknews

Xbox One

Aug 27, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why is one of Dontnod Entertainment's best efforts to date. It delivers a brilliant story, memorable characters, and natural dialogue. The game doesn't overstay its welcome and knows what it wants to say.

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Worth Playing

Xbox One

Sep 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why is a memorable experience with a strong narrative, well-developed characters, and balanced gameplay. Offers a fresh take on adventure games with supernatural elements and tackles serious subjects effectively. Recommended for those looking for a new gaming experience.

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Post Arcade (National Post)

Xbox One

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why is one of the best and most memorable games of the year. It is authentic, inclusive, edifying, engaging, and hopeful. It lays a foundation for the growth of minority presence in games with wider audiences.

Wccftech

Aug 27, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tell Me Why is praised for its interesting characters, evocative world, and powerful storytelling. It is noted for its mature handling of challenging topics and empathy towards marginalized groups, despite some pacing issues and puzzles feeling forced.

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XboxAddict

Xbox One

Sep 2, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A labor of love with a lasting impact, handled heavy subject matter with care and respect, memorable experience that broadens knowledge and understanding.

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