Back to the Future: The Game - Episode I: It's About Time

 PC
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 39
  3. Negative: 3 out of 39
  1. Game Revolution
    Jan 4, 2011
    91
    It's about freaking time we got to see a decent attempt at a game based on Back to the Future.
  2. 1UP
    Dec 23, 2010
    91
    Back to the Future is a promising start for the five-part series and a treat for fans. While adventure aficionados might hope for harder puzzles and larger spaces to explore, casual players and first-time adventure gamers should have fun reconnecting with familiar characters.
  3. Game Chronicles
    Jan 27, 2011
    90
    For fans of the films, you can hardly go wrong with It's About Time. Adventure game fans might have a harder time justifying it, since while the puzzles are excellent, they go by a little fast, and can be a bit too easy for the seasoned veterans out there.
  5. ZTGD
    Jan 2, 2011
    90
    A great little sequel to an amazing franchise.
  6. AtomicGamer
    Jan 1, 2011
    90
    For fans of the hit movie trilogy, Back to the Future: It's About Time is exactly what we were hoping for.
  7. Destructoid
    Dec 29, 2010
    90
    It's comfortable, safe and fun. By never attempting to be anything but a game which plays out like a Back to the Future story, it succeeds tremendously.
  8. GamePro
    Dec 23, 2010
    90
    Right now I think Telltale's created a very good game, and I have a feeling it's going to have an even greater future.
  9. Joystiq
    Dec 23, 2010
    90
    For a few hours peering into my laptop screen, Telltale managed to make me feel eight years old again. It may not be time travel, but it could be the closest you can get without a flux capacitor.
  10. GameZone
    Dec 29, 2010
    85
    With a funny and engrossing story, and outstanding voice work, this is one game any fan of the franchise would do well to play.
  11. IGN
    Dec 23, 2010
    85
    Back to the Future is a welcome surprise – it's a movie-inspired game that doesn't suck. Instead, it pushes the characters in interesting directions and whips up a good story.
  12. Gamers.at
    Dec 25, 2010
    83
    As an adventure gamer i have to criticize the far too easy puzzles and the controls that feel too much like a console game. But as a Back to the Future Fan I have to say: Well done, Telltale, this feels like a worthy extension of the trilogy.
  13. Multiplayer.it
    Mar 9, 2011
    80
    Too easy and too short...but sparkling dialogues and a brilliant interpretation will move every Back to the Future fan.
  14. PC PowerPlay
    Feb 24, 2011
    80
    Gameplay that refused to break any new ground can't tarnish the love and care shown in this nostalgia piece. [Mar 2011, p.68]
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  15. Game Informer
    Feb 4, 2011
    80
    Despite its clunky interface and short length, Telltale's first episode of Back to the Future: The Game provides a steady stream of delights thanks to its charming story and eccentric cast.
  16. Game Over Online
    Jan 10, 2011
    80
    Overall, I found the first episode of Back to the Future: The Game to be fun -- not amazing or anything, but fun.
  17. SpazioGames
    Jan 9, 2011
    80
    Back to the Future: Episode 1 is a blast from the past that any fan of the original series will love. It's a damn good start to what will probably be a great season of adventures.
  18. Cheat Code Central
    Jan 7, 2011
    80
    Telltale fans will get exactly what they came for, but newcomers might be surprised that point-and-click games even exist anymore.
  19. Video Game Talk
    Jan 5, 2011
    80
    If you have any love for the Back to the Future series or simply are looking to digest TellTale's latest click-happy adventure, you really can't go wrong with Episode 1: It's About Time.
  20. Adventure Gamers
    Jan 1, 2011
    80
    While light on the gameplay side, the first episode of Back to the Future absolutely nails the charm, humor, and sense of adventure that made the films so much fun.
  21. GamesRadar+
    Dec 23, 2010
    80
    Back to the Future: The Game is at its best when it's fast-paced and doesn't bog you down with too many choices to make or inventory items to keep tabs on - the episode ends on a high note because its puzzles generate and maintain a sense of momentum that the middle section lacks.
  22. PC Games (Russia)
    Mar 21, 2011
    75
    A solid start for the series, though a little too short and easy to complete. Telltale, please, we want more! [Feb 2011, p.105]
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  23. Vandal
    Jan 4, 2011
    75
    It is a good adventure game, that is undeniable, that honorably continues such a charming movie series, but we think and know that Telltale can do better, and we are looking forward to the next episodes.
  24. GameSpot
    Jan 4, 2011
    75
    Despite its short length and easy puzzles, this episodic adventure still captivates with strong storytelling and compelling characters.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best PC Game of 2010
61
#61 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
45
#45 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 117
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 117
  3. Negative: 15 out of 117
  1. TylerL
    Dec 25, 2010
    8
    Great game for fans of the series who've always imagined where a fourth movie would go. The only problem some might have with the game is thatGreat game for fans of the series who've always imagined where a fourth movie would go. The only problem some might have with the game is that those who buy it now are only getting 2-4 hours worth of gameplay. THE PRICE INCLUDES EVERY EPISODE! So you will get a notification whenever the second is available and be able to download it without any further cost. Also, some might be turned-off by the point and click adventure format. Again; if you're not a die hard BTTF fan the game will probably underwhelm you. All that said, the story is excellent, and it is very rewarding to put together the actions to complete each task. The voice acting from Lloyd is great as expected and the Fox sound-a-like is outstanding. If you love the series and bought the new blu-ray (which will give you the first episode for free in Feb.) this is a perfect companion piece.… Full Review »
  2. MuffinMeat
    Dec 25, 2010
    9
    An excellent, fully fledged sequel to the original trilogy. I just got through the first episode, and was thoroughly amused with the voiceAn excellent, fully fledged sequel to the original trilogy. I just got through the first episode, and was thoroughly amused with the voice acting, writing, and story progression. This could easily have been a fourth movie, especially considering the story takes off six months after Back to the Future Part III ended, when Doc got himself lost in time, yet again.

    I only have two complaints, the first of which is the MSRP of $25. The game only took me three hours to complete, which is very short compared to most games. Out of a $50 game, people generally expect at least 20 hours. So to only get three from a $25 game is a big let down. However, since the release I have seen some stores price it at $20, which is a tad more reasonable.

    My second complaint is that I'm going to have to wait until near the end of next year to play part five, and the conclusion of this awesome game! I'm already ecstatic for part two, coming in February!    … Full Review »
  3. AeroAtom
    Feb 5, 2011
    3
    An extremely disappointing experience. The game play is very sad and the graphics leave much to be desired. I highly doubt I will play anyAn extremely disappointing experience. The game play is very sad and the graphics leave much to be desired. I highly doubt I will play any of the additional free "chapters", when they come out. This game enforces the stereotype that Hollywood can not make games. A 25 dollar lesson learned; never buy movie titled games until they are on sale AND average 75% or better from atleast 3 or 4 game critics (user scores preferred, with no less than 30 reviews).… Full Review »
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