Stories Untold

 PC
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 92
  3. Negative: 11 out of 92

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  1. TitaniumDragon
    Sep 5, 2017
    5
    Stories Untold is a rather odd game from Devolver Digital, which seems to sort of be their thing. At first, it appears to be some sort of weird text adventure thing, though in a “game within a game” sort of environment, as you are playing the game on a computer on a desk inside your computer.

    The game has a very 1980s vibe to it, which isn’t surprising, because it is set in 1986. It    Stories Untold is a rather odd game from Devolver Digital, which seems to sort of be their thing. At first, it appears to be some sort of weird text adventure thing, though in a “game within a game” sort of environment, as you are playing the game on a computer on a desk inside your computer.

    The game has a very 1980s vibe to it, which isn’t surprising, because it is set in 1986. It reminds me somewhat of the 1980s Twilight Zone, or similar shows; the first story immediately makes you realize that the game is going to be rather meta, but the game has a number of additional twists in store as you go through its four episodes.

    That being said, I use the term “game” somewhat loosely here; this is a strictly linear storytelling experience, and is almost entirely concerned with following directions rather than solving puzzles or interacting with the environment in any sort of meaningful way. Rather, this is more like an interactive made-for-TV movie, or perhaps miniseries – and it is about as long as one, too, clocking in at about 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

    While this seems to be a horror game at first, it is not the “random monster jumps out and scares you” kind of horror, and while the first episode does a reasonable job of messing with you, the later ones become much less creepy, though all of them have at least somewhat worrisome aesthetics to them.

    As the game goes on, increasingly more gameplay mechanics are added, and while the game never becomes complex, and you never really do much more than follow directions, the extremely limited adventure game interface is actually limited to only a couple portions of the game.

    All that being said, this is a very, very simple game. While this is not a walking simulator, this is still a very narrative-focused game with very little actual gameplay, perhaps more like a visual novel than anything else, though its interface is, if anything, most reminiscent of Don’t Touch Anything in terms of being in a very narrowly confined space most of the time, with just one or two screens of actual “content” per episode (though the finale is more complicated).

    Sadly, said interface is also clunky at times; the text adventure sections are particularly frustrating at times due to the fact that the interface is not always very smart about what you’re telling it to do, and there were a couple points where I struggled to do what I was trying to do due to needing to find the “magic words” so to speak.

    The only other major problem with the game is the fact that, in the end, the story as it ultimately pans out isn’t really nearly as twisty as you would have hoped based on all the other twists in the game. In fact, I was rather disappointed with the ending, as I was hoping that there was going to be one more twist, or rather, that what you were being pushed towards was not what had really happened, but was yet another lie. Alas, it was missing that extra layer, which I think might have added something more to the experience.

    If you’re looking for gameplay, this is probably not the place to go looking. And if you aren’t super enamored with dark stories with dark twist endings, this isn’t likely to be up your alley either. If you like a 1980s vibe, though, and a darker sort of vibe, this might be something you’d be interested in. It is certainly a different sort of game.    … Expand
  2. ThunderRam
    Jan 22, 2019
    5
    Stories Untold started out FANTASTIC with episode 1 of 4... but then the game withered immediately with episode 2 and never really got much traction until the very end. Even the end was kinda like "meh, seen this before" kind of vibe.

    I think Stories Untold would have been at least an 9 out of 10 if the adventure game text wasn't so linear. There was one point in the game where I was so    Stories Untold started out FANTASTIC with episode 1 of 4... but then the game withered immediately with episode 2 and never really got much traction until the very end. Even the end was kinda like "meh, seen this before" kind of vibe.

    I think Stories Untold would have been at least an 9 out of 10 if the adventure game text wasn't so linear. There was one point in the game where I was so lost in what to type for about 30 minutes because the computer never understood what I was saying. SUPER LINEAR COMMANDS.

    Try the game when it's cheap. maybe $5 or less.    … Expand
  3. dumbfrogposter
    Mar 2, 2017
    7
    Should have called it "Stories Told". Or maybe "Stories Old"

    Excellent execution marred by a horribly cliched story that we've all heard before, and some technical issues.
    I suppose it fits with the retro aesthetic, but it's not original, nor particularly interesting. Nice gimmicks coating a fairly mundane experience.
  4. Axemagus
    Jun 29, 2019
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first few chapters were quite interesting, and I rather enjoyed them. However the last one felt too much like a bait & switch. Also the lack of choice in the final chapter made the whole thing feel like I'd wasted my time.… Expand
  5. runner
    Oct 25, 2019
    9
    Bottom line: This is a game for people who care about storytelling, end of story.

    It's definitely not without flaws, but story-wise is was a very good experience. Very short and to the point but still very well done in my opinion. It also gives you a taste of text-based adventure games, which is quite antique by nowadays and barely done anywhere, with not much gamers left with the    Bottom line: This is a game for people who care about storytelling, end of story.

    It's definitely not without flaws, but story-wise is was a very good experience. Very short and to the point but still very well done in my opinion.
    It also gives you a taste of text-based adventure games, which is quite antique by nowadays and barely done anywhere, with not much gamers left with the patience to go through it.
    In Stories Untold though, it is done just fine.
    I'd say it's a fine integration of text-based and point n' click, although, eventually - the "gameplay" itself is quite light and limited.

    Which bring me to the probably only downside in here - the gameplay is indeed very limited. There's not much of a "game" here, actually. And in what there IS, no spoiling anything, but you usually should do some VERY SPECIFIC actions, usually it would be obvious WHAT, but not always.
    At times it's not too clear what to do next, the game can be slightly frustrating.
    Although, I guess that in a way this is also a taste of classic adventure games.

    Still, being very linear and with thin gameplay, Stories Untold ends with a very low replayability value. It's a great one-timer, the story and tension is very well built. I may come around to play this again someday, when I get nostalgic. Besides that, not anytime soon.    … Expand
  6. Ekko
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    Loved it.
    Word of initial advice: This is not a horror / survival-type game, it barely even has what most people expect from a 'game'. It's little stylized riddles with an overlying story that unfolds the more you progress. Someone here complained that the story was done before, sure, ALL stories have been told already (-maybe he/she expected something else because of the games title,    Loved it.
    Word of initial advice: This is not a horror / survival-type game, it barely even has what most people expect from a 'game'. It's little stylized riddles with an overlying story that unfolds the more you progress. Someone here complained that the story was done before, sure, ALL stories have been told already (-maybe he/she expected something else because of the games title, which has to do with something in the story itself). It's the first thing you learn when you write stories. They have all been done. The question is HOW will you tell yours? And this is where this game gets really rewarding. I'm not that much of a fan of text adventures, but these bits are short and fun and only make up a fourth of the game. The atmosphere is fantastic, I really liked the presentation and the way the stories were connected. It has a great amount of abstract thinking behind it, parabels. They all make sense in the end. When you're done with it you'll know you've got served a variation of a known plot, but you won't have gotten it served this way. I think this is a little masterpiece.    … Expand
  7. aralath
    Aug 9, 2018
    8
    Watched through a walkthrough series. Good story with excellent storytelling.
  8. Mandulum
    Oct 27, 2017
    9
    Five Word Review: A wonderfully 80s, unique game.
    Favorite Thing: Chapter 2 was my favorite of four. I also need to say how terrific that title sequence is, it's perfectly 80s.
    Least Favorite Thing: The first episode. Compared to the others it wasn't very good and a terrible choice for the first user experience. Date Completed: 2017-10-19 Playtime: ~ 2h Enjoyment: 9/10    Five Word Review: A wonderfully 80s, unique game.
    Favorite Thing: Chapter 2 was my favorite of four. I also need to say how terrific that title sequence is, it's perfectly 80s.
    Least Favorite Thing: The first episode. Compared to the others it wasn't very good and a terrible choice for the first user experience.

    Date Completed: 2017-10-19
    Playtime: ~ 2h
    Enjoyment: 9/10
    Recommendation: Yes. Just don't give up during the first chapter.    … Expand
  9. Klewer
    Sep 20, 2017
    7
    A really great little game, it is very short but the look and feel of the game is really good. Sucks you in with an interesting story and a few little scares a long the way. Get it at a good price and you won't be disappointed.
  10. polYtoX
    May 28, 2019
    10
    I personally LOVE this Game. I had the luck to NOT know, what will happen in the Game, so I was completley blasted from the Twists this Game gave me.
    I don't wanna spolier to much, but you have to think a bit and to solve some riddles, which all were in the end not really hard, and when you manage the Game feels very rewarding.
    And the Storytelling is GREAT of this Game. If u are a NERD    I personally LOVE this Game. I had the luck to NOT know, what will happen in the Game, so I was completley blasted from the Twists this Game gave me.
    I don't wanna spolier to much, but you have to think a bit and to solve some riddles, which all were in the end not really hard, and when you manage the Game feels very rewarding.
    And the Storytelling is GREAT of this Game. If u are a NERD - Give it a Shoot !!!!    … Expand
  11. Sinhouse
    Mar 2, 2017
    9
    An excellent story, beautifully told. With some interesting and intelligent twists along the way.

    A couple of missing inputs slightly hinder the flow in places, but the experience as a whole massively out way these minor issues.
  12. ZedClampet
    Mar 20, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely a great game. My only complaint (SPOILERS) is that the first three stories were so fascinating that I wish they had come up with something other than the old drunk driving thing to tie them all together. Maybe don't even tie them completely, but let them have a little mystery left over? Anyway, I really enjoyed the stories and the puzzles. I have no idea why others are rating it so low given that they aren't bothering to write reviews.… Expand
  13. Senti_Mental
    Jul 15, 2017
    9
    No spoilers, this is the kind of game that has to be played to see what it's all about. Its not perfect by any means, but the concept and the way things play out is so unique it makes up for the shortcomings. It's short, cheap and definitely memorable.
  14. Ryuail
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    A great game for Halloween, Stories Untold is filled to the brim with tension.

    Studio No_Code have a particular talent for hiding a story in plain sight. Throughout the 4 chapters of Stories Untold runs a metanarrative that culminates in a chilling finale.
  15. nusco
    Jun 21, 2020
    6
    Stories Untold is a mini-series of four short pieces of interactive fiction, with a big plot twist or two. It borrows mechanics from different genres: parser-based IF, fiddly mechanical puzzles, 3D horror / walking simulators. As a result it feels more than a little disjointed–but it manages to put together its diverse influences as it nears its dramatic ending.

    Stories Untold has good,    Stories Untold is a mini-series of four short pieces of interactive fiction, with a big plot twist or two. It borrows mechanics from different genres: parser-based IF, fiddly mechanical puzzles, 3D horror / walking simulators. As a result it feels more than a little disjointed–but it manages to put together its diverse influences as it nears its dramatic ending.

    Stories Untold has good, if a little cliche, storylines. Its main downside is that it's very railroaded: you can do generally one thing at a time, and it's the one thing that the game wants you to do. As a result, you never get any real sense of satisfaction for solving its bland puzzles–just a feeling of going through the motions. The game is also pretty painful to play in portable mode on the Switch, because of the tiny text and minuscule click areas in some sections.

    That being told, Stories Untold must be commended for the way that it puts different game mechanics together. This mashup lends to an experience that isn't perfect by any means–but it feels uniquely its own.    … Expand
  16. bluebeardtattoo
    Aug 22, 2019
    9
    Очень прикольная и атмосферная игра учитывая то что всю игру нам прийдется сидеть перед монитором. Но от этого игра ничуть не потеряла как раз наоборот, когда в игру добавляется небольшое передвижение по локации вся магия куда-то улетучивается. Но игра стоит внимания, она разомнет ваш закисший мозг от бесконечных шутеров.Очень прикольная и атмосферная игра учитывая то что всю игру нам прийдется сидеть перед монитором. Но от этого игра ничуть не потеряла как раз наоборот, когда в игру добавляется небольшое передвижение по локации вся магия куда-то улетучивается. Но игра стоит внимания, она разомнет ваш закисший мозг от бесконечных шутеров.
  17. PeakZach
    Jun 25, 2020
    7
    Visually appealing and a fantastic, experimental concept. However, I struggle with puzzle games like this where you just have to "get" things juuuuust a certain way in order to proceed. Obviously this is the point of any puzzle, but I am a fan of scratching my head for quite some time thinking all these different possibilities when it was just a slight word difference or a correlation thatVisually appealing and a fantastic, experimental concept. However, I struggle with puzzle games like this where you just have to "get" things juuuuust a certain way in order to proceed. Obviously this is the point of any puzzle, but I am a fan of scratching my head for quite some time thinking all these different possibilities when it was just a slight word difference or a correlation that makes little sense. I love puzzles for the 'ah-ha' moment that I did not receive from this often.… Expand
  18. Turpal-Ali
    May 19, 2019
    9
    Not bad really intense stories and questionable ending.Really good game to play
  19. Crimert
    Jan 16, 2021
    2
    The idea of a text-adventure game was tempting at first. But once started to play it, I changed my mind. I got stuck so many times with those absurd puzzles and they were not entertaining or exciting at all. To be honest, it was really tedious.
  20. fivefeetunder
    Jan 30, 2020
    6
    1st story: 9/10, 2nd story: 8/10, 3rd story: 6/10, 4th story: quitted after 3rd story which just ruined the experience
  21. Systolic_
    Jul 22, 2021
    0
    Its simple yet fun the way the story progressively unfolds, the "puzzles" and devices you have to use/complete along the story are really fun and i totally recommend it :D
  22. johc
    May 17, 2022
    7
    This game is not without its flaws. The puzzles can be frustrating at times. However, if you are a fan of Black-Mirror style storytelling in the horror genre, you will not be disappointed.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. GameStar
    Jan 2, 2018
    82
    Creative tribute to text adventures and an in many ways surprising storytelling experiment with a well-done 80s-like scary atmosphere.
    Read full review
  2. Adventure Gamers
    Jul 17, 2017
    60
    Stories Untold is better than the sum of its parts, even if this collection of horror-themed interactive fiction vignettes never quite capitalizes on the potential of its concept.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Jun 17, 2017
    80
    An unforgettable journey. [Issue#187, p.81]
See all critic reviews »