Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 74
  2. Negative: 1 out of 74
  1. Edge Magazine
    Apr 10, 2016
    70
    Like its enigmatic protagonist, Unravel is never anything less than charming, even during moments when it doesn't quite hold together. [April 2016, p.108]
  2. Apr 7, 2016
    70
    When it all comes together – and it often does – Unravel is an adorable game with a charming soundtrack and some gorgeous background environments. There’s still a sense of satisfaction each time you solve a puzzle and Yarny’s animations are enough to warm your heart. It’s just a shame that the game’s myriad frustrating moments ensure this warm heart is accompanied by heat under the collar.
  3. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Mar 31, 2016
    70
    Endearing, gorgeous platformer that tugs on the heartstrings early, but ultimately winds up feeling mechanically threadbare. [April 2016, p77]
  4. Play UK
    Mar 25, 2016
    70
    It's gorgeous, it truly is, but Unravel falls short of being the emotionally engaging game we were expecting. It's still fun, but feels much hollower than it clearly intended to be. [Issue#267, p.70]
  5. Mar 4, 2016
    70
    It’s charming and easy to fall in love with - dependant on your familiarity with storytelling in games away from the blockbuster excesses. However, picking it up expecting deep gameplay and equally involved experiences would be potentially too hasty.
  6. Feb 17, 2016
    70
    Even though I enjoyed Unravel I wish there was more of it. Strip away the beautiful wrapping and heartwarming story, and you're left with a fairly simple game with not too difficult puzzles that won't last you more than three or four hours. Thankfully, it's that simplicity that makes it work.
  7. Feb 15, 2016
    70
    This generation has seen a glut of puzzle platformers grace the PlayStation 4, but fortunately for those interested, Unravel is absolutely one that deserves attention.
  8. Feb 9, 2016
    70
    Unravel might look like LittleBigPlanet, but in practice it’s the kinder, gentler Limbo.
  9. 70
    An astoundingly beautiful puzzle platformer, that’s a little too frustrating in practice but far from the twee family game some may mistake it for.
  10. Feb 8, 2016
    70
    Unravel's strengths lie more in its heart-warming story than offering compelling gameplay. Even though there are some thought-provoking puzzles, they’re few and far between. There’s no doubt Yarny is quite the adorable little mascot who has good intentions, but a video game can’t succeed on good intentions alone.
  11. Feb 8, 2016
    70
    Assessed purely on gameplay, it’s everything I tend to fear about indie projects; Beautiful, heartfelt, but like Yarny himself, not robust enough.
  12. CD-Action
    Mar 30, 2016
    65
    When Unravel did not annoy me with its poor level design and shortcomings related to gameplay mechanics, it was really enjoyable. [03/2016, p.38]
  13. Feb 17, 2016
    65
    Unravel is a beautiful puzzle platform game that quite vividly speaks to your emotions. The downside however, is that the game itself is simply not a lot of fun to play.
  14. Feb 17, 2016
    60
    Unravel puts all its cards on being cute and charming while having repetitive, lackluster gameplay. If you're looking for a very casual cute game, you might forgive its shortcomings
  15. Feb 8, 2016
    60
    Over the course of my seven hours with the game, it was an enjoyable, simple and easy experience. Unravel doesn't do anything special with its gameplay or narrative, though it does have a magnificent soundtrack and stunning visuals. If you're a person who is a hardcore platforming fan, you will most likely be very underwhelmed with Unravel, but if you're looking for a fun, easy and light experience, then maybe this game is for you.
  16. Feb 9, 2016
    55
    Despite all of its cutesy posturing and promises, Unravel is still looking to fill some kind of void. And I’m not sure if that void is its shortcomings as a mood board, as a videogame, or a cloying digestible basket of “feels” for EA.
  17. Feb 8, 2016
    55
    Unravel can deliver some picturesque desktop wallpaper, but when in motion, this 2D platformer becomes a frustrating puzzler that expects you to know more than you've been taught.
  18. Apr 3, 2016
    50
    When the end titles start rolling, you’ll look back at your journey in disbelief, saying “And this is it? So, those were the puzzles?! Wait, what about the story?”
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  1. Feb 8, 2016
    The slight story also makes going back to the game that much easier. Without much overt plot to get in the way, there's less to chug through in the search of collectibles. These extras are mostly hidden behind optional side paths and puzzles. If you just want to play Unravel without worrying about the story, it's probably worth making the return trip. By the end, I was certainly engaged enough with the game to make that return trip.
  2. Feb 9, 2016
    The warmth and care the design team put into every aspect of the game is undeniable, and if that love can sometimes be overbearing in its sentiment, the game’s fundamental charm serves as excellent compensation.
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 490 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 34 out of 490
  1. Feb 9, 2016
    10
    this game is so beautiful and fun to play. i am enjoying it. Yarn look cute. i hope i can get platinum trophy on this game if i can.. 19.99this game is so beautiful and fun to play. i am enjoying it. Yarn look cute. i hope i can get platinum trophy on this game if i can.. 19.99 is not bad price to buy and enjoy it. i hope haters better not vote bad score on this game Full Review »
  2. Feb 9, 2016
    10
    I could say a lot about this warmhearted, magical, pure product of love. But I won't. This is another indie masterpiece that has to be playedI could say a lot about this warmhearted, magical, pure product of love. But I won't. This is another indie masterpiece that has to be played and experienced. As a game, it's a solid and fun puzzle-solving platformer; but it is way more than that. I had a wonderful time with "Unravel", which gave me in 7h/8h so much more than most of the games I've played recently have given me.

    By traversing the gorgeous environments in the company of the frail, yet brave and adorable, hero Yarny, I was transported to moments of my own past; it's pure nostalgia. Tthis game made me feel things, and I mean this. By the end, at its final moments, I had a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. This game is a miracle.
    Full Review »
  3. Feb 10, 2016
    10
    What a great game and i preordered it long time ago. This is my first digital game that I ever preordered and I made the right decision. ItWhat a great game and i preordered it long time ago. This is my first digital game that I ever preordered and I made the right decision. It doesn't look like a indie game with absolutely high quality and polish. There are a lot of great looking indie games but this game looks like a AAA title.

    The plat-forming is very good but not the best I have ever played. The hook to this game is the story told through the environment and the pictures you collect as you complete the puzzles. The puzzles are thoughtfully done and yarny is so adorable. I also want the developers to be successful for making a game that's non violence towards humans and a story about love instead of supernatural foolishness. The creator of the game was so excited to show off his game at E3 and it was so genuine and memorable that it left a indelible imprint in my mind. It was refreshing to see a guy who has passion for his game instaead of these suits that are so corporate when they speak at E3 or any other video game conference.
    Great job and hope to have more games like this one.
    Full Review »