Stories Untold

 Xbox One
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5

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  1. Xbox_Alive
    Nov 13, 2020
    9
    Stories Untold is a compilation tape of four experimental adventures, including a remaster of the original episode “The House Abandon”. We are about to dive in a game that received top ratings on all other platforms so Xbox fanatics get ready.. Stories Untold incorporates point-and-click mechanics and retro style backgrounds to summon back to that text-based era without feeling stale. TheStories Untold is a compilation tape of four experimental adventures, including a remaster of the original episode “The House Abandon”. We are about to dive in a game that received top ratings on all other platforms so Xbox fanatics get ready.. Stories Untold incorporates point-and-click mechanics and retro style backgrounds to summon back to that text-based era without feeling stale. The gameplay is easy to figure out, although younger players not used to the genre may find it awkward at first. Basically you spend much of the game looking at a monitor, whether an old television or a computer display. Puzzle-solving makes up a large portion of the game, particularly in the listening post. Here you have to periodically spin your chair around and refer to a microfilm to decode numerical messages picked up on a shortwave radio. The puzzles are cleverly designed, satisfying to solve, and complemented by a mysterious plot that’s full of surprises throughout. You’re always on edge, wondering what surreal thing Stories Untold will throw at you next. While Stories Untold is not a game for everyone, and it's short length and limited interaction make it appear more like Black Mirror's Bandersnatch than most titles. That comparison is not quite fair, because Stories Untold goes beyond what the player expects repeatedly. Each chapter evolves and reveals a new layer of thought. There are many ways to tell a story, but Stories Untold could only be told this way. Without exposing too much about the game I’d say for the price point and the fun to be exoerienced on your Xbox One, there’s no reason not to add this most satisfying game to your “Digital” library.… Expand
  2. SenorKoquonfaes
    Jan 22, 2021
    9
    Developed by No Code who are the same studio behind Observation, Stories Untold is a four-part episodic, text-based adventure game with some brief first person exploration sections. Each episode starts off with a brief credit sequence and an opening theme song that reminds me of the TV series Stranger Things. Each episode has it’s own unique setting and different gameplay mechanics.

    The    Developed by No Code who are the same studio behind Observation, Stories Untold is a four-part episodic, text-based adventure game with some brief first person exploration sections. Each episode starts off with a brief credit sequence and an opening theme song that reminds me of the TV series Stranger Things. Each episode has it’s own unique setting and different gameplay mechanics.

    The overall motif of Stories Untold is well done. Each episode gives off a wonderfully rendered 80’s retro vibe that feels authentic. The meticulous attention to detail from the textures on the equipment to the sound design is fantastic. Between this game and Observation, developer No Code seem to really grasp the subtly in horror when it comes to writing a story. That what you can’t see is always scary than what you can see; a monster becomes less scary the more often you see it. Not knowing or seeing what’s the cause of something scary or horrifying creates a strong sense of dread and suspense that keeps a player engaged with a game like Stories Untold. The game’s story telling also does a great a job of blurring the line between what’s real and what’s imaginary. Can we really trust what we’re seeing on screen with each episode? Was that scurrying noise outside real? What about this weird, other-worldly thing we’re witnessing? It’s all woven together extremely well and amounts to telling a thrilling and suspenseful story.

    On a technical level, the game runs perfectly fine. It’s obviously not the most graphically or hardware intense game I’ve ever come across. I didn’t experience any game breaking glitches, crashes-to-dashboard or bugs while playing on vanilla Xbox One.

    Music and sound design is fantastic. From the intro credits song to clicking keys on a keyboard to big musical crescendos during intense sections of the game; it’s all well done. Same goes for the voice acting.

    Overall, I can absolutely recommend playing Stories Untold for it’s strong overall creative direction that involves telling a great, thrilling story while presenting it in well designed, genuine retro environments. This sort of game is highly unlikely to have any mass appeal, but at a fairly low cost and a short playtime of maybe 3-4 hours long, it’s still worth a try. You might end up like me and be pleasantly surprised by this game.    … Expand
  3. nestarum
    Mar 24, 2021
    8
    It was the most different game I've played recently. It was a little strange at first, but then I got used to it and enjoyed it very much. The story was also exciting. It is necessary to play such different and interesting games from time to time. Going out of the ordinary makes you feel good.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. XBLA Fans
    Dec 22, 2020
    60
    Some of the puzzles were really fun. I enjoyed the Antartica chapter quite a lot and it was the best set of brain teasers in the game. Design is above par and there were no technical issues while playing. I especially loved the blending of genres. It never got boring. However, it ended far too soon. The story was a little messy and the big “surprise ending” was disappointing. A few confusing scenes, specifically during the lab, were a bit over the top. I think overall it’s an average game but without anything else to do after the credits roll, know that you won’t be spending much time with it.
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  2. XboxAddict
    Nov 18, 2020
    80
    Stories Untold celebrates early adventure games with its narrative text format, telling a suspenseful story through limited visuals and thrilling narrative. It’s a compelling journey, and much of the excitement comes from one’s own imagination. It’s not a long game, but the tale kept me hooked. However, Stories Untold is not for everyone. Players not used to the text format may find the gameplay tedious or unintuitive.
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  3. TheXboxHub
    Nov 6, 2020
    90
    Stories Untold on Xbox One should be applauded. It's a masterclass in storytelling and an experimental success when it comes to how you find yourself engaging with gameplay and game styles all in one package. It will turn your head inside out, but it will also leave you thinking about what has happened long after you finish.
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