DONTNOD Entertainment returns with Tell Me Why, following the success of Life is Strange. This installment elevates the studio’s narrative focus, presenting realistic relationships, nuanced emotional dynamics, and impactful choices that shape the storyline.
Tyler and Alyson, estranged twins, reunite after a decade-long separation. Returning to their childhood home to prepare it for sale, they confront repressed memories and the pivotal events that irrevocably altered their lives.
Tell Me Why delivers a compelling experience through its high production values and distinct visual style. The voice acting, animation quality, environmental design, musical score, and sound effects are all executed to a high standard. Playing Tell Me Why on Xbox One X in 4K (where available) further enhances the experience. As an Xbox One and PC exclusive from Xbox Game Studios, Tell Me Why demonstrates an optimized utilization of the Xbox (One X)’s hardware capabilities, evident in the level of detail and consistent frame rates.
Player choices dynamically influence the narrative trajectory throughout the game. While the game guides players along a central path, Tell Me Why provides a greater sense of agency compared to titles like Detroit: Become Human, offering more flexibility in how players approach situations and make decisions.
The game addresses mature themes, contributing to a narrative depth often absent in the genre. The twins’ ability to perceive each other’s thoughts and access shared memories provides a visually engaging and innovative method for unfolding the story.
Despite its strengths, Tell Me Why is not without its drawbacks. While the game excels in many areas, the core game mechanics require refinement. The controls lack responsiveness, leading to instances where interaction with the environment feels imprecise and cumbersome. This occasionally results in frustrating navigation.
In conclusion, Tell Me Why presents an engaging and emotionally resonant story across its three chapters. Its narrative design encourages replayability, allowing players to explore the ramifications of their choices. Tell Me Why is recommended, particularly for those with access to Game Pass, which currently includes the title.
