Tell Me Why Reviews
Stellar writing and performances are paired with refined mechanics and an overall vibe that makes the whole thing seem effortless.
Tell Me Why is a massive step forward in diverse and unique storytelling in the mainstream space.
Tell Me Why is a well-executed and heartfelt tale about the importance of growing up and moving on, whatever your circumstances might be. Not once did I fail to recognise either Alyson or Tyler as three-dimensional characters and it’s impossible not to be invested in their family’s story, even if some circumstances they’re placed in are overtly melodramatic. Most importantly, the trans experience is expertly handled here, as a stellar example of how video games can sensitively handle a complex character that few get right.
When it comes down to it, Tell Me Why is yet another solid story from Dontnod Entertainment. It's groundbreaking in its approach to representation, and yet it doesn't make that the focus of the story. Of course, this won't be a game for everyone, but those looking for fantastic writing, fun pop culture references and emotional storytelling will be in for a good time. The amazing performances and music also make it a stellar presentation.
Tell Me Why is a solid experience that presents important modern social issues in a respectful and educational way, while also dealing with heavy emotional grief.
I am a big fan of both narrative adventure and episodic games. Over the course of this generation, Dontnod has provided us with some great stories that stick with me to this day. So when I say that this is their best work to date I don't make that comment flippantly. There are themes tackled in this game that we don't see enough of and they are done so in a mature and natural way. It really is great to see boundaries being torn down. Tell Me Why is a must-play title.
Contrary to its predecessors Tell me Why can't really make an impact in the first episode. Not only due to it being very short but also the cryptic story build up with little to none decision options that can't be rescued by the uninteresting side characters that get introduced in it.
Review in German | Read full review
All in all Tell Me Why is a nice 9 hour journey with a great story in a new world that’s able to keep you entertained and engaged. And if you want, you can try out different story branches by making other choices. But if you don’t like DontNod games, you should think twice before jumping in this story in Delos Crossing.
Tell Me Why follows the style of the developer but it is quite different from the Life is Strange saga, lefting apart the "survival" style and critical decisions that can drastically change the world around its characters, to focus more on the relationship of the twin siblings and how they face such a great trauma as the death of their mother and their separation for ten years.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Tell Me Why is another interesting and captivating episodic adventure, albeit a familiar one, from one of the studios that does it the best.
An intimate and compelling story, with great characterization and environments. It brilliantly manages to represent a transgender character without falling in clichés and stereotypes, normalizing him and making him part of a wider, intense drama. We would have liked a more varied gameplay and interactivity though, as the experience is mainly limited to basic exploration, object interaction, and dialogues.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It's a game about trauma and how it affects all of us in different ways. How we treat it. How we self medicate and how we can move past it with help.
Tell Me Why takes a more personal direction than previous Dontnod titles. Unlike the Life is Strange series which involved the lives of dozens, something hundreds, of people Tell Me Why has twin siblings simply looking for answers about their past. With a story that provides limited narrative diversity, simple branching paths, and an overall lukewarm ending. Tell Me Why is a checklist of everything a basic story needs to reach mediocrity.
Tell Me Why is more down to earth than its Life is Strange predecessors, but that is in no way a flaw. Its charming characters, beautiful Alaskan setting and slow-burning storyline that rewards the attentive player make it a great slice-of-life adventure.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Dontnod’s poignant story delivers what it set out to do, and through rekindling the sadness of a broken childhood, the twins discover much about themselves and also their mother.
Tell Me Why is an astounding addition to an amazing line-up of DONTNOD’s lofty library of occultic tales, and most definitely a must play in 2020.
So, all in all, Tell Me Why is a fun, story-telling video game with memorable protagonists.
If you’re looking for a new narrative adventure, you’ll likely love Tell Me Why, but if it’s not your genre of choice, this won’t be the game to make you love them.
Tell Me Why is an exemplary narrative adventure game. However, it somewhat feels like a missed opportunity.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Tell Me Why is quite amazing. It’s very heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It pulls you in nicely and makes you care for these characters. It makes you one of them. And while this is in no way a perfect game, it’s a fun ride from start to finish, and the players will surely be enticed with this title for its characters and story.