Tell Me Why Reviews
Tell Me Why could be the best game from Dontnod, but their gameplay is not as charming as the first time. Fortunately, the game offers one of the best stories this year so far.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Backed by stellar writing, a gorgeous presentation and the culmination of years of innovation in the genre, DONTNOD's latest episodic narrative game is their best yet
Tell Me Why lacks the emotion of Life is Strange and feels a little restraint in its three-episode structure, however it's a well written story-based game, with a complex and mature plot, and the ability to tell a tale about how extraordinary everyday life is.
Review in Italian | Read full review
While still supernatural, Tell Me Why provides more of a mature tale overall than Life is Strange. It's surprisingly dark, but uplifting at times as well. This game takes chances with the cast of characters in ways that are mostly a resounding success. It's exciting to see a LGBTQ lead character and a storyline that doesn't plunge headfirst into tropes. Here's hoping that this is a sign of where Dontnod will go in the future, because Tell Me Why is a step in the right direction.
Woke, but not broke. A great implementation of the first playable trans character in gaming; but overall, a really good story!
Tell Me Why's exploration of the complexities of memory, the difficulties of knowing our loved ones, and a world that can be better for our transgender loved ones make it a game worth experiencing.
When all is said and done, though Tell Me Why doesn't necessarily disturb the established Dontnod template too much, it executes it well enough that that doesn't ever seem like an issue. Excellent characters, strong writing, and a deeply personal plot help the player connect with the story. In the end, that most criticisms of the game can be boiled down to "I wish I had had more time to spend in its world and with its characters" should, ultimately, be all that really needs to be said about Tell Me Why.
Overall, Tell Me Why is a wonderful and thoughtful game that values both its characters and story. Every little detail that is scattered across the game works in harmony to create a believable and engaging world. It is a game that is constantly teaching us more about its interesting side characters and rarely gives the player a chance to want to put the controller down. Despite not having a wild and climactic ending, Tell Me Why is one of the best stories to come out of Dontnod studios and a must-play for any fans of the adventure genre.
Tell Me Why pushes the boundaries of video-game storytelling with its mature, open-minded approach to its themes and its pioneering representation. The inclusion of a trans lead character is vital but the story is a lot deeper than what's on the surface.
Tell Me Why is a Dontnod game throughout its every part, right down to its bones. Although those bones might be bare, it has a lot of soul. With care, Dontnod dive into discomfort and drag us with them throughout three concise episodes that explore the power that comes coupled with familial ties, both bound by blood and by the metaphysical, as well as memory and all of its heartbreaking deceptions.
While Tell Me Why may draw people in because of a transgender character, it offers far more than just that. It presents a complex, psychological narrative that doesn’t use minorities as mere tools to shortcut emotional responses from its players. Take note.
Normally I would have to turn to the indie scene for any sort of good trans rep. But it seems the tide is turning, with Dontnod leading the charge. Whether other studios actually follow suit is unknown. But for now, Tell Me Why is a game way overdue; a captivating story, a huge win for diversity and a thoughtful, heartfelt experience.
Tell Me Why is best experienced as an interactive move – discovering the unusual story of the Ronan siblings from this angle yields an extremely compelling experience. DONTNOD’s new game is worth your time and money not only because it has something important to say, but also because it does so in an extremely satisfying, and gracious way.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Take a trip down memory lane, but be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride.
Tell Me Why is an engrossing narrative adventure that pushes inclusivity to the forefront, setting a new benchmark for queer representation in the blockbuster space. As a transgender person, this is the level of research and respect that I anticipate from games going forward, and knowing it has the backing of Xbox Game Studios gives me that hope.
Tell Me Why doesn't stray far from Dontnod's style of episodic storytelling, but features rich characters and compelling representation.
Dontnod has clearly doubled down on its forte and looks set to continue delivering well-written tales all within that same familiar framework.
Tell Me Why arrives to bring us a mature and sensitive story very well executed.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Tell Me Why might be smaller in scope and less mechanically complex than Dontnod's Life is Strange series, but it's just as emotionally impactful. It's a compelling story with relatable, complex characters, and yet another example of Dontnod's unbeaten ability to make players feel something, anything, in a medium that's increasingly more mind-numbing.
As its title suggests, Tell Me Why depicts the journey of two siblings trying to find the truth about their twisted past. Adressing in a mature way the transgender question, the game also delivers an interesting perspective on the flaws of human memory, with the confrontation of childhood recollections. The second episode sometimes moves at low pace and the game lacks of new environments, but the overall experience is memorable.
Review in French | Read full review