Tell Me Why Reviews
It's a shame that the gameplay is so shoddy at times, because I truly believe that Tell Me Why is one of the most important games of our time, in terms of social impact. Hopefully later episodes won't feel as awkward to play.
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
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.
The first episode of Tell Me Why perfectly begins another groundbreaking story in the history of Dontnod. For lovers of genre, Life is Strange and serious themes, a must-have item!
Review in Polish | Read full review
This first episode of the new Dontnod trilogy story is a bit of a slow starter but sets a beautiful scene of little-town Alaska where twins Tyler and Alyson grew up. The game brings everything we expect from a Dontnod game: exploration, tough decisions, and puzzles combined with the supernatural and more than one complex and difficult relationship.
Review in Dutch | 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.
Tell Me Why and Dontnod deserve praise for the game’s carefully considered representation of trans protagonist Tyler, but unfortunately, the game struggles on all other fronts.
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.
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.
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 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.
Stellar writing and performances are paired with refined mechanics and an overall vibe that makes the whole thing seem effortless.
For the themes it deals with and above all for the way in which they are treated, Tell Me Why represents for Dontnod a test of maturity passed decisively successfully. Whether it is to represent a plot of family relationships, or a condition of marginality or a complex path like that of a transgender person, the game never takes shortcuts, carefully avoiding transforming their characters into two-dimensional figures defined only by their gender identity, their belonging to a rural community or their religious faith.
Review in Italian | Read full review
"Tell My Why" is not a perfect game, but it is definitely very important because of what it shows and how it shows it. Great story, full of interesting and colorful characters, which it was a pity to part with.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Tell Me Why diversifies from the usual narrative adventures, manages to strike deep thanks to a story based on hard and complicated themes.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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
Sometimes the course of events may be a little predictable, and sometimes a little too shallow. In a mystery-edged, dialogue-driven game, it is a difficult balancing act to decide how far to follow the various stories. The road to dissolution is also relatively short and we would have preferred a fourth chapter that allowed us to dig a little deeper in different places. We want more! Because under the three hundred note, you get an entertaining mystery to solve and put your own stamp on. The fact that Microsoft also allows the game to be included in Game Pass makes the acquisition issue an even bigger no-brainer. Tell Me Why is one of the most touching games of the year so far that will have your full attention from start to finish.
Review in Swedish | Read full review
Tell Me Why is a conversational adventure that follows the vein of previous titles in the genre. But that, thanks to its history, its interesting playable elements, decisions and characters, it becomes a game of its own, without the need to enter into comparisons. And also in a pleasant surprise for Xbox Game Studios. We can't say much more. Just that you are encouraged to meet the Ronan twins because they will surely conquer you and we are waiting for many more titles like this to launch on Xbox Game Pass.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
All in all, Tell Me Why is another strong effort from Dontnod. The care it takes with its characters is to be applauded, and although it doesn't always hit the perfect spot with its themes the fact that it is discussing them at all is commendable. Those who enjoyed Life is Strange will get a kick (and a cry) out of its cast and plot, and at least it's not afraid to talk about uncomfortable topics in an age where so many developers are trying so hard to be apolitical.
In conclusion I can be very clear about Tell me Why. This new title by Dontnod will undoubtedly delight all those who have enjoyed previous works of both the studio and the genre. It is a much more adult game that tackles complex topics of great interest in today's society, so it may personally be much easier to fit in with the audience for these works. It is even a great opportunity to introduce you to the genre, because Tell me Why is as accessible as it is spectacular.
Review in Spanish | Read full review