Unravel Reviews
You'll want to love Unravel even before you've made it beyond the level hub.
In many ways, Unravel comes as a surprise. For one, EA isn't exactly your go-to publisher when it comes to smaller, riskier projects such as this. Then there's the developer, ColdWood Interactive, itself. Based in Umeå, Sweden – which explains a lot about Unravel's artistic influences – the team has worked on titles such as PlayStation Move Fitness and The Fight which, although serviceable, haven't bag them many accolades.
Unravel strengths lie more in its heart-warming story than offering compelling gameplay. Even though there are some thought-provoking puzzles, they're few and far between. There's no doubt Yarny is quite the adorable little mascot who has good intentions, but a video game can't succeed on good intentions alone.
Exploring themes like love, environment, family and loss, Unravel has the potential to be an emotional undertaking for the player. It's an experience that was quite intense for this particular reviewer. It is a wondrously constructed game born of love and culminating as an incredibly, beautifully bittersweet, emotional adventure. Filled with heart from its opening to the cessation of the credits, it will wow you, make you smile and make you cry. Gamer or not, you need to play Unravel.
It might be tempting to write off Unravel as another indie-made platformer, but you'd be denying yourself a surprisingly deep puzzler with an unmeasurable amount of charm. There might not be much replay value, but you'll be glad you took the time to see it to the end.
Unravel is an undeniably great looking game that packs a lot of heart.
Unravel can deliver some picturesque desktop wallpaper, but when in motion, this 2D platformer becomes a frustrating puzzler that expects you to know more than you've been taught.
Unravel is something special, that everyone should experience.
Coldwood Interactive has managed to generate a refreshing new take on the puzzle platformer, starring an endearing protagonist that will steal your heart. For those looking to scratch that puzzling itch without having to bite of something as overwhelming as The Witness, this will prove to be a more than adequate salve. As long as you are not a fan of scissors, that is…
While the puzzles get repetitive, the ever-changing environments and heartfelt narrative see you through to the end of the journey
Frustration tangles up Unravel's better ideas
Short, sweet and really rather good.
Unravel is a gorgeous, tender, heartwarming experience. Endearing to the last thanks to a well-designed world and achingly sweet protagonist.
Coldwood Interactive's plushy puzzler may warm the heart, but it rings hollow once the novelty of the yarn mechanics has faded.
For all its various shortcomings it remains memorable. A loving, personal game.
Unravel is an endlessly surprising game in so many ways that it's tough to pinpoint exactly what makes it all work so well. It feels like the game equivalent to your favorite art house movie, where it speaks a message that is both universal, and yet completely personal to you. Even beyond the artistic, the game functions well on a technical level, delivering both great graphics and fantastic music, while also hitting on some great gameplay. Trial and error deaths get in the way, and some puzzles might frustrate, but overall Unravel is a triumphant experience from start to finish.
In an industry that can sometimes feel cold and sterile, Unravel is a welcome injection of warmth and love.
Unravel is a solid (if flawed) puzzle platformer wrapped up in beautiful visuals and emotional moments. It's like a Christmas sweater. It's not perfect, but you're compelled to love it just the same.
Unravel cherishes the best moments in life while recognizing the hard battles we sometimes face as families, all wrapped up within delightful gameplay and stunning scenery. The atmosphere is so compelling that I couldn't help but feel like a piece of my own story was wrapped up in the game with the rest of the photo album. It's rare but a special thing when a game manages to impart a story that touches strings deep in the heart, and Unravel manages to meet and exceed this feat. Get ready to have all the feels.
Unravel's appeal goes far beyond pretty levels. Beautiful, poignant and with an iron grip on your heart, Yarny manages to effortlessly deliver a wonderful platformer and a bittersweet message.