Unravel Reviews
This generation has seen a glut of puzzle platformers grace the PlayStation 4, but fortunately for those interested, Unravel is absolutely one that deserves attention. While it feels like more could have been done with its mechanics, the game's charming and has a great lead character. It's also sublimely presented. It's not quite the epic yarn that we were anticipating, then – but Coldwood's meticulous needlework makes it worth a look at least.
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.
Unravel's wonderful sights and sounds won't escape your own memory so soon. But assessed purely on gameplay, it's everything I tend to fear about indie projects; Beautiful, heartfelt, but like Yarny himself, not robust enough.
An astoundingly beautiful puzzle platformer, that's a little too frustrating in practice but far from the twee family game some may mistake it for.
Stunningly rendered close-ups of nature make Unravel's somber fable and irritating death traps just worth surviving.
With a delightful main character and tight-knit platforming mechanics, Unravel is a simple adventure that is worth playing.
Unravel liefert eine packende Geschichte in einer wunderbar verpackten optischen Präsentation, schafft es aber das gesamte Spiel über nicht wirklich den Spieler wirklich zu integrieren bzw. zu fordern. Die diversen Rätsel und Gegner lassen zwar große Herausforderung und spielerisches Geschick vermuten, sind aber immer wieder viel zu simpel gestrickt und wirken (wie der großteils des Spiels) nur wie eine schöne Kulisse die euch auf der Reise begleiten soll.
Review in German | Read full review
Ultimately, Unravel presents itself as an unspoken story of lost love and a yearning for the past. Protagonist Yarnie is instantly loveable and is possibly one of the most likeable videogame characters in recent memory. The game shines through its stunning visuals, heartfelt soundtrack and unique platforming elements creating a truly unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, gameplay does lack substance, as it can be completed in just six hours and lacks any real replay value. These criticisms fortunately fail to tarnish the beauty and tranquility that is forever on display.
Unravel is artistic to its core; it makes up for its limited complexity by shaping an atmosphere that draws you in and makes you see Yarny as more than just a cute mascot, with music that's both mood appropriate to the game and a relaxing soundtrack outside of it.
This year's most beautiful game so far, Unravel doesn't quite display the design prowess to match its wonderful visuals, but it's nevertheless an enjoyable, charming experience. And in Yarny, EA has an adorable new mascot.
From the moment that little ball of red yarn tumbled down the old woman's steps to the last bit of yarn that I strung from place to place in the old woman's memories, I enjoyed almost every step, swing, and catapult. The emotive little Yarny had me feeling for him as I traversed the dangerous terrain with his ever unraveling figure. Though the gameplay falls victim to ebbs and flows of being too frustrating at times and too easy at others, it was still an overall enjoyable experience. Like the fading memories of the old woman, it may not stick around in your immediate cognizance, but taking this expedition with Yarny over a weekend afternoon will certainly make an imprint on your heart.
As a metaphor for the ties that bind a family together, Yarny and Unravel are exceptional; beautiful, and invoking a quiet contemplation, It's just hard not to wish it was a better game.
Unravel isn't a bad game on any level but it can be frustrating and the margin of error is not very forgiving for some of the puzzles. Nonetheless, it does have its moments of glory which did keep me interested and motivated to finish the game. Graphically, it's a beautiful looking title on the PlayStation 4 but at times it is hampered by the puzzle mechanics but its story without words is a combination of melancholia and hope.
While the puzzles get repetitive, the ever-changing environments and heartfelt narrative see you through to the end of the journey
Unravel wowed us when it was first announced and its safe to save the loving man of yarn has brought a heartfelt story to the next gen. While its puzzles slowly lose and sense of challenge, the stunning environments more than make up for it.
On the surface, Unravel appears to be a simple puzzle-platform game that offers a moderate challenge, but has little in the way of impediments to progression. Scratch a little deeper, however, and it becomes clear that communicating the sense of place and atmosphere, as well as telling what is a very touching story is really the goal here.
Unravel is a fantastic and adorable sidescroller that looks amazing on current gen consoles and PC.
Unravel is a flawed but beautiful game that provokes some thought and always remains endearing.
Unravel is absolutely gorgeous to behold but it is held back by its simple gameplay design. Yarny is great and the game does a remarkable job of building his character and making players care for him.
Ultimately, Unravel might not be everyone's cup of tea but its gorgeous environments, challenging puzzles and heartfelt story definitely make it worth for anyone that wants to sit back and 'experience' a video game of true craftsmanship. Unravel was a joy to experience and if you can put down a couple of hours for a game made by some passionate developers then your money will be well spent on Unravel.