Stories Untold: PS4 Review

Developed by No Code
Published by Devolver Digital

Platform: PS4

The episodic horror Stories Untold knows what it wants to do.

And it's relatively effective, even if occasionally, it's relatively frustrating trying to work out what's what. Using a template that's not really been seen since the 80s, the game relies on lateral and logical thinking from the player to try and get through various scenarios.

Most effective is the first level, which digs deep in the nostalgia of the text adventure, as you sit in front of a computer and sees you type out directions. It's something not witnessed since the Hobbit adventure game which consumed many gamers' hours before the ZX Spectrum kicked playing into gear.

There is a nice creepy vibe that's unsettling to the start of the game, but there are frustrations too, given that gamers not versed in the genre may find there's little to engage in to begin with. Patience is its own reward, but Stories Untold doesn't make it easy to start with.

From its Stranger Things font to its use of sound, there's much of the feeling of homage in this game, and it does pay off well. The enigmatic touches are nicely received and executed, but this really is a game for people who are willing to invest their all in, not the casual gamer.