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Unravel review round up

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I think anyone who’s seen Yarny has made a place for them in their hearts. Unravel’s twiney protagonist was just about the most adorable thing to come out of EA, and he, like creative director, Martin Sahlin stole the show. The game is out tomorrow. What do critics have to say? Is it as good as it looked, or does it all come apart?

Destructoid – 10/10

Uravel (1)

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.

IGN – 8.3/10

Uravel (2)

Unravel took me on a surprisingly thoughtful and reflective journey, which encouraged me to appreciate the small and the insignificant with every step. As a puzzler it has charm due to Yarny’s engaging skills, but as a platforming experience it’s less remarkable. But to judge it solely on these mechanical aspects would be to overlook its greater achievement: the way it provokes subtle and complex emotions through the use of nature and nostalgia. It all makes for a sincere, warm-hearted, and extremely likeable adventure.

Godisageek – 5.5/10

Uravel (3)

Delve past the picturesque views and thoughtful soundtrack and you’ll find a puzzle game that doesn’t explain itself enough and is plagued by inconsistencies. There are brief moments where things start to come together, and there are some superb moments that are drowned out by frustration. I could fawn over the characterisation of a ball of wool all day long, but I probably wouldn’t have time because I’d be too busy trying to figure out one of the many rage-inducing conundrums.

Game Informer 7.75/10

Uravel (4)

With just a dozen levels, Unravel’s brief six-hour runtime still proves too long for the basic puzzle mechanics. However, the satisfying platforming, thoughtful story, and adorable protagonist make it a worthwhile journey. I grew tired of repeating the same puzzle solutions, but seeing Unravel through to the end was still a treat.

GamesRadar+ – 4.5/5

Uravel (5)

There’s a bittersweet edge from the get go but Yarny’s adventure continues, Journey-like in a way that’ll gnaw away at the soul you’ve hidden carefully away. Compared to the cold sterility of a puzzler like The Witness, Unravel is where all the heart lives, and there’s nothing our futile cynicism can do about it. Ironically, this is a also game that – with its beautiful recreation of the natural world – might just drive you to pop down the controller once it’s over and go outside and make some of those moments for yourself.

Gamespot – 7/10

Uravel (6)

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.

Last Updated: February 8, 2016

No Comments

  1. Fox1 - Retro

    February 8, 2016 at 17:10

    Where’s the definitive Polygon review? 😛

    Reply

  2. Umar

    February 8, 2016 at 17:13

    This is one of those games that you probably need to try out for yourself. Hoping Firewatch isn’t too expensive so I can pick this up too.

    Reply

    • Aries

      February 8, 2016 at 18:20

      Firewatch is R197.10 on steam right now

      Reply

  3. Greylingad[CNFRMD]

    February 8, 2016 at 19:02

    That 5.5/10 review is the perfect description of Bloodborne actually….

    Reply

  4. konfab

    February 8, 2016 at 20:17

    Can I buy this with the tears of people who said they would never buy another EA game?

    Reply

  5. Hammersteyn

    February 9, 2016 at 07:30

    Scores are all over the place 😐

    Reply

    • konfab

      February 9, 2016 at 08:14

      Like Unraveled cotton…

      Reply

  6. Original Heretic

    February 9, 2016 at 09:04

    Considering the widely different scores, it seems this one of those that can really divide gamers. You either love it or hate it.

    Reply

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