Stories Untold

Stories Untold is a unique narrative-driven game that blends text-based adventure mechanics with atmospheric horror and puzzle-solving. Players experience four distinct episodes, each with different gameplay styles, from old-school text input to environmental interaction. The game excels at creating a subtle, unsettling vibe without relying on jump scares, using sound design and fragmented storytelling to build tension. While the story is praised for its unexpected twists and clever structure, some players found the gameplay frustrating due to vague instructions and unintuitive puzzle requirements.

The game’s length is relatively short, typically around 2-4 hours, which suits its episodic format but leaves some wishing for more content. Visuals and ambiance receive positive remarks for their retro and minimalist style, which supports the eerie mood. However, issues like inconsistent puzzle logic, occasional bugs, and repetitive credit sequences detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, many players recommend it, especially at a discounted price, as a memorable and creative horror narrative.

Highlights

Players appreciate Stories Untold for its innovative gameplay mechanics that mix text-based and environmental puzzles, creating a fresh experience.

The atmospheric graphics and sound design effectively build tension and a haunting mood without relying on traditional horror tropes.

The storyline is praised for its clever structure, unexpected twists, and the way fragmented narratives connect across episodes, leaving a lasting impression.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's lack of clear guidance, making some puzzles feel tedious or frustrating due to vague or incomplete instructions.

Some players report bugs and glitches, particularly in the third episode, which affect gameplay flow.

The episodic pacing and changing gameplay styles divide opinions, with some feeling the middle episodes lose the engaging vibe of the first. Additionally, repetitive credit scenes and occasional strobing light effects pose issues for some players.