Her Story

81%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,569 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • optimization
Her Story Game Cover
An astounding performance by Viva Seifert, immaculate writing by Sam Barlow and a completely innovative concept cement Her Story as one of the most solid and mesmerising releases this year.
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"Her Story" is a crime fiction promising a unique experience, where you search through a database of live-action police interviews from 1994. The narrative unfolds as you piece together a woman's story about her missing husband, using search terms to find clips and uncover the truth. This game stands out with its non-linear storytelling and intriguing format, relying on your attentiveness to the woman's testimony.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Gog Com
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

81%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,569 reviews
story1,479 positive mentions
replayability42 negative mentions
  • Unique and innovative gameplay that allows players to piece together a story through video clips.
  • Engaging narrative with compelling twists and a strong performance by the lead actress.
  • Provides a satisfying detective experience that encourages players to think critically and take notes.
  • The game can feel tedious and repetitive as players search for specific keywords to unlock clips.
  • Lacks a definitive ending, which may leave some players feeling unsatisfied.
  • The user interface for managing video clips is clunky and can be frustrating to navigate.
  • story4,605 mentions

    The story in "Her Story" is a compelling and intricately woven narrative that unfolds through a series of fragmented video clips from police interviews, allowing players to piece together the mystery of a woman's involvement in her husband's disappearance. While the non-linear storytelling and the player's agency in discovering the plot are praised, some reviewers noted that the story can feel predictable or lacking in depth once the main twists are revealed. Overall, it is celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling, strong performances, and the engaging experience of unraveling a complex narrative at one's own pace.

    • “This was a fascinating gaming experience because it was so open-ended and the story revealed itself so organically.”
    • “A really well acted and well written story that's pushed forward by your own curiosity and the greatness of exploring what a video game is/can be.”
    • “The story is rich and interesting, the acting is good, and the atmosphere with the old 90s computer is perfect.”
    • “Due to the way the mechanics of the gameplay work, you can 'hack' your way to the ending relatively quickly and the rest of the time is spent fleshing out a story that has already been spoiled, which makes things less rewarding the longer you play.”
    • “The plot is stupid, the gameplay is stupid, and all of the videos are boring.”
    • “The story itself is well written and the acting is great, special mention to the conveyed body language.”
  • gameplay894 mentions

    The gameplay of "Her Story" is characterized by its unique mechanic of searching for keywords to unlock video clips from police interviews, creating a non-linear narrative experience. While some players appreciate the innovative storytelling approach, many criticize the gameplay for being overly simplistic and repetitive, often feeling more like an interactive movie than a traditional game. Overall, the game appeals to those who prioritize narrative depth over conventional gameplay mechanics, but may leave others wanting more engagement and complexity.

    • “The gameplay consists of searching through a database of police interrogation footage that has been spliced up into short clips.”
    • “The gameplay is simple, and some people may find it strange at first: you're basically in control of a person that has access to a police computer, searching for videos of the interrogations of a certain suspect of a cold case.”
    • “The gameplay revolves around watching short clips and searching key words until eventually it all comes together.”
    • “Due to the way the mechanics of the gameplay work, you can 'hack' your way to the ending relatively quickly and the rest of the time is spent fleshing out a story that has already been spoiled, which makes things less rewarding the longer you play.”
    • “The gameplay loop is just searching for video clips in order to piece together a puzzle.”
    • “The gameplay is incredibly shallow and mindbogglingly boring.”
  • optimization144 mentions

    The optimization of the game is generally well-received, with many users noting that it runs smoothly even on lower-end systems, making it accessible to a wider audience. However, some critiques mention that the graphics could benefit from better optimization for widescreen displays. Overall, the game's performance is complemented by a strong narrative and an exceptional lead performance by Viva Seifert, which significantly enhances the experience.

    • “The core mechanic of choosing keywords to plug into a search engine so you can watch 5-60 second clips of an interview sounds incredibly dry, but the performance is electric and the writing straddles this weird line between police-procedural and fairytale gothic that just works so well on every level.”
    • “A compelling narrative, haunting soundtrack, independent film-style presentation, and a fantastic performance by Viva Seifert make her story worth looking into.”
    • “The game is held together by the excellent performance of the game's only actor, Viva Seifert.”
    • “I just wish the graphics were optimized for 16:9 screen, because the black vertical bars on each side look weird.”
    • “It doesn't feel like the actor has put effort into immersing herself into the role of her character, so her performance and delivery doesn't feel genuine at all.”
    • “There were moments when the performance seemed a bit forced and over the top, but I feel this is due to having to carry the story alone.”
  • music120 mentions

    The music in the game is generally well-received, with many reviewers noting its atmospheric and haunting qualities that enhance the overall experience. While some found the soundtrack minimalistic, others appreciated how it effectively matched the emotional tone of the narrative, creating a nostalgic and immersive environment. However, a few critiques mentioned that the music could be distracting or out of place at times, and there were calls for more options to control the audio settings.

    • “The music adds greatly to the atmosphere as well.”
    • “The music stirred feelings of excitement or anticipation, driving me to explore more as the plot was unraveling before me.”
    • “A compelling narrative, haunting soundtrack, independent film-style presentation, and a fantastic performance by Viva Seifert make Her Story worth looking into.”
    • “The last straw that turned the experience from positive to negative for me was that you can't turn off the music.”
    • “My biggest complaint is that the music that plays while you're between videos (in the interface proper) is wildly out of place, and cannot be turned off.”
    • “It's hard to believe that this is Seifert's first acting role; I was convinced that she was a trained performer of some sort, but it turns out that her profession is in music, and she had never even acted beforehand.”
  • replayability109 mentions

    Overall, the game is widely regarded as having very low to zero replayability due to its narrative-driven nature, where once the story is uncovered, there is little incentive to replay. While some players appreciate the experience akin to rewatching a good movie, the consensus is that the game lacks substantial content for multiple playthroughs. It is often recommended as a one-time experience, particularly when purchased on sale.

    • “Love the self-guided story; a lot of reviews say it doesn't have replayability, but I would replay this just like I would rewatch a good movie.”
    • “This is one of those games that is replayable just 'for the experience'.”
    • “The game is very short; however, and has not much replay value once you got all the achievements, so I'm unsure I would recommend it at full price.”
    • “The only downside I can think of is the lack of replay value.”
    • “It comes with the usual risk of a narrative-based game that it has almost no replay value, but I enjoyed the story it tells.”
    • “The only problem is there is no replay value, unless you can erase your memory at will.”
  • graphics102 mentions

    The graphics of the game are intentionally designed to evoke a mid-90s aesthetic, featuring low-resolution video snippets and a retro computer interface that enhances immersion. While some reviews note the visuals as average or glitchy, many appreciate the nostalgic charm and effective use of simplicity to support the storytelling experience. Overall, the graphics serve the game's narrative well, creating a unique atmosphere that resonates with players who value storytelling over high-end visuals.

    • “The graphics were stylized in this game – you are looking at an old computer screen from the 1990s, and 'Her Story' did a great job of simulating the old, blocky, ugly software of these bygone times along with the curved glass screen and the horrible reflections they used to give off.”
    • “The graphical style and audio effects really set the scene well and fully sold the illusion of being up late at night on an old police computer, surfing through a database to crack a case.”
    • “The low-rent aesthetic provides a texture – aged video footage, a faux 90’s desktop, dated clothing – and then drapes it over the narrative to fully pull you back in time as you attempt to put the pieces of the mystery together.”
    • “The graphics here are fairly average.”
    • “There is much to say about the quality of the material (despite its poor lighting, graphics, etc.), but not too much without spoilers.”
    • “The graphics are an old computer screen showing FMVs. The sound is generic computer noises and the woman talking.”
  • atmosphere93 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its ability to create a dark, mysterious, and immersive experience, enhanced by effective use of music, visuals, and acting. Players appreciate the nostalgic 90s aesthetic and the tension that builds as they piece together the story, often feeling a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to its storytelling and engagement.

    • “The atmosphere of it gets really dark and mysterious, although the story itself is not supernatural after all.”
    • “The subtle shifts in emotion and tone create an atmosphere of suspense that grips you from start to finish.”
    • “The game makes perfect use of visuals and sound to create a spooky atmosphere and a tension that you can feel in your stomach.”
    • “The atmosphere of it gets really dark and mysterious although the story itself is not supernatural after all.”
    • “There is no atmosphere at all.”
    • “That really put me out of the atmosphere, even more of her babbling about her drama-queen life, complete with a lot of unnecessary details about what's she likes to eat, what's her husband likes to do, how he wears his glasses... because yeah, I'm being interrogated for murder, I'd surely talk about petty things like Bob Dylan songs and glasses and stuff.”
  • grinding88 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, especially when attempting to achieve 100% completion. Many players find the process of searching for and organizing video clips to be laborious, with some noting that the gameplay can become a chore rather than an engaging experience. While some appreciate the unique mechanics and story, the overall sentiment is that the grind detracts significantly from the enjoyment of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “There's also a lot of content that adds absolutely nothing to the game once you get to about 50-75% of the clips, so trying to 100% the game is extremely tedious.”
    • “I found this game to be a unique, interesting experience, but I have to point out that much of this experience was mind-numbingly tedious, so I'd imagine more than a few people would probably be turned off from having to deal with it.”
    • “The gameplay is incredibly tedious too.”
  • emotional56 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to deeply engage players through a unique storytelling approach that evokes a range of feelings, from sadness to nostalgia. Many players found themselves personally invested in the narrative, experiencing a strong emotional journey that rivals that of books and movies. However, some critiques mention that the initial gameplay can feel tedious, potentially hindering emotional investment until the story unfolds more fully.

    • “I couldn't put this game down; I was too into it, and the end made sense and felt complete, fulfilling, and very emotional.”
    • “As an emotional experience, this might be the closest a game has gotten to a good book or movie for me.”
    • “Just finished my first play of it... and I am blown away, gave me goosebumps, made me feel sad a few times, made me laugh... and just made me feel a lot, beautiful experience.”
    • “The first two hours were pretty dull and boring; I almost quit because I thought it had a really boring storyline.”
    • “Her story is an innovative way to tell a boring story.”
    • “It's a boring story that doesn't make much sense.”
  • humor16 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a blend of absurdism and clever dialogue, often eliciting a range of emotions from laughter to sadness. Players appreciate the witty moments and the unexpected twists that keep the experience engaging, while also highlighting the absurdity of certain scenarios, such as the portrayal of outdated technology. Overall, the humor enhances the narrative, making it memorable and enjoyable.

    • “A little sad; a little disturbing; a little funny; a little story creatively told.”
    • “It was memorable and throughout its duration managed to be interesting, moving, and humorous.”
    • “I couldn't help laughing at myself sat in front of the screen with a notepad and pen in hand.”
    • “Not funny, but interesting.”
    • “The humor falls flat and feels forced.”
    • “I expected more laughs, but it just didn't deliver.”
  • stability5 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant lag and graphical glitches that hinder gameplay, while others report no issues at all. Troubleshooting and adjusting settings, such as lowering the resolution, have been necessary for some users to improve performance. Overall, the game's stability appears inconsistent, with a notable divide in player experiences.

    • “No glitches that I found, but I'd be surprised if there were any given the nature of the game.”
    • “The game runs smoothly without any noticeable issues.”
    • “I experienced consistent performance throughout my playtime.”
    • “My 2-hour playtime is actually just time spent troubleshooting.”
    • “For the first half an hour, I thought it would crash every time, but actually it just lags so badly that everything freezes and you have to stop clicking until it unfreezes. Eventually, I had to lower the resolution to 1280x1024 and play windowed to make the lags rarer.”
    • “[b]Gameplay: [/b]Search function is buggy.”
  • character development4 mentions

    The character development in the game is praised for its depth and integration into the narrative, with players appreciating the twists and turns that unfold as the story progresses. While gameplay may be minimal, the focus on storytelling and character growth is seen as a refreshing approach, reminiscent of titles like "Gone Home."

    • “I love these kinds of games, and although they may be sparse on actual gameplay, they are forging a new path in the way of storytelling and character development in games.”
    • “Sure, its character development, I get it.”
    • “The story is fantastic on its own with twists and turns and character development as you get closer to the truth.”
    • “Kind of like Gone Home, but with no walking around, and more character development.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the game's monetization strategy includes microtransactions and downloadable content (DLC), which have been integrated into the overall structure. Players have noted the addition of new sections related to multiplayer and mods, suggesting a focus on expanding content while potentially encouraging further spending.

    • “The microtransactions in the game are well-balanced and do not feel intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to spend money.”
    • “The DLC content is reasonably priced and adds significant value to the game, enhancing the overall experience without being a cash grab.”
    • “I appreciate how the monetization model respects players' time and investment, offering optional purchases that truly enhance gameplay rather than being necessary to progress.”
    • “The microtransactions in this game are excessive and feel like a cash grab.”
    • “The DLC content is overpriced and doesn't add enough value to justify the cost.”
    • “The monetization strategy ruins the overall experience, making it feel more like a pay-to-win scenario.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

73% average critic score

Buy Her Story

Play time

4hMedian play time
4hAverage play time
2hMain story
4hCompletionist
3-5hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 31 analyzed playthroughs

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