Secret in Story
- June 19, 2017
- Naivus Luo
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Secret in Story" is a puzzle-based game that tells a wordless love story through montage techniques and beautiful piano music. Players unlock puzzles to reveal memories and reconnect with their past. The game features challenging puzzles and a unique narrative style, making it a memorable and immersive experience.
Mac OS
Windows
Reviews
- The game features beautiful artwork and soothing piano music that enhances the emotional experience.
- It offers a unique and experimental gameplay style that combines point-and-click mechanics with quick-time events, providing a fresh take on storytelling.
- Players can unlock hidden levels and achievements, adding replay value and depth to the game.
- The fast-paced nature of the game can make it difficult to appreciate the story, as text and scenes change too quickly.
- Some players find the gameplay boring and confusing, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment.
- There is a lack of options for sound and graphics settings, which can detract from the overall experience.
- story13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around themes of perseverance and self-discovery, illustrated through the protagonist's flashbacks and beautifully crafted monochrome visuals. However, the storytelling is hampered by a frustrating point-and-click mechanic that often obscures the narrative, making it difficult for players to fully engage with the plot. While some appreciate the artistic elements and the challenge of unlocking the story, others find the pacing and presentation detract from the overall experience.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“It is in this prologue that the secret in the story begins, giving us a glimpse of the female protagonist's recollections accompanied by tender piano music and striking monochrome frames.”
“As you master each QTE flashback, it opens up more of the story until the finale; I admired the beautifully illustrated scenes, especially when in a monochrome setting.”
“The story that pretends to show the game is ruined by a stupid system of point and click; the text is shown so fast that you can barely read half of the piece when the other scene begins and you have to look for the clickable objects.”
“Even though you have to pay attention to the picture to understand the story, it happens so fast that you can't appreciate anything there.”
“All in all, it took me just over four hours to completely solve it, but the story itself is only maybe ten minutes long.”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is predominantly piano-based, creating a soothing atmosphere that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. Reviewers appreciate how the tender melodies evoke heartfelt memories and complement the striking monochrome visuals, with some noting that the music is a standout feature that draws them into the experience. Overall, the combination of beautiful music and art contributes significantly to the game's ambiance.
“The music is all piano-based, creating a very soothing atmosphere while in some scenes it adds a dramatic crescendo to reflect the event being portrayed.”
“It is in this prologue that 'Secret in Story' begins giving us a glimpse of the female protagonist's recollections accompanied by tender piano music and striking monochrome frames.”
“The music is also beautiful, as is the black and white art found within the game.”
“The music is all piano-based, creating a very soothing atmosphere, while in some scenes it adds a dramatic crescendo to reflect the events being portrayed.”
“The music is the only thing that attracts me a little bit to the game.”
“It is in this prologue that 'Secret in Story' begins, giving us a glimpse of the female protagonist's recollections accompanied by tender piano music and striking monochrome frames.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as experimental, utilizing a point-and-click system that may not appeal to all players. While it offers a reasonable price for its content, the replayability enhances familiarity and allows players to explore the game's beauty and hidden levels, resembling a visual novel with interactive elements.
“The price is very reasonable for the game content, and I believe the replay factor will not only breed familiarity, making the gameplay easier, but also gives you the opportunity to take in more of the game's beauty and hidden levels.”
“It's kind of like a visual novel, but with gameplay elements.”
“To be honest, this gameplay is not for everyone.”
“It's kinda like a visual novel, but with gameplay elements.”
“From what I can experience, this is experimental gameplay with a point-and-click system.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their appealing artwork that enhances the emotional experience, but there are significant drawbacks, including a lack of resolution options and an inconvenient exit mechanism. Overall, while the visuals are attractive and well-matched with the music, the technical limitations detract from the experience.
“As with every game I get, I am always attracted to the artwork first, and I feel it adds a certain panache to this touching love journey.”
“Graphically, it's very nice, and the music matches that very well.”
“It's not perfect, however, and the biggest problem I had is a complete lack of options, both sound and graphic resolutions, as well as a missing option anywhere to exit the game, forcing you to alt-F4 to exit the game as even the Esc key will not work.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply resonant, as even minor details like music or ambient sounds can evoke powerful memories. The artwork enhances this emotional journey, contributing to the overall impact of the touching narrative.
“The smallest things, from a song to an overheard conversation, and even a simple thing like a coin drop echoing, can set in motion heartfelt memories.”
“As with every game I get, I am always attracted to the artwork first, and I feel it adds a certain panache to this touching love journey.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by soothing piano-based music that enhances the overall experience, with dramatic crescendos in certain scenes to reflect pivotal moments.
“The music is all piano-based, creating a very soothing atmosphere, while in some scenes it adds a dramatic crescendo to reflect the events being portrayed.”
“The game's environment is richly detailed, immersing players in a world that feels alive and vibrant.”
“The lighting and sound design work together beautifully, enhancing the overall mood and making every moment feel impactful.”
