Tell Me Why

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,967 reviews
  • story
  • emotional
  • graphics
Tell Me Why Game Cover
Backed by stellar writing, a gorgeous presentation and the culmination of years of innovation in the genre, DONTNOD's latest episodic narrative game is their best yet
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"Tell Me Why" is an episodic narrative adventure game that follows twins Alyson and Tyler Ronan as they return to their rural Alaska home to confront their past and unlock family secrets. The game explores themes of memory, trauma, and identity, and features smooth dialogue and stunning visuals. Players will make choices that impact the twins' relationship and the game's outcome.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,967 reviews
story1,777 positive mentions
grinding34 negative mentions
  • Beautiful graphics and scenery that immerses players in the Alaskan setting.
  • Compelling and emotional storyline that tackles heavy themes such as trauma, grief, and identity.
  • Strong representation of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly the well-developed trans character, Tyler.
  • Gameplay can feel slow and tedious at times, with some puzzles being overly simplistic or disconnected from the main story.
  • Limited choices that often do not significantly impact the overall narrative, leading to a feeling of linearity.
  • Some characters lack depth and development compared to the protagonists, making it hard to connect with the broader cast.
  • story4,155 mentions

    The story of "Tell Me Why" is a deeply emotional and engaging narrative that follows twins Tyler and Alyson as they confront their traumatic past and unravel the mystery surrounding their mother's death. Players appreciate the game's sensitive portrayal of transgender issues, particularly through Tyler's character, while also highlighting the rich environmental storytelling and character development. However, some critiques mention that the pacing can be slow, and the choices made throughout the game may not significantly impact the overall narrative, leading to a somewhat predictable conclusion.

    • “Tylers story was beautifully done and made me tear up during some scenes.”
    • “The story is captivating and creative when reaching into past memories.”
    • “Tell Me Why captivated me with its story of twins Tyler and Alyson confronting their past.”
    • “The story is captivating and emotional.”
    • “The story was intense, especially at the start.”
    • “The story is very slow, dramatic and uninteresting.”
  • emotional667 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Tell Me Why" is widely praised for its depth and sensitivity, particularly in its portrayal of complex themes such as trauma, grief, and LGBTQ+ representation. Players report a strong emotional connection to the characters, especially the twins Tyler and Alyson, with many expressing that the story resonated deeply, often leading to tears and personal reflection. While some critiques mention that it may not reach the emotional heights of other titles from the same studio, the game is still recognized for its heartfelt narrative and ability to evoke a range of emotions throughout its journey.

    • “As a trans person, I loved the transmasc representation. Tyler being trans isn't the main plot of the story; he just happens to be trans, which is great. I enjoyed how emotional it was and that you could resonate with both main characters.”
    • “This game was incredibly beautiful and emotional; I cried several times.”
    • “Tell Me Why is an emotionally compelling story filled with complex characters, complex emotions, and it was clear that the authors had done an impressive amount of research into bringing a sense of reality to the fictional world they crafted.”
    • “Boring story, slow pace, dull characters, somewhat pointless decision-making.”
    • “Kinda a boring story.”
  • graphics636 mentions

    The graphics in "Tell Me Why" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and detailed environments, particularly the picturesque Alaskan landscapes. While some users noted minor graphical glitches and janky animations, the overall aesthetic and art style were praised as a significant improvement over previous titles from Dontnod, contributing to an immersive storytelling experience. Despite a few criticisms regarding character animations and performance on lower-end systems, the game's visuals are generally regarded as breathtaking and a highlight of the experience.

    • “The graphics are stunning, the characters aren't annoying and the plot captured my interest immediately.”
    • “The visuals of snowy Alaska were wallpaper-worthy.”
    • “Beautiful, heartwarming, interwoven story, amazing characters all in a setting with graphics that absolutely took my breath away.”
    • “The graphics in Tell Me Why are a mixed bag.”
    • “Graphics and animations are a bit janky, and some controls for the more gamey sections are very subtle or not explained well.”
    • “When compared to Life is Strange, some people noted the 'much improved graphics style', which I see quite the opposite way — the graphic style of Tell Me Why is pretty much failed.”
  • gameplay555 mentions

    The gameplay in "Tell Me Why" is primarily focused on exploration, dialogue, and puzzle-solving, resembling the mechanics of previous Dontnod titles like "Life is Strange." While some players appreciate the engaging story and character development, many criticize the gameplay as slow, simplistic, and at times tedious, with limited interactivity and underutilized mechanics. Overall, the game is recommended for those who prioritize narrative over gameplay complexity, but it may disappoint players seeking a more dynamic gaming experience.

    • “The gameplay mainly consists of exploring environments, speaking with characters, and solving puzzles.”
    • “The memory mechanics were really cool, the puzzles were engaging, the art was lovely, and the graphics were well done.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, this is a definite home-run.”
    • “The gameplay feels sluggish, the romantic encounter comes off as a bit forced and unnecessary, and the cutscenes are unskippable for some reason.”
    • “Gameplay feels like an afterthought and none of the 'choices' you make really matter.”
    • “The gameplay sections felt more like a chore to play through instead of adding something interesting to the story.”
  • music362 mentions

    The music in "Tell Me Why" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and emotional depth, while others found it less memorable compared to previous titles from Dontnod. Some players appreciated the subtlety and fitting nature of the soundtrack, though many noted a lack of standout tracks and a scarcity of music during gameplay. Overall, while the soundtrack contributes positively to the experience, it does not reach the heights of the acclaimed "Life is Strange" series.

    • “The music in Tell Me Why deserves special mention, seamlessly fitting the moods and settings throughout the game.”
    • “The soundtrack enhances the overall atmosphere, creating a more profound connection between players and the narrative.”
    • “The visuals are great, the soundtrack is emotion-invoking, and the story is pure bliss and will leave you craving more.”
    • “The music is very scarce, only a few songs here and there but they're okay, and as for the sound effects and everything else related, nothing really out of the ordinary.”
    • “Here the music is forgettable; not a single song stuck with me.”
    • “The story isn't very touching and the soundtracks aren't great either, especially when compared with the Life is Strange series.”
  • atmosphere124 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Tell Me Why" is widely praised for its immersive Alaskan setting, beautiful visuals, and a poignant soundtrack that enhances the emotional narrative. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and melancholy, creating a deeply engaging experience, although some feel it lacks the "magical" quality of previous titles from the studio. Overall, the combination of detailed environments, character interactions, and atmospheric music contributes to a memorable and touching journey.

    • “The atmosphere is amazing, there is so much detail and lore.”
    • “A deeply emotional story set in a remote and atmospheric snowy town on the edge of Alaska.”
    • “The chosen location is excellent, enriched with numerous small details that significantly add to the atmosphere.”
    • “After giving 'Tell Me Why' a go, I must unfortunately say that the game lacks the atmosphere and that sort of 'magical' setting of the previous Don't Nod games that I fell in love with.”
    • “I felt that not only did they not enhance the atmosphere, but they also killed the pace and the vibe I was into.”
    • “I understand they were trying to build up the atmosphere and they were successful at times, but the slow pace really got to me and bored me out of my mind.”
  • character development50 mentions

    Character development in "Tell Me Why" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly in its sensitive portrayal of a transgender protagonist and the exploration of grief. Players feel deeply invested in the characters, with many highlighting the game's ability to evoke empathy and connection. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies in character development across the cast, suggesting that while the main characters are well-developed, others may lack depth.

    • “While focused on character development and emotional impact, the story shines with its depth, especially in its sensitive portrayal of a transgender protagonist.”
    • “The character development is incredible - I feel like they were willing to explore the more grizzly sides of grief, especially when that grief is centered around a parent.”
    • “The character development and the exploration of the past, added to the supernatural connection between brother and sister, makes this game an experience worth savoring.”
    • “My only real complaint would probably be in the lack of character development from some of the major characters.”
    • “The storyline was weak and there was minimal character development.”
    • “The choices seem arbitrary, there isn't much gameplay to speak of and character development is minimal.”
  • replayability48 mentions

    The game's replayability is generally viewed as modest, with many players noting that while there are different choices and relationships to explore, the overall impact on the narrative is limited. Most reviews suggest that the game is best experienced in a single playthrough, as its linear structure and relatively short length (around 10-12 hours) do not lend themselves to extensive replay value, although some players appreciate the option to replay chapters for collectibles. Overall, it may be worth picking up on sale for those interested in its story-driven experience.

    • “The story kept me hooked throughout the game and there is plenty of replayability that can take the game in a few different directions.”
    • “High replay value.”
    • “It has a replay value should you wish to go good or bad in a sense, not to mention the collectibles.”
    • “If you're considering playing this game, please know that there is very little replay value, so you'll almost definitely just be doing the one playthrough, which is about 12 hours.”
    • “Though this game is pretty linear, so there really isn't much replay value in it, at least for me.”
    • “Regarding replayability, choices exist, but their impact on the narrative is somewhat limited.”
  • grinding46 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for its tedious and drawn-out gameplay, with many players feeling overwhelmed by long cutscenes, repetitive puzzles, and excessive dialogue. While some elements of the story and puzzles are appreciated, the overall experience is marred by a sense of monotony and a lack of engaging mechanics, leading to a frustrating and slow-paced journey. Players often express a desire for more streamlined gameplay to enhance their enjoyment of the narrative.

    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “What a waste of time, boring predictable story, awkward animations, and tedious gameplay... worst of the Dontnod games.”
    • “If I've discovered an interesting story revelation, I want to find out more, not screech to a halt to do a tedious fetch quest and a bunch of dialogue I don't care about.”
  • optimization32 mentions

    The game's optimization has received widespread praise, with players reporting smooth performance and no bugs across all chapters. Many noted impressive frame rates even on lower-end systems, highlighting it as a significant improvement over previous titles in the genre. Overall, the game is considered a benchmark for polished performance and optimization.

    • “All 3 chapters completed with no bugs or performance issues - the game ran smooth and issue-free.”
    • “Graphically it's stunning and is a real eye candy, it also plays so smooth and the performance is flawless (great PC port).”
    • “This game stands out as the epitome of polished performance and optimization within its genre that I've ever encountered.”
    • “The game runs on my Athlon 200GE RX 550 with 12GB of RAM at a consistent 30fps on 720p with the graphics set to medium. The game lagged for a bit once you first loaded it up, but after a while, there's not a whole lot of stuttering to speak of.”
    • “Performance stutters, animation is rather dated, and some aspects of the mechanics feel clumsily handled.”
    • “In terms of performance, let me highlight this point: I experienced twice the fps in 'Tell Me Why' compared to 'Life is Strange 2', and in my opinion, it looks even more impressive visually.”
  • humor22 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as inconsistent, with some players wishing for more comedic moments amidst the emotional storytelling. While there are instances of funny and rich dialogues, many felt that the game could have benefited from additional humor, especially given its serious themes. Overall, the game balances moments of humor with deeper emotional experiences, showcasing a range of feelings from laughter to sadness.

    • “This game made me laugh, cry, and feel all sorts of emotions.”
    • “Brilliant characters, funny, rich dialogues - this game is absolutely fantastic.”
    • “It had great cinematic cutscenes, funny and even sad moments.”
  • stability21 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with users reporting various glitches such as audio issues, screen freezes, and character animation problems. While some players experienced game-breaking bugs that required restarts, others noted that the game runs well on older hardware and found the overall experience enjoyable despite the imperfections. Overall, while there are notable stability issues, many players feel that the game's strengths, particularly its story and visuals, outweigh the technical shortcomings.

    • “It runs great on my rather old PC, and I got it on sale, so it was totally worth it.”
    • “At the moment, it is nearly bug-free even though it is shortly after release.”
    • “Some game-breaking glitches requiring a restart were present, and no cutscene skip makes that really horrible in some spots.”
    • “Game is buggy, animations take forever to reset after interacting with things, and so many other detail issues that broke my immersion in this story. It feels like another month or two of development was all it would take to finish this.”
    • “There are a few glitches in the game, such as the rewind mechanic, lip syncing issues, and missing sound effects.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for feeling overly commercialized, with players noting instances where the dialogue references advertisements, suggesting a lack of subtlety in integrating promotional content.

    • “As well as in the dialogue, Tyler makes a jab at it being an advertisement that was about time travel.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy Tell Me Why

Play time

4hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
10hMain story
13hCompletionist
2-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 12 analyzed playthroughs

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