Unravel is the newest 3D side‑scrolling platformer, released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Developed by Coldwood and published by Electronic Arts, the title focuses on solving clever puzzles and exploratory gameplay. The game features highly realistic graphics, but can become a bit repetitive. Check out my review!
It’s not the first time an indie studio has grabbed the spotlight as one of the year’s most anticipated releases. Unveiled at E3 2015, Unravel surprised everyone with its stunningly beautiful and moving premise. The game’s protagonist is “Yarny”, a small, endearing character spun from a single ball of yarn.
Yarny can revive various moments captured in old photographs, travelling through the memories of an elderly woman. Though silent, he conveys emotion through every gesture as he navigates stages that are often inspired by real-world locations. While you can finish the main journey in under seven hours, optional challenges and collectibles encourage revisiting each level.
In Unravel, you must use Yarny’s jump to clear obstacles and interact with cleverly placed objects. He can also use his own yarn to climb and create shortcuts, as well as to push useful items like apples, stones, and snowballs.
Don’t be fooled: Unravel is very challenging, demanding quick, agile thinking at every turn. It’s common to pause and study the layout of a level to uncover the hidden solution. Thankfully, the reward of cracking each ingenious puzzle is well worth the effort.
Gameplay controls feel spot on, with accessible inputs for players of all skill levels. Difficulty ramps up gradually, giving you time to master each new puzzle type. Though the 12 levels each boast unique visuals, their puzzle designs vary significantly from stage to stage.
The soundtrack delivers unforgettable compositions and gentle melodies that perfectly match the game’s heartfelt tone, accompanying the gameplay rhythmically. The only drawback is that the tracks loop quite often, revealing a limited number of songs.
Leaves drift from trees in the breeze, and wildlife scurries through the environments as Yarny expresses pain, fear, and cold with remarkable authenticity. Unravel’s world feels incredibly alive—a major strength that engages players through every finely detailed setting, all inspired by real places the game’s director visited.
Verdict
- Graphics
- Interface
- Entertainment
- Gameplay
- Features
Summary
Unravel is an extraordinary game, with a fable that deserves to be enjoyed by those who are fans of mental challenges. Although the gameplay is somewhat limited, without a great variety of puzzles and actions, the character’s adventure manages to involve the player very well with an emotional rhythm rarely seen in new generation titles.
What do you think of this new game? Let me know in the comments!