Unravel Game Review

On Febuary 9^th, I anxiously awaited the download that I have been excited for since I saw the trailer at E3 and then as I was finally able to hit the play button; I could not wait to see what this game had in store. I am talking about the new puzzle platformer, Unravel.

To begin with and to correct many people who I have seen talking about this game, Unravel was not made by EA at all. Yes their logo does appear each time you start up the game but they actually had nothing to do with making it. EA made a distribution deal with a small gaming company based in Sweden called, Coldwood Interactive. Due to the interest in the game EA made a deal to help distribute it to different countries and that ends with the involvement of EA.

Made by Coldwood Interactive on the PhyreEngine, Unravel is a game that is about the adventure of the adorable Yarny, a anthropomorphic creature that you have to guide through different beautifully designed landscapes solving puzzles and gathering memories. There are altogether twelve levels and I will not spoil any of the story in this review instead I will talk about the game itself.

Now for me personally there are two forms of criteria that causes me to be fully enraptured by game and grow to love it. Story and Music. Unravel not only has both but also has amazing art, interesting gaming mechanics, and decent gameplay that ranges from super easy to head scratching.

Yarn is the tool you use as you go through each chapter, solving puzzles and like yarn it has its limits and can get knotted. Which is why, when you are playing you have to be cautious and a bit meticulous about how you use yarn. If you mess up there is an option to reload at your last checkpoint which is nice, however this can sometimes set you back a ways so only do it if absolutely necessary.

The beautiful atmosphere is definitely something that must be touched on as well, when discussing Unravel. The adorable Yarny, folky music, and gorgeous chapters; the entire atmosphere of this game just makes you want to really sit back and enjoy the game. However, as the game goes on the cheerful atmosphere grows a bit more somber as Yarny collects the memories and the story unfolds, because like in life; not every memory is a good one. Nonetheless, the game's beautiful way of story telling really pulls you in. This type of atmosphere has actually had quite a few people comparing Unravel to Ori and the Blind Forest, and in some aspects I agree. If you liked the music, art, and cute little protagonist Ori then you would like Unravel. However, gameplay wise Ori and the Blind Forest is definitely more of a challenge compared to Unravel, in all honesty I still have not fully completed Ori and the Blind Forest due to getting too frustrated at certain points. That doesn’t mean Unravel is completely easy, it definitely does have its hard moments. If you wish to unlock the “No Stone Unturned” achievement which requires you gathering all 5 secrets in each chapter then you will be spending quite a bit of time on it, especially in the final chapter. There are a couple of other achievements as well that can make this game more challenging, however as I said Ori and the Blind Forest is definitely more difficult.

All in all, Unravel was a wonderful experience and is a game that anyone of all ages would enjoy if they wish for something a bit more relaxing that requires a bit of brain power. This game will definitely warm your heart and maybe bring a tear to your eye, it had its few quirks but nothing that wouldn’t completely ruin the game, and will probably be one of my favorite games of the year.

Rating: 9/10

You can buy this game for Xbox One, PS4, or your PC on Origin.

Twinsters: A Review about a Unique & Heartwarming Documentary

I will be honest. I am not a huge fan of documentaries. It's not that I don't like them but there are a lot of times that I cannot finish a documentary in one sitting because I lose interest in them or I just end up feeling like I need to take a nap. So, if I do a review about a documentary that probably means its a good one. Twinsters is one of the documentaries.
Released in July of 2015 but recently available on Netflix, Twinsters is about two adopted young ladies (Samantha Futerman & Anais Bordier) raised on different continents, who discover they are actually identical twin sisters.
The documentary is primarily from Samantha's perspective who is an up & coming actress in Los Angeles. In 2013 she receives a tweet to check her facebook messages where she discovers Anais, a young woman from France who currently lives in London as a senior in a fashion school. Anais states that she first discovered her through a friend who had watched a YouTube video in which Samantha played a part of a high school girl, & ever since Anais has had a desire to reach out to Samantha. Shocked by how similar they look as well as several other similarities, Samantha & Anais begin to correspond with each other, beginning the journey of learning they are twins & integrating into each other lives.

Going from Los Angeles to London to Seoul, South Korea (their mother country) this documentary takes you along for the ride & makes you feel like part of the family. One of the interesting aspects of this documentary was the twin's different perspectives of adoption & the similarities (as well as differences) that they have despite being raised apart. It also goes into some depth, on different aspects of adoption as well, giving you a more wide perspective of life as an adopted child & adoption agencies in South Korea.

I do not want to give any more details away about this documentary, but it is definitely a unique experience that you will enjoy watching. I do not have hardly any negative complaints about this documentary as it didn't feel too dragged out, it doesn't bombard you with a ton of information, the cinematography was well done (even with some of it being filmed by cell phones), & the story itself is just so unique that this documentary is one of kind. There is a few times that Sh*t bomb is dropped, so if you do not want little ears to hear that then you might want to wait until they are bed. However if you want to watch something a bit different on Netflix for the night, that is heartwarming & doesn't need 110% attention to watch, then I would say watch Twinsters.
Rating: 10/10
Watch the Trailer Here: https://youtu.be/Y72med6m7ho
Also available instantly on Netflix as well as to rent or buy on YouTube & Amazon.
So, let me know what you guys think of this film & if you have anytainment recommendations let me know in the comments. Until next time, have a good whatever!

Life Update

Hey Everybody!!
First off Happy New Year...which I know is really..really late.
Anyways it has been a while since I did any posts on this blog & I know it is really my fault, so as part of my other new year resolutions I've decided to jump back into this blog. I will continue to cover anything entertainment wise, but due to being a poor college student there will be some restrictions. Mainly movies.
I love, love, love films!! However, I just do not have the money to constantly go out & see what's new. Sad enough, I still haven't seen the new Star Wars film yet (but I will!!). So I will be covering music, TV shows, video games, & other tainment things that catch my eye. So, if there is anything you will like me to review/talk about please let me know.
I plan on doing my artist of the month in the next couple of days so keep an eye for that, as well. Look forward to more posts about anytainment!!