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.