Unravel review

Anyone For A Game Of Frustration?

Play

It probably seems surprising that a platformer such as this could grind your gears, but Unravel has the ability to do exactly that, especially when you’re first getting to grips with it. Using Yarny’s, erm, yarn to whatever effect is needed involves a lot of trial and error, and the puzzles can be a little difficult to wrap your head around. They’re a welcome challenge at times and evasive at others, since the game doesn’t always make it clear what it wants you to do next.

There’s also no free roaming camera, which in a game where you can swing from one place to the next, seems silly. You’ll often be forced to traipse around in search of the best path through a level or puzzle. This is especially annoying when your yarn starts to run out and you have to retrace your steps to get it back before you unravel too much.

The length and reach of Yarny’s arms also feels inconsistent. Some jumps you will be able to make and some will send you tumbling onto your soft, huggable face. So, yeah, turns out that little red creature can be quite the hellraiser.

A sight to behold

Visually, Unravel is a gorgeous game. From the realism of a speeding car driving over Yarny, to the attacks of the various animals you meet, Coldwood Interactive’s largest title to date is thing of beauty. The levels themselves are varied in style with almost each one bringing a new terrain to scour, such as the snowy landscape of ‘Winter sun’, or structures to climb, like the great machines of level ‘How much is enough’.

Unlike the recent Firewatch, there’s no stuttering or poor optimisation, and Unravel flows easily from one place to the next. The game also has great attention to detail, the house that acts as your hub world being particularly impressive, with overflowing draws and weathered doors making it feel lived in. As for what you hear, a voiceless musical score drifts throughout, its beauty equal to that of the visuals. This game really is a feast for your senses.

The Feels

It’s a testament to the creators that a body of yarn can produce any amount of feelings within you. Seeing the gender-fluid Yarny scared particularly tugs at your heartstrings. Animations, such as crossed arms when cold, convey an awful lot about how the red figure of material is feeling at any given time. Mostly this is done through its eyes, the sad droops and wide expressions telling you all you need to know.

However, Unravel’s plot fails to have the same effect. A tale of environmental pollution and family love that’s eteched across scrapbook cuttings and holographic memories, it’s uniquely illustrated but doesn’t quite capture your emotions like Yarny does.

Longer Than A Piece Of Yarn