Review of the Storyteller

Introduction: A Unique Take on Storytelling

Video games often revolve around expansive adventures or intimate narratives confined to a single setting. Storyteller, a unique puzzle game, flips the script by empowering players to weave their own tales. Developed by Daniel Benmergui, known for “Today I Die” and “I Wish I Were the Moon,” the game offers a delightful yet brief experience.

Crafting Narratives: A Puzzle-Driven Approach

The Game Structure

Storyteller consists of 13 chapters, each containing four puzzles. Players are tasked with constructing a narrative by arranging backgrounds and characters based on given prompts like ‘a character facing rejection’ or ‘committing a crime.’

The Mechanics

• Frames: Each puzzle offers 3, 4, 6, or 8 frames for storytelling.
• Interactions: Characters and backgrounds interact based on their placement.
• Flexibility: Not all frames need to be used to complete a puzzle.

The game feels like an interactive storyboard, effectively utilizing this unique concept.

Difficulty Level: A Mild Challenge

Judging the difficulty of a puzzle game is subjective, as players come from diverse backgrounds. However, Storyteller’s puzzles lean more towards the easier end of the spectrum. Whether this is intentional or aimed at a younger audience remains unclear. Those seeking a formidable challenge may be disappointed.

Decoding the Narrative

Working Backwards

Most puzzles start with the end result, requiring players to reverse-engineer the story. This approach can be either straightforward or confusing, depending on the player.

Cause and Effect

Understanding the cause-and-effect relationships between frames is crucial. Learning these dynamics makes the game easier over time.

Advanced Puzzles: The Complexity Factor

• Multiple Endings: Some puzzles offer alternative outcomes.
• Scene Rewriting: These require significant changes to existing scenes.

Unfortunately, such complex puzzles are few and far between, making the quest for 100% completion less challenging than it could be.

Visuals: Simple yet Effective

• Characters: Crisp and expressive.
• Backgrounds: Pleasing but not overly detailed.
• Empty Space: Sometimes distracting, affecting immersion.

Game Length: A Brief Affair

The game’s short duration may disappoint some players, especially considering its price. Future updates could potentially extend the gameplay.

The Ending: A Letdown

Without delving into spoilers, the game’s conclusion is underwhelming. It may leave players wanting more, questioning the narrative build-up.

Replayability: Limited Scope

The game currently offers little incentive for replay, except to explore puzzles with multiple solutions.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag

Storyteller has its moments of brilliance but falls short in terms of length, difficulty, and conclusion. Despite these shortcomings, its charm may still attract those interested in a unique storytelling experience.