Morkredd is an atmospheric physics based puzzle title that can be played alone or with one other player via local co-op. By either controlling a pair of characters with each thumb stick or working together with a friend, Morkredd is a unique and interesting experience that showcases the power of both light and darkness in this monochromatic experience.

Unless specified otherwise, this review is written from the perspective of playing alone.

(Not) alone in the dark

Morkredd begins with a man and woman waking to be guided by a flaming orb. Straying from the illuminated radius of the light into the darkness will kill either of the characters. At the conclusion of the prologue, the flaming orb enters a larger orb that must be pushed by the characters, either alone or together.

The rule of staying within the illuminated area remains throughout Morkredd though the darkness can still kill the characters should they be caught in any shadow, even within the orb, that may be cast by the architecture of the environment or even the other character. Great care must be taken whilst pushing the orb forward through each level to progress to avoid one character’s shadow accidentally being cast onto the other.

Progression in Morkredd is simple in theory, navigate the orb until reaching a distinctly new location. There are a total of 6 levels and each is progressively more difficult than the last. As the story progresses new puzzles and mechanics are introduced for the player to solve such as levers, switches and pressure plates. Some of these can be solved by a single character but a lot require both to be doing something either simultaneously or closely after one another.

As with the puzzles, environmental hazards such as unguarded bridges or cliffs for the orb to fall off which results in the pair dying from the absence of light, or enemies that can only be defeated by shadows cast from the characters by strategically moving the orb. The gameplay itself is quite simplistic but it’s the complexity of controlling both characters, the orb and awareness of environmental elements that may cast shadows that makes Morkredd very much a trial and error experience unless absolute attention is given at all times.

The closing moments of the story are very unexpected, resulting in a very different approach to the gameplay that is both fun and frustratingly challenging. The conclusion of the story itself is surprisingly heartfelt in regards to the pair of characters and their determination in getting the orb where it needs to go.

Completing Morkredd alone is significantly more challenging than playing with a friend. The puzzles in particular are a lot easier to solve and greater control of the orb is obviously granted with an additional player. There is no right or wrong way to play Morkredd and players looking for an extra challenge will certainly want to try playing alone.

Black and white

The monochromatic visuals allow the light and darkness to have their own weight, their own power on the screen that feels both safe and dangerous. This balance tells almost as much of a story as the narrative that unfolds and evolves with the gradual complexity of the gameplay and puzzle solving.

A later level offers a fun contrast to the very black and white world the player becomes accustomed to. The world of Morkredd is dark and gritty and the often haunting and ominous score is a beautiful companion to the visual aesthetic.

More-kredd

Morkredd can be completed alone in as little as two hours but how long it takes other players will depend on their ability to solve the puzzles and the extent of trial and error. Playing co-operatively Morkredd can be completed in just over an hour. Regardless of how Morkredd is played, it is an absolute joy.

Striking visuals with fun and challenging puzzles keep it interesting and engaging throughout. A longer experience would have been nicer but the story it manages to tell throughout its short run time is effective nonetheless.

+ Striking visuals

+ Challenging puzzles

+ Co-op support

+ Surprising final act

– A little too short

Games of DAYNE Rating

Developed by: Hyper Games

Published by: Aspyr

Release Date: December 10 2020

Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC

* Morkredd is available with Xbox Game Pass *

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The post Morkredd Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

With the twins again separated, a deep look within themselves and all that they’ve been through may be the only way for them to come together and accept their past, present and future.

Tell Me Why‘s third and final chapter, “Inheritance“, has the difficult task of wrapping up the emotionally charged narrative that has been building. Following the fallout of the twins at the conclusion of “Family Secrets“, the strength of their rekindled bond is put to the ultimate test. Facing challenges with closure, acceptance and forgiveness to name just a few, Tyler and Alyson have a lot of growing to do within this 2-3 hour affair. DONTNOD once again deliver a story that is driven by heart.

After a pair of chapters that leaned more heavily into Tyler, Alyson finally receives some of the much needed spotlight to flesh her out with the same depth as has been afforded to her brother. Alsyon’s growth unsurprisingly highlights the additional strength she has through her relationship with a Tyler. Their bond is far more than the ability to communicate telepathically or to see visualisations of their childhood memories. Their bond is the strength they have when they are close and work in unison. This depth to Alyson was sorely needed and it plays out without compromising Tyler.

As with previous outings, Tell Me Why again tasks the player with exploring and interacting within a handful of environments. The puzzle solving returns and highlights the effectiveness of combining the storytelling elements from the Book of Goblins with the solutions to the puzzles. The Book of Goblins has consistently served as a fun illustrated/animated representation of their twins rife with imagination. It’s strength though lies in its direct correlation to the gameplay and the present day narrative.

All of the decisions that have paved the way for minor or major narrative direction changes pay off in a handful of ways in this finale. While some may bear little impact on the over-arching story, there are some key decisions that heavily influence which ending will be received. The replayability of these decision driven games extend to witnessing all possible outcomes and Tell Me Why is well worth revisiting to see how things can alternatively play out.

The conclusion to this trilogy of drama and self-discovery is going to surprise many with it’s grounded yet logical approach. With the tragedy fully understood, the player is no different to the twins in needing a moment to let it sink in and properly process what it all actually means. It’s powerful and feels more appropriate than an encounter with a big bad of sorts. The villain of Tell Me Why isn’t a person, it’s not even the memory of their mother. The true villain is their past and the inescapable grip it has had over the twins for a decade. Moving on and healing is the only way to defeat this type of villain and DONTNOD have emphatically delivered this message with its masterful closing moments.

The voice acting is as emotional as ever for this closing act to the trilogy and each character feels genuine and authentic. The score is beautiful and serves to powerfully enhance the most emotional of moments.

The visual inconsistencies are again present, offering moments of stunning visual beauty in some of the environmental design while the moment to moment gameplay areas and assets suffer. The characters again feel rather stiff and wooden but for the most part the emotion of the scene makes this easier to overlook.

Overcoming pacing issues and an initial imbalance between Tyler and Alyson’s emotional depth are worth it in the end. The spiritual and emotional journey that we have experienced alongside the twins is powerful and thought provoking. The added dimension of Tyler becoming the man he is today compared to the little girl he was as a child brings a depth that changes the narrative in a way that might not work if not for his transition. Tell Me Why delicately handles this topic in a way that brings awareness to the unique challenges Tyler has faced and will continue to face throughout his life. There’s no agenda, no ulterior motive, just a genuine exploration of an individual empowered by his own sense of self-identity.

Tyler and Alyson have been through a lot. From the tragic events that led to their separation, the personal growth and challenges they faced throughout their ten years apart and the handful of days reunited at their childhood home in Delos Crossing, they have been cursed with pain and regret. By uncovering the true nature of the series of events that led to the loss of their mother, the twins can finally move on. How exactly they do that however is in your hands.

Final Verdict:

+ Emotionally resonating conclusion

+ Alyson finally gets some depth and attention

+ The dimension brought to the bond of the twins

+ The Book of Goblins use in puzzle solving

– Inconsistent visuals and animations

Games of DAYNE Rating

Developed by: DONTNOD

Published by: Xbox Game Studios

Release Date: September 10 2020

Platforms: Xbox One and PC

All three chapters of Tell Me Why are available on Xbox Game Pass.

The post Tell Me Why – Chapter Three “Inheritance” Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

Unable to escape their past, Tyler and Alyson continue to dig up new secrets. Discovering more questions than answers, the harrowing family tragedy continues to torment the twins.

The tale of the teenage Ronan Twins continues in Tell Me Why’s second chapter, “Family Secrets”. Releasing just one week after the first chapter titled “Homecoming“, this middle child chapter of the trilogy sees Tyler and Alyson dig even deeper into their past in the sleepy Alaskan town of Delos Crossing. After an excellent first chapter that delivered strong character development, an interesting story and gameplay that felt meaningful, “Family Secrets” fails to maintain the momentum with tedious objectives within its gameplay.

A brief recap of the events of the previous episode kicks of this second chapter, first with the cool artistic spin of their crafty goblins characters from their childhood before reality sets in and the harrowing final moments are caught up with the in-game engine cinematics. The emotional climax of “Homecoming” sets in, the tragedy that set the twins on a decade of separation has been witnessed and countless new questions have been raised.

Unfortunately, “Family Secrets” is in no hurry to continue with the momentum of this moment. Instead, a playful scene unfolds inter-cutting from the twins playing as children chasing each other around the house with them reliving those memories in the present day. It’s a fun scene that highlights the bond they shared as children, rekindled even after a decade apart at the cost of pushing the revelations from the prior episode’s cliffhanger forward immediately. Perhaps this is decision was for the best. Affording players the time to let these events marinade and continue to digest before thrusting us into more emotional turmoil through the eyes of the twins.

The gameplay this time around felt monotonous and tedious, the constant walking around and interacting didn’t carry the same sense of purpose as the premiere chapter, leaving players hanging for the next cutscene to provide more meaningful moments of exploration of these characters, their past and their future. The supporting characters feel lacking in purpose in this chapter with the exception of Tessa. Her relationship with the twins’ mother Mary-Ann takes centre stage for the bulk of the experience, putting the player in the position to sympathise and forgive or to condemn.

A similar opportunity presents itself with Alyson’s Police Chief guardian, Uncle Eddy Brown. Eddy remains unlikeable despite his intentions both past and present. His stiff and wooden personality and lack of charisma make it difficult to feel for him as a character, in stark contrast to Tessa who feels genuine and carries authentic guilt.

The bond of the twins continues within the gameplay, again allowing the twins to relive visualisations of their memories as children to uncover clues in regards to character relationships and events. Their telepathic bond is put on display in some moments that truly feel more powerful instead of the spoken word. Despite any inconsistencies “Family Secrets” unearths with its gameplay variety and tedium, the connection between the twins comes across as stronger emotionally. With a continued primary focus on Tyler as far as gameplay is concerned, Alyson again fails to develop the same level of attachment as Tyler. I want to like Alyson more, I sympathise with her experiences and her emotions but she just doesn’t feel as important or as meaningful as Tyler yet, a feeling I am hoping changes in the third and final chapter.

The scenery continues to stun in certain moments with the visuals overall remain a little stiff and bland. The imagery of the fog setting in amidst the snow-capped peaks of the horizon is truly striking, it’s a shame these types of moments of visual awe are limited to a handful of cinematic scenes as opposed to being a genuine beauty throughout the playable sequences.

The emotional performance of Tessa and Tyler in particular steal the show, with each character given several opportunities to win the sympathy of the players. The voice acting across the board is consistent, lending towards the believability of their characters.

“Family Secrets” struggles to maintain the pace or charm of “Homecoming” but manages to deliver some moments that show glimpses of the narrative excellence witnessed a week prior. Tell Me Why’s second chapter might not hit all of the highs we’ve seen that it can accomplish, including an ending that pales in comparison to the jaw-dropping conclusion of the first chapter but the core story remains interesting and engaging. Tyler and Alyson still have questions that need answered and from the perspective of the player, it’s worth sticking around for.

Final Verdict:

+ Some excellent character moments for Tyler and Tessa

+ Story builds upon its intriguing premise with purpose

– Momentum crashes to a halt

– Gameplay sequences are tedious

– Supporting characters fail to feel more meaningful

Games of DAYNE Rating

Developed by: DONTNOD
Published by: Xbox Game Studios
Release Date: September 4 2020
Platforms: Xbox One and PC

Tell Me Why – Chapter Two “Family Secrets” is available on Xbox Game Pass along with Chapter One “Homecoming” and Chapter Three “Inheritance”.

The post Tell Me Why – Chapter Two “Family Secrets” first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

Twins divided by a childhood tragedy reunite for an emotional and heart-wrenching journey, changing everything they thought they knew.

From its intriguing opening moments through until its heart wrenching conclusion, the first chapter of Tell Me Why titled “Homecoming” proves once again that developer DONTNOD are experts in the field of interactive adventures that can pull the strings of every emotion of its players. An emotional story, check. An interesting take on the bond behind twins, check. This premiere chapter ticks the right boxes and by releasing the other 2 chapters this episodic adventure only one week apart, there’s just enough time in between to wrap our heads around what’s to come and based on this start, we’ll need it. Let me tell you why.

Twins Alyson and Tyler Ronan are at the forefront of Tell Me Why, with each character taking turns sharing the playable spotlight. Having been separated for over 10 years due to a traumatic family tragedy, the twins finally reunite to travel back to their childhood home in Alaska in preparation for its sale. When the twins were separated after the events of the tragedy, they were done so as sisters. In the decade that has passed, Tyler has transitioned to male. The twins carry such enormous emotional weight in this narrative and surprisingly it doesn’t collapse under its own pressure. The heavy material is a lot to take in and Tyler’s transition is instrumental to the motivations of the key characters involved, before and after.

The relationship of the twins and the lives they’ve lead since their separation paints the narrative with small but impactful strokes as they traverse the gorgeous Alaskan landscape on a ferry. Their bond is undeniable but it’s not until they make their homecoming that the literal and, luckily for players, playable manifestation of their bond changes the way these characters and the players experience their story. The bond shared between twins is amplified in Tell Me Why, with the two able to telepathically commune in what they call their “voice”, thought to be long lost since their childhood.

Referring to their mother as Mary Ann, the twins begrudgingly have to revisit the events that led to their separation a decade ago and her involvement serves as the catalyst for the shape their lives have since taken. To avoid spoilers there will be no specifics referenced here but it is worth noting she plays a significant part and has an emotional presence that is long lasting with the twins and likely the player.

With a hell of a premise and interesting take on the bond shared between twins, the gameplay itself feels familiar for fans of DONTNOD’s previous outings in Life is Strange. Alternating between Tyler and Alyson at predetermined intervals and walking around fairly explorable environments littered with items of interest to interact with comprise the bulk of the gameplay. These interactions offer anywhere in between a line of dialogue to a meaningful moment of self-reflection. Progressing the story is typically driven by interaction with a particular item that transitions seamlessly between gameplay and cinematics.

There are a handful of opportunities for the twins to trigger memories, significant emotional moments from their past that their bond allows for them to both witness. Their childhood selves and other characters are reanimated with a spectral, particle like effect that play out scenes from their past. Later in the chapter the introduction of which twins perspective is the “true” version of events allows for some interesting alternative scenarios which can be explored via replaying the story or chapter select.

The scenery on display is absolutely stunning and the ferry trip in particular is striking. The snow capped mountain backdrop breathes life and depth to the world DONTNOD are emotionally building. The character models themselves are impressive though the lip sync issues between the facial animations and dialogue persist throughout without relent and constantly distract. As with the Life is Strange series, an emotional score adds weight to the heavy themes of the narrative, powerfully moving the hardest hitting of sequences into more definitive moments of poignance.

The themes are unashamedly heavy and it’s difficult to see where Tyler’s transition may come into play in terms of prejudice or misunderstanding as these are only briefly touched upon in “Homecoming”. Explicit language is not uncommon either and the overall presentation is certainly mature to say the least.

Tell Me Why’s first chapter does an incredible job in establishing a connection to the characters though admittedly Alyson isn’t given the same depth as Tyler. This is ok. The events of the past are significantly focused on Tyler’s wrestle with his identity, a struggle that proves more difficult for those around him. This seems to be Tyler’s story and with what players get to experience in this 2-3 hour premiere, that is far from a bad thing. There is so much story to tell on the rest of the twins’ journey which will likely include room for Alyson to find her feet a little more. With only one week between each of the 3 chapters, it feels like a smart move to allow this breathing room as the complete experience, if “Homecoming” is anything to go by, has the potential to emotionally overwhelm with its raw power.

Final Verdict:

+ Stunning environmental detail
+ The Ronan twins are excellently fleshed out
+ Handling of Tyler’s identity
+ Gripping emotional story
– Gameplay fails to engage between the story

Games of DAYNE Rating

Developed by: DONTNOD

Published by: Xbox Game Studios

Release Date: August 27 2020

Platforms: Xbox One

Tell Me Why – Chapter One “Homecoming” is also available with Xbox Game Pass.
Chapter Two and Three will each release one week apart on September 3 and 10.

The post Tell Me Why – Chapter One “Homecoming” Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.