Concept and story are quite compelling, gameplay not so much. I remember playing this years ago felt special, because the concept is really nice. Playing again now, didn't relive that feeling.

unintuitive gameplay and predictable meaningless story. not scary or engaging at all and it feels like i just wasted my time playing this.

Stories Untold, developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital, is an unusual narrative-driven anthology that manages to stand apart from most horror and adventure titles released on Steam. Rather than presenting itself as one continuous story, it unfolds through four separate episodes, each with its own mechanical identity, but all connected through a hidden thread that gradually reveals itself as the experience progresses. From the very beginning, it feels like a game designed less around traditional scares and more around an atmosphere of dread, tension, and unsettling familiarity, which makes it effective without relying on the usual clichés of the genre.

The first chapter, The House Abandon, is deceptively simple in concept. At first glance, it is just a text-based adventure where you type commands to move through an old family home. The format harkens back to early PC adventures, and its minimalism lulls players into a sense of nostalgia before pulling the rug out from under them. It is here that the game establishes its knack for subversion: it takes something that seems safe, even mundane, and injects it with unease through subtle changes in description, strange details, and an uncanny tone. Later episodes build on this foundation but shift in surprising directions, introducing lab experiments, radio transmissions, and cold, clinical computer terminals that force the player to learn new systems of interaction. Each episode feels mechanically distinct, almost like a short experimental title in its own right, yet the mood and writing keep them tightly connected.

What makes the anthology format so engaging is how it constantly redefines the player’s expectations. Where one chapter might have you working with scientific equipment, carefully following instructions, the next might drop you into a chilling puzzle about communication and interpretation. This variety not only prevents the experience from feeling repetitive, but it also reinforces the sense of being disoriented, never fully sure of what is happening or what role you play in the larger story. The puzzles themselves are often clever, though they can be demanding, especially when the solutions require precise commands or careful observation of small clues. For players accustomed to modern streamlined interfaces, this can occasionally be frustrating, but the challenge is deliberate, reflecting the game’s desire to immerse you in its strange, often hostile environments.

The presentation is one of the most striking aspects of Stories Untold. Its retro-inspired interface, filled with phosphorescent computer screens, distorted audio, and analog-style equipment, immediately transports players to a period that feels both dated and hauntingly familiar. The aesthetics are supported by a moody synth-driven soundtrack, reminiscent of 80s horror films, which underscores the slow build of tension and dread. The result is a game that does not rely on jump scares, but instead creates horror through atmosphere and suggestion. Small flickers of light, cryptic messages, or sudden changes in the environment are far more effective in instilling unease than overt monsters or violence.

Narratively, the game is strongest in how it ties its seemingly disconnected chapters into a coherent and emotionally resonant conclusion. At first, each episode feels like its own isolated scenario, but as you progress, it becomes clear that everything is part of a greater whole. The final chapter reframes everything that came before it, recontextualizing the puzzles, the environments, and even the smallest narrative details in ways that make you reconsider the entire experience. This reveal is handled with care, giving the anthology not only cohesion but also emotional depth that lingers after the credits roll. Rather than aiming for shock value, it crafts a story about memory, trauma, and perception, themes that resonate beyond the horror trappings.

Still, Stories Untold is not without its limitations. Its brevity means it can be completed in just a few hours, and while its compact length prevents it from overstaying its welcome, some players may find themselves wishing for more. The puzzle design, while inventive, can occasionally feel too rigid, leaving little room for experimentation when specific inputs or solutions are required. Accessibility is another consideration, as the small text and interface details are not always easy to parse on certain screens. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall impact of the game’s atmosphere and storytelling.

Ultimately, Stories Untold is less about providing long sessions of gameplay and more about creating a singular, memorable experience. It is the type of game that stays with you not because of its mechanics alone, but because of the way it unsettles and challenges your expectations, weaving gameplay and narrative together seamlessly. For players who value atmosphere, experimental design, and psychological storytelling, it offers something rare and compelling. It is not a traditional horror game, nor a typical adventure title, but something in between—a carefully crafted anthology that turns its limitations into strengths and delivers an experience both haunting and unforgettable.

Rating: 8/10