How does the life of a storyteller to transfer to a puzzle game? In Storyteller, as long as you fulfill the chapter objective, what happens along the way is ultimately up to the player. The result is a short but relaxing puzzler with some intriguing gameplay mechanics, but it could have been so much more.
At the beginning, the puzzles are very simple, so you can learn the game and its intricate mechanics. There is no official tutorial but the first chapter teaches you what you need to know. In all, there are 12 chapters with 4 puzzles per chapter. While the game is short, towards the end, some puzzles are frustrating.
The art-style has a comic book feel to it and is complimented by the panels you complete. You’re given predetermined background and characters to place in these panels, which is how you achieve the overall objective. How you get there, though, is the puzzle. Some will have an optional objective that is only obtained once the initial objective has been completed, meaning there is some replay value to this short game.
As the game progresses the puzzles become more complex and frustrating. With no hint system at all, some players will be left scratching their heads in confusion. Once you overcome the hardest puzzles, though, the game just ends. And currently there are no plans for any DLC, but I am hoping that will change in the future.
Overall, it’s a very different puzzle game that will seem easy at first but could cause a great deal of frustration when the difficulty spikes. But that is why we play games, right? It’s for the challenge! If you’re an occasional lover of books, I would recommend playing Storyteller. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a fast-paced puzzler, steer clear of this one… unless you have aspirations to become a Storyteller.
PROS
+ strong narrative-based puzzle game
+ art-style has a great comic book feel
+ optional objectives for some puzzles
CONS
– little to no replay value
– no DLC plans currently
– short game
Game Title: Storyteller
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
MSRP: $14.99
Release Date: March 23, 2023
Obtained: Code provided by developer/publisher for press purposes
