Telling Lies

The majority of critics praised Telling Lies for its innovative, non-linear narrative structure and thematic depth. Reviewers like Adventure Gamers and Washington Post highlighted the game’s use of fragmented video clips to explore themes of deception, misinterpretation, and surveillance, with NintendoWorldReport noting its "engrossing and layered" storytelling. The interconnected lives of four characters, as described by Adventure Gamers, and the intricate web of lies and truths uncovered through investigative gameplay (per Finger Guns and TheXboxHub) were frequently lauded for their complexity and emotional resonance. Many critics, including PC Gamer and IGN, emphasized the immersive experience of piecing together secrets, with GameCritics calling it an "engaging and surprising" narrative that rivals blockbuster thrillers. The game’s focus on voyeurism, privacy, and moral ambiguity also resonated, as noted by GamesRadar+ and PlayStation LifeStyle, who praised its ability to challenge players’ perspectives through fragmented storytelling. However, some critics pointed to flaws in the narrative execution. XBLA Fans found certain plot elements, such as the FBI agent’s actions, "unbelievable or unconvincing," while Nintendo Enthusiast and Vandal criticized the abrupt, unsatisfying ending and unresolved threads. Slant Magazine noted a lack of clear narrative cohesion, describing the story as a "weird, eclectic yarn" that avoids judgment but struggles with unity. IGN Japan and The Guardian mentioned unresolved plot points and a diminished sense of climax, while Gameblog.fr highlighted the open-ended nature as potentially confusing. Additionally, New Game Network felt the ending felt less cohesive compared to the journey, and PC Games noted that the emotional focus on private scenes sometimes overshadowed traditional gameplay elements. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most recognizing Telling Lies as a standout narrative experience. Reviewers like XboxAddict and Game Informer praised its moral complexity and "brilliant writing," while PlayStation Universe and Eurogamer Italy highlighted its ability to blend mystery, character study, and political themes. While some issues with pacing, coherence, and resolution were noted, the game’s innovative approach to storytelling—particularly its emphasis on player-driven discovery and layered narratives—was widely celebrated. As PC Gamer and IGN emphasized, Telling Lies succeeds in creating a deeply immersive, thought-provoking experience that prioritizes narrative over conventional gameplay, cementing its reputation as a bold, if imperfect, entry in the interactive storytelling space.

The gameplay of Telling Lies is widely praised for its innovative and immersive approach to storytelling, with many critics highlighting its unique mechanics and investigative depth. Reviewers like GameSpot and Nintendo Life note that the game’s keyword-based search system, reminiscent of Her Story, creates a compelling puzzle-like experience where players piece together fragmented narratives through dialogue analysis and contextual clues. The emphasis on observation, deduction, and non-linear exploration is frequently lauded, with Adventure Gamers and GamesRadar+ praising its ability to engage players in active storytelling. Additionally, the inclusion of features like timestamped keywords, bookmarks, and search history (as noted by Nintendo Life and COGconnected) adds layers of organization, making the process feel structured yet dynamic. The game’s focus on investigative mechanics, such as scrubbing through videos and connecting disparate narratives, is seen as a strength by XboxAddict and MondoXbox, who emphasize its puzzle-like appeal despite its unconventional design. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks in the gameplay’s execution, particularly around usability and technical limitations. The clunky interface and awkward controls are recurring complaints, with TheXboxHub and XboxAddict criticizing the minimalistic yet frustrating navigation on consoles, while GameSpew and Hardcore Gamer highlight issues like manual rewinding and inability to start clips from the beginning. Nintendo Enthusiast and FNintendo note that the repetitive nature of sifting through hours of footage, combined with slow fast-forwarding/rewinding mechanics, can feel tedious. Additionally, COGconnected and Eurogamer Italy criticize the lack of intuitive tools for note-taking or organizing search results, which hampers efficiency. The game’s reliance on precise keyword searches also draws criticism from VideoGamer, who questions its plausibility in a modern context compared to Her Story’s 1994 setting. These technical and ergonomic issues often overshadow the gameplay’s conceptual strengths for many players. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Telling Lies succeeds as an experimental, narrative-driven experience, even if its mechanics are imperfect. While GameSpot and Nintendo Life acknowledge the challenges of its non-traditional structure, they also recognize its value in fostering player engagement through discovery. Similarly, COGconnected and Vandal highlight that the game’s core concept—using keyword searches to uncover a layered story—is innovative and intellectually stimulating, even if hindered by technical flaws. The divide between praise for its creativity and frustration with its interface reflects a broader tension in the reviews: many see Telling Lies as a bold, thought-provoking experiment that prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling over conventional gameplay, but one that struggles to fully realize its vision due to usability issues. Ultimately, the game is viewed as a niche yet memorable title that pushes boundaries, even if it doesn’t always deliver a seamless experience.

The majority of critics praise Telling Lies for its minimalist, immersive visual design that prioritizes narrative over traditional graphical polish. Reviewers like Finger Guns and Game Rant highlight the game’s reliance on a laptop screen interface and live-action video clips, which create a low-fi, voyeuristic atmosphere that enhances immersion. PlayStation LifeStyle and GamesRadar+ commend the realistic desktop UI and FMV (Full Motion Video) style, noting how the authenticity of real actors and everyday settings—such as bedrooms, offices, and streets—adds to the game’s documentary-like feel. Destructoid and Everyeye.it emphasize the period-appropriate design elements, like a “fake Windows-esque” interface and attention to environmental details, which blend seamlessly with the narrative. The use of close-up shots, ambient sounds, and tactile touches (e.g., smudgy monitor reflections) further enriches the experience, as noted by PC Gamer and Guardian, who describe the visuals as contributing to a neo-noir aesthetic that feels both intimate and immersive. However, several critics point out limitations in the game’s visual design. Jeuxvideo.com criticizes the uniformity of video clips, arguing that they all appear to use the same camera, which lacks the organic imperfections of real surveillance footage. TheXboxHub mentions technical issues like UI inconsistencies and bugs, while COGconnected notes a clunky interface on the Nintendo Switch. Some reviewers, such as IGN Japan, acknowledge that the reliance on FMV and live-action clips, though authentic, may feel less immersive compared to 3D CGI in certain contexts. Additionally, New Game Network points out that reflections on screens can be distracting, and Telegraph observes that many clips feature one-sided video calls with dead space, which could detract from the sense of dynamism. These critiques suggest that while the visual style is intentional, it occasionally sacrifices polish or variety for narrative focus. Overall, critics agree that Telling Lies’s visual design is a deliberate choice that serves its story-driven gameplay, even if it lacks traditional graphical flair. GameCritics notes improvements over Her Story, particularly in lighting and UI, while Adventure Gamers and Vandal appreciate the attention to detail in settings and performances. Despite technical shortcomings and stylistic trade-offs, the consensus leans toward admiration for the game’s unique approach: using FMV and a minimalist interface to create an intimate, immersive experience. As PlayStation Country and NintendoWorldReport observe, the visual design may not prioritize aesthetics, but it effectively reinforces the game’s themes of surveillance and voyeurism, making it a standout example of how narrative can drive visual innovation.

The sound design and music of Telling Lies are widely praised for their immersive and atmospheric contributions to the game’s tense, investigative tone. Critics consistently highlight how the audio elements enhance immersion, with PlayStation Universe noting an orchestral soundtrack featuring sharp strings and a detective TV show-inspired rhythm that amplifies suspense. TheXboxHub and COGconnected emphasize the score’s role in creating an emotional and immersive atmosphere, while Jeuxvideo.com lauds the sound design for its realistic ambient noises (e.g., police sirens, keyboard vibrations) and how they deepen the player’s sense of presence. PC Gamer specifically commends the moody, cinematic score by Nainita Desai and the London Contemporary Orchestra, paired with ambient sounds like PC fans, which reinforce the game’s themes of intrusion and urgency. Additionally, XboxAddict and Nintenderos praise the effectiveness of voice acting and subtle audio cues, such as recorded conversations and environmental details, which contribute to the game’s realistic and unsettling atmosphere. While most reviews celebrate the sound design, some critics note minor shortcomings. Everyeye.it critiques the music as “non sempre del tutto ispirato” (not always entirely inspiring), suggesting it occasionally lacks originality despite its functional role in key moments. Nintendo Life mentions that HD rumble effects, while present, can be distracting at times, and New Game Network points out that some reviews omit specific details about a musical score, focusing instead on ambient sounds and dialogue. These critiques highlight a recurring tension between the audio’s effectiveness in building atmosphere and its occasional reliance on subtlety over bold musical innovation. Additionally, the absence of traditional music in certain interpretations (e.g., New Game Network) underscores that the game’s audio identity is more about environmental realism than melodic memorability. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being integral to Telling Lies’s success in creating an immersive, tense experience. The majority of reviewers—such as Jeuxvideo.com, COGconnected, and PC Gamer—emphasize how the audio elements seamlessly blend with the game’s narrative and themes, whether through orchestral motifs, ambient cues, or realistic dialogue. While some critiques about occasional lack of inspiration or technical distractions exist, they are minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the game’s atmospheric depth. The sound design is consistently framed as a defining strength, with its ability to evoke unease and immersion making it a standout aspect of the experience across platforms.

The voice acting in Telling Lies is overwhelmingly praised for its naturalism, emotional depth, and authenticity, with many critics highlighting the cast’s ability to elevate the game’s narrative through nuanced performances. Reviewers consistently commend actors like Logan Marshall-Green, Kerry Bishé, Alexandra Shipp, and Angela Sarafyan for their believable portrayals, which bring characters to life despite the game’s reliance on pre-recorded dialogue. For instance, Nintendo Enthusiast notes that the performances are “emotionally resonant,” while GameSpot describes them as “nuanced” and “emotionally deep.” The authenticity of the voice acting is frequently emphasized, with IGN Japan comparing it to a film, citing actors’ “nuanced expressions, gestures, and dialogue.” PC Gamer highlights Marshall-Green’s standout work, calling his delivery “natural” and “emotionally resonant,” while Game Rant praises the cast for making “compelling video chat conversations” feel immersive. Many critics also note how the voice acting avoids the over-the-top styles of 1990s FMV games, with Nintendo Life stating it “avoids the ‘hammy’ styles” and delivers “top-quality” performances across the board. While the majority of reviews celebrate the voice acting, a few critiques point to minor shortcomings. SpazioGames notes that none of the actors achieve the “mysterious aura” of Viva Seifert in Her Story, suggesting a slight gap in atmospheric depth. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer observes that David’s portrayal by Marshall-Green is “less captivating” compared to the three main female characters, though this is a nuanced observation rather than a major flaw. Another point of contention comes from COGconnected, which on Nintendo Switch describes the lead actors as “campy and over-the-top,” though this critique is balanced by other reviews that frame such performances as strengths. These criticisms are relatively rare and often overshadowed by the widespread acclaim, with most reviewers emphasizing the cast’s ability to convey emotion through dialogue and subtle expressions rather than overt theatrics. Overall, the critical consensus overwhelmingly favors Telling Lies’ voice acting, with critics praising its realism, emotional impact, and technical quality. The game is frequently compared to cinematic storytelling, with IGN calling it “exceptional” and GameCritics noting its “shockingly-good-for-an-FMV-game level of acting.” Standout performances from actors like Marshall-Green and Bishé are highlighted as pivotal to the game’s immersive quality, while the authenticity of their deliveries is seen as a key factor in making the narrative feel genuine. Even minor critiques, such as SpazioGames’ comparison to Her Story or Hardcore Gamer’s note on David’s portrayal, do not detract from the general praise. As Game Informer concludes, the voice acting “enhances immersion” and “adds consistency and realism,” solidifying it as one of the game’s defining strengths. The majority of critics agree that Telling Lies succeeds in making its characters feel human, with their voices serving as a critical pillar of its storytelling.

The technical performance of Telling Lies varies across platforms, with some positives noted. On PS4, Game Rant praised the game’s near-instant load times and smooth performance despite its reliance on video clips, while PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledged it as "functional" despite flaws. For Xbox One, XBLA Fans highlighted a seamless experience with no glitches or lag, calling it "excellent technical performance." On PC, Adventure Gamers noted minor usability hiccups but emphasized the game’s overall functionality, and GamesBeat praised its ambitious design. The Nintendo Switch saw mixed praise: FNintendo and Nintenderos reported smooth gameplay without technical issues, while Nintendo Life acknowledged responsive controls despite some touch input limitations. These positives suggest that Telling Lies generally runs well across platforms, though with varying degrees of polish. However, the negatives reveal significant technical challenges. On PS4, GameCritics criticized the console version as a "distant second best" to PC due to poor controller support and slow keyboard navigation, while Push Square highlighted the "slow and poorly implemented" rewind function. For Xbox One, TheXboxHub pointed out bugs like frozen clocks and UI glitches, undermining polish. On PC, IGN and Eurogamer Italy criticized clunky interfaces, slow scrubbing, and design choices that felt outdated (e.g., forced manual rewinding). The Switch faced issues with COGconnected’s "clunky controls" and Nintendo Insider’s complaints about slow rewind mechanics, though some critics like Nintenderos noted smooth performance. These flaws often stem from platform-specific adaptations, with consoles struggling to replicate the precision of PC inputs. Overall, critics agree that Telling Lies is a technically ambitious game but one plagued by platform-specific issues. While PC versions face criticism for clunky UIs and slow mechanics (e.g., IGN’s "cumbersome tagging system" or Eurogamer Italy’s "slow rewind"), consoles like the PS4 and Switch grapple with control mismatches and performance hiccups. Despite these drawbacks, many reviewers acknowledge that the game’s core experience remains intact—PlayStation LifeStyle called it "functional," while Nintendo Enthusiast noted that flaws "don’t significantly detract" from the narrative. The consensus leans toward Telling Lies being a polished but imperfect title, with technical performance varying widely depending on platform and input method.

The majority of critics highlight strong replayability in Telling Lies, emphasizing its non-linear narrative structure, multiple endings, and layered storytelling. IGN praises the game’s "non-linear structure and multiple paths to uncovering the story," noting that each playthrough feels unique with new details emerging on subsequent runs. Push Square similarly applauds the game’s 150+ videos and "layered storytelling," suggesting players will revisit content to uncover hidden connections. Game Informer and Adventure Gamers also commend the game’s ability to offer varied experiences through player-driven exploration, while GameSpew highlights how "multiple endings based on viewed clips" encourage repeated engagement. The intricate web of clues and fragmented narratives, as noted by Critical Hit and PC Gamer, creates a puzzle-like experience that rewards players who return to piece together the story anew. These positives underscore the game’s design as a compelling, if demanding, invitation for multiple playthroughs. However, several critics point out significant limitations that may deter replayability. Eurogamer Italy notes the game’s "short duration (4-6 hours)" and focus on a single narrative arc, which they argue limits extensive re-playability. New Game Network criticizes the "lack of cohesive playback options" and frustrating mechanics, while PlayStation Country mentions an "arbitrary ending" and redundant exploration that could frustrate players. COGconnected acknowledges that some may find the ending anticlimactic depending on their exploration, and Jeuxvideo.com argues the game doesn’t significantly expand beyond Her Story’s formula. Additionally, Finger Guns and GamesBeat note that the tedious search mechanics and time constraints might reduce long-term motivation for some. These critiques highlight a tension between the game’s ambitious design and its execution, which could alienate players seeking more structured or rewarding experiences. Overall, critics agree that Telling Lies has notable replay value but with caveats. While IGN and Push Square celebrate its non-linear structure and hidden details as strong incentives for revisiting, others like Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network temper this enthusiasm by pointing to its brevity or frustrating mechanics. The game’s reliance on player curiosity and investigative play remains a double-edged sword—offering depth for those who embrace it but posing barriers for others. Despite mixed reactions, the consensus leans toward Telling Lies being a memorable, if niche, experience that rewards dedicated players with multiple perspectives on its intricate narrative. As GameSpot notes, while the "unsatisfying ending" and lack of strong incentives may limit re-playability for some, the game’s complexity and emotional resonance (as highlighted by The Indie Game Website) ensure it remains a compelling title for those who engage deeply with its fragmented storytelling.