One of the most important days in life of Martin Sahlin was June 15, 2015. On that day he came to the E3 stage of EA and presented his life's work, a unique game - Unravel and it's small protagonist Yarny.
The very beginning of the game is quite unconventional. You are given control of Yarny, a small stuffed toy and your first task is to find the first level of the game. They are spread all over the house in form of framed photographs.
However you aren't granted permission to enter every photo(level) from the start but you need to follow a predetermined sequence.
This becomes a problem when you realize that the pictures aren't arranged linearly, but you have to look for them across the house. Not too much of a problem but it is certainly irritating in the early parts of the game until you learn the correct layout.
Each level represents a side scrolling puzzle platformer in which, controlling Yarny, you are trying to collect small woollen tapestries that unlock pictures and memories you can later see in the diary at the end of each level.
While moving Yarny is "spent" and leaves pieces of him behind. You encounter pieces of wool(which are checkpoints at the same time) in your path that help you to keep going. These pieces are widespread often enough so you rarely have to worry about whether you'll reach the end of the level.
A far bigger challenge lies in avoiding the lethal situations in the game.
Although not in the category of long games Unravel doesn't have to be short. Its able to hold the attention of the player throughout the game and especially if it inspires one to take time and read the diary. It describes the entire life of a young man from Sweden (according to the oficial statement its the life of Martin Sahlin).
Beginning with a carefree childhood and excursions in nature, with family and girlfriends later, it vividly paints ups and downs many can identify with. The game manages to show an entire Scandinavian life although it doesn't have a single dialogue in it.
Screenshots :
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