Unravel remains an absolutely stunning experience visually and the graphics hold up remarkably well. The game is a masterclass in silent storytelling because it manages to convey a deeply heartfelt narrative without a single word ever being spoken. I found the puzzles to be consistently creative and they never felt so obtuse that they became frustrating to solve. Much of the game’s charm comes from how incredibly expressive Yarny is as a protagonist. It is hard not to feel for them when they visibly get upset during a rainstorm or react with genuine distress if they accidentally fall into water.
However the experience is hampered by some significant technical and design frustrations. The EA App is an absolute nightmare for anyone playing on SteamOS or Linux because every single update seems to break the prefix and requires a complete reset to get the game running again. In terms of the gameplay itself some of the optional collectibles are unnecessarily difficult to obtain. There is one specific secret located above a pool of acid that feels particularly punishing since the slightest touch results in an instant death.
Overall Unravel is a beautiful and emotionally resonant puzzle platformer that shines through its gorgeous art style and expressive character design. While the technical hurdles on certain platforms and some punishing collectible placements are disappointing the core journey remains a memorable and touching adventure.