While in the middle of my "Devil May Cry" marathon, I had to make a quick pitstop. While I've never been a follower of Dontnod's games, "Tell Me Why" (I know, I know, insert Backstreet Boys lyrics here) caught my attention when I first heard about it at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020. Partially because it was one of the only games presented (if not THE only game) that wasn't given a Series X version, but also because it was noted to be the first AAA video game to feature a transgender main character. That alone drew my attention, and while I didn't grab the game at its initial release, I pounced at the opportunity to play it when it became free on Xbox for Pride Month this year. And after playing it, this has definitely stuck with me in a very good way...even if the gameplay hasn't.
"Tell Me Why" succeeds in spades thanks to its beautifully told, well-constructed story that handles difficult themes with finesse. Dontnod has crafted an excellent world that feels extremely real, not only in its visual design but in its portrayal and the way the events unfold within it. The characters are charming, memorable, and crafted wonderfully (I especially loved Tyler and Alyson), and I think the game does a wonderful job in its portrayals of queer characters. I can tell Dontnod really put a lot into crafting these characters with care, and that effort really shines through. The general mystery and intrigue of the story also have a great payoff, and the musical choices are amazing. They're great listens on their own, and they also fit very well in the story.
While all of that stuff is awesome, I think the game's biggest undoing is...you know... the "game" part. The gameplay is very barebones, and at points, it almost feels nonexistent. I know this is probably part of Dontnod's usual bag of tricks and it could be part of the charm, but for some, it's sure to be boring. The choice system also could've been a little more fleshed out, as it feels like it takes a while for the choices to feel like they have a meaningful impact. Also, I think that some of the awkward facial animations and lip movements take away from the drama in some scenes.
Overall, my final rating of "Tell Me Why" is no doubt boosted by the writing. Dontnod does a wonderful job with crafting an incredible, realistic world with fantastic characters, and the game really succeeds in portraying themes and ideas that it could've royally screwed up. You can really see the passion and love that got put into portraying its LGBTQ+ themes and characters with respect, and that effort really stands out. Unfortunately, I only wish that the gameplay stuck with me in the same way that the writing did. There's not a whole lot of "playing" here, and even if that's typical for Dontnod, it's certainly a polarizing tactic. I absolutely recommend that you experience this beautiful story in some way (it is on Xbox Game Pass, so if you are a subscriber, absolutely give it a look), but you wouldn't be blamed for just looking up a playthrough on YouTube. It will most certainly give you the same experience. Regardless, I do absolutely recommend experiencing this game in some way, but it's totally okay to have that experience without holding a controller in your hand.
Final rating: 7 out of 10 "Good"