Initial release date: May 30, 2024
Genres: Adventure game, Puzzle, Indie game, Action game, Adventure
Developers: Creepy Brothers, Sometimes You
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Publishers: Creepy Brothers, Sometimes You, Creepy Brothers Studio
Engine: Unity
There are two kinds of sequels. We have the direct sequel, which picks up where the previous story left off, sometimes a few weeks, months, or years later, with the same characters or heroes in a continuous tale. Alternatively, we have those that are set in a similar universe but feature separate protagonists and brand-new stories while maintaining the same tone.
The Creepy Tales game series is currently in its fourth version, remaining true to a shared universe as the gameplay experience grows stronger. That’s the hope with Creepy Tale: Some Other Place, as least.
A fresh creepy tale unfolds…
In this story, you play a little boy from a poor but happy family. That boy is Martin, and one day he goes fishing, only to discover a little hairy monster who appears worried and chatters to him in an unusual tongue. Suddenly, the little monster grabs his supper and flees away. Martin chases him through a hole in a tree and finds himself in an unfamiliar realm. How will he return?
Creepy Tale: Some Other Place evokes a strong sense of terrible fairy tales. In the other realm, you see a weird world, full of witches who need their feet rubbed, strange skeletal monsters scraping at trees, and dwarfs mining giants. There is magic and mystery at work here, and Martin represents the audience as they strive to understand the voyage and what it all means.
I enjoy the language since it reads like a fairy tale, and the plot has a traditional structure with the hunt for and attempt to save a princess. The visual storytelling is the strongest here, and the destinations themselves pique the interest.
Ah, a little fishing.
The game makes the most of its 2D universe while nailing the point-and-click adventure genre. It includes all of the usual tactics for combining items, solving puzzles, and exploring. However, like with most games of this genre, some things become a little too obscure, even if they are undeniably creative. The puzzles themselves are enjoyable to solve as you work your way through the numerous answers. There are a number of them, all extremely different.
Some small mini-games supplement the main event, serving as skill tests in which you must move a pointer to a green region. This is used for a variety of purposes, including fishing and massaging the witch’s feet. While this mechanism is nice at first, it tends to overstay its welcome after a while.
The visuals of Creepy Tale: Some Other Place are excellent, and the series appears to have improved with each subsequent installment. The devs clearly feel at ease now, using various tactics all the time, but overall it works. It should also be noted that the detail in the surroundings and backgrounds, as well as the monsters themselves, is outstanding; they appear to have been plucked directly from a fairy tale book or a Tim Burton film. It’s all fine in terms of audio, however the voice performance is a touch uneven.
Definitely creepy!
Some Other Place is the latest installment in the Creepy Tales series, which appears to be only getting better. One major critique is that the riddles are a little obtuse, and the minigames go on too long. But the atmosphere and tale are fantastic, as is the chance to explore an odd, scary location.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 78%
Controls: 80%
Aesthetics: 88%
Content: 76%
Accessibility: 80%
Value: 78%
Overall: 78%
VERY GOOD
Summary: “Creepy Tale: Some Other Place” transports players into a disturbing world full of mystery and intrigue. With its interesting gameplay centered on exploration and well-crafted puzzles, the game provides a pleasant challenge while immersing players in its dark environment. The excellent visual design adds to the spooky atmosphere, making it a pleasure for those who value artistic detail. Although the story might benefit from further character development, the overall experience is engaging and unforgettable. For fans of horror and adventure, “Creepy Tale: Some Other Place” is a must-see, offering an immersive voyage through a scary and compelling environment.