They didn't have to do this, but I really appreciate that they did. Microsoft even created an email alias for reviewers where we could email those same experts to discuss the game. Tell Me Why was developed in partnership with GLAAD and the Huna Heritage Foundation, along with expert transgender, indigenous, and mental health consultants to ensure that the game's themes and characters were portrayed with respect. They're a severely underrepresented group in most forms of media. Truthfully, I can't remember any games that include indigenous peoples at all, let alone Alaskan Natives. I can't remember a game as respectful to indigenous cultures as Tell Me Why other than Never Alone, a 2015 platformer that was developed with Alaskan indigenous writers and groups. Source: Xbox Game Studios (Image credit: Source: Xbox Game Studios)īecause it takes place in Alaska, several prominent characters are Tlingit, one of many Native Alaskan peoples. In my playthrough, they made peace with their tragic past and moved forward together. Their relationships with other characters, particularly Alyson's adoptive father Eddy and the twins' friend Michael, were stronger than they've ever been. The shining star was undoubtedly Tyler and Alyson's relationship.Īt the end of the game, I was happy where Alyson and Tyler ended up. Do we remember what we want to remember for our own comfort? Sometimes Tyler and Alyson would remember vastly different accounts of a memory, and it makes you question just how much you can trust your own memories.

I like the way that Dontnod used this to explore their grief. Going a step further, the twins can also conjure up memories that they may have previously forgotten, allowing them to explore past events to shine a new light on what had happened during their childhood. An integral part of this relationship is something they call 'our Voice.' Essentially, it's a play on the twin telepathy belief and it allows them to communicate with one another in their thoughts, going so far as to share emotions.

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