- Image of Stories Untold, Courtesy of Devolver Digital

Stories Untold: A Terrifying Nostalgic Trip to the 80’s (Even Though It’s Slow) – Weekly Indie Spotlight

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Liesel Booker | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 5:00 AM ET

It’s spooky season, so let’s play some appropriate games. Stories Untold is a different kind of horror game. Taking place in the 1980’s, it doesn’t rely on jump scares or disturbing imagery. Instead, it’s more of a psychological horror game that manages to deliver scares even when the player is performing menial tasks. While it may disappoint people expecting a more action-packed experience, those who are willing to dive into the slower gameplay will find an enriching experience.

Stories Untold: A Thoroughly 80’s Experience

Developed by Screen Burn Interactive and published by Devolver Digital, Stories Untold consists of four episodes, each one telling a different story. You might be surprised when you find that the first story largely consists of playing . . . a text adventure game. Yes, you start off playing an old-school text adventure game where you read a story and type in commands for your character. The modern player might wonder why anyone would waste their time with such an archaic format.

However, the game’s music and sound effects create an eerie atmosphere as you type in those commands, inviting you to get invested in the text story. Just like in the days of old, your imagination ends up taking over, and you find yourself involved in the dangers being described on the screen. Later chapters involve using other kinds of 80’s technology to solve puzzles, and piece by piece, the overarching storyline comes together.

Yes, 80’s Tech Can Be Slow

Image of Stories Untold, Courtesy of Devolver Digital

However, faithfully recreating 80’s tech means that the game can sometimes get repetitive. You will have to manually adjust things over and over, which can get tiresome even with the creepy atmosphere and tense situations. Still, one could argue that the slow pace adds to the immersion in the time period, making you feel like you’re actually there in a sense. There are no shortcuts, meaning that you have to do everything yourself. Thankfully, the chilling atmosphere means that you’re less likely to actually get bored.

Conclusion

Stories Untold isn’t for everyone, but it offers a unique experience in the already-vast world of indie horror. Instead of bludgeoning you with scares, it creeps up on you, leaving you with an uneasy feeling as you perform repetitive tasks. If you were around during the 80’s and remember how text adventures used to draw you in, definitely check this game out. Even if you weren’t around during the 80’s and just want a different kind of horror experience, check this game out. Stories Untold can be purchased on Steam for $9.99.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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