DaRmaZat From the moment the first episode of The Lies We Tell Ourselves begins, you’re pulled into its haunting atmosphere. The title screen sets a chilling tone with a melancholic symphony of strings and ambient synths, while black clouds are circling a fragmented tree, reflected in all directions, evoking an eerie, holy cross. Could this arresting imagery hint at the game’s themes of duality and brokenness? In every sense, it’s inviting players to dive into its poetic, unsettling world.
A Story Of Loss And Betrayal
Episode 1 introduces us to the dark, deeply personal narrative of protagonist Vinnie confronting the traumas of his youth. Through a haunting rhyme about lies and painful truths, we are drawn into a story where memories are both refuge and prison. The first episode of the game delves into the bond between Vinnie, his childhood best friend George, and Vinnie’s own family—a connection forged through hardship but seemingly fractured by time and betrayal.
A haunting rhyme about lies and painful truths.
Shifting between childhood haunts and surreal, dreamlike spaces, the setting reveals a burnt car crowned with a unicorn spring rider on a playground surrounded by barbed wire, and decaying homes with secrets hidden in every corner. Steeped in history and pain, these environments are enhanced by impressive sound design. From ominous storms to distant echoes, the atmospheric audio heightens the tension while hinting at the lurking horrors beneath the surface. Maybe there was a car accident? Who’s fault was it? Did someone die? Could this all be a dream? Or perhaps a coma?
Challenging Puzzles
With puzzles that demand observation, logic, and patience, gameplay in Episode 1 is exploration-focused. These are not straightforward tasks; uncovering a safe’s combination or deciphering environmental clues often requires thorough examination, an ear willing to listen, and a keen eye for detail. Some puzzles also involve rotating objects or combining items, adding layers of challenge to the progression.
However, one particular technical hiccup is worth noting: when both a keyboard and controller are connected, the input preference can act erratically, sometimes preventing seamless navigation of menus. While this won’t ruin the experience, it’s an inconvenience that stands out against the game’s otherwise polished presentation. That said, I’m convinced this will be fixed soon.
Striking Visuals, Echoing True Voices Of Pain
For a solo developer, the audiovisual craftsmanship on display is striking. The blurred edges in certain scenes, combined with moody lighting and dynamic use of time, create an atmosphere that’s both surreal and grounded in emotion. Similarly, the sound design—whether it’s the whisper of wind through rusted playground equipment or the faint echo of a storm—elevates the immersive quality of the world.
Despite being built on the Unity engine, the game runs impressively well, maintaining stable frame rates even during graphically demanding moments. While minor visual hiccups occur in the garden area—perhaps typical of Unity titles—they don’t detract from the overall experience.
At its core, Episode 1 is a poignant exploration of childhood trauma, loss, and the lies we tell to protect ourselves—or to hurt others. It confronts heavy themes like bullying, abuse, and sacrifice with unflinching intensity, presenting these moments in a raw and impactful manner. While the dialogue can be uneven at times, it effectively conveys the fractured relationship between the protagonist and his malformed counterpart—a voice of pain and resentment that echoes their shared suffering.
Preliminary Thoughts
The first part of The Lies We Tell Ourselves already establishes that this is not just a game; it’s an experience. Its blend of poetic storytelling, artistic visuals, and immersive sound design creates a deeply affecting atmosphere. For a solo developer, the game’s audio and visual quality is truly remarkable. However, the input issues when both a keyboard and controller are used, along with the deliberate complexity of its puzzles, may test players’ patience.
A powerful narrative, attached to an evocative presentation.
Still, these minor flaws are outweighed by the episode’s powerful narrative, attached to an evocative presentation. Episode 1 leaves you with a lingering sense of unease, making you question the boundaries of memory, truth, friendship, and the role of a supportive family. It touches on the psychological complexities of nature versus nurture, suggesting that the bonds, whether fractured or otherwise, play a crucial part in shaping one’s character and identity. Ready to explore a world of beauty and terror, where every step uncovers another painful truth, we’re now eagerly anticipating the next episode!
Additional Information
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by developer and publisher Poopsy.
Developer: Poopsy
Publisher: Poopsy
Relevant links: The Lies We Tell Ourselves on STEAM
