Tick Tock: A Tale for Two
Genres: Puzzle, Horror, Mystery, Point & Click, Story Rich, Atmospheric, Adventure
Release Date: 7-3-2019
Developer: Other Tales Interactive
Our verdict
8/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 2–3 h
Tick Tock: A Tale for Two is a co-op-only puzzle adventure for exactly two players, set in an eerie hand-drawn village inspired by Scandinavian fairy tales. Each player sees a different screen, with clues the other needs, so you solve a clockmaker's mysteries by describing what you see. Both players need their own copy, but it runs cross-platform across PC, Mac, Switch and mobile. It suits couples and friends looking for a short evening of talking puzzles out.
Players love how much it forces communication, with the symbol puzzles in particular leading to shouting matches and laughter. Most reviewers say the difficulty is just right: you get stuck, but not for long. The art and the twist ending are widely liked, though a few felt the story was underdeveloped and that the time-travel theme is barely used.
The main complaint is length: most pairs finish in about two to two and a half hours, and some got stuck on unclear puzzles in chapter 3 or the final puzzle. There are also no achievements and no pause. At its low price, especially on sale, it is an easy recommendation for any duo; fans of longer co-op puzzlers may want something meatier.
Pros
- Split-screen information forces real talking between both players
- Cross-platform play across PC, Mac, Switch and mobile
- Difficulty pitched so pairs get stuck briefly but rarely for long
Cons
- Over in about two hours, and both players must buy it
- Story feels underdeveloped and the time theme is barely used
- Some late puzzles are unclear; no achievements or pause
About
COOPERATION IS KEY
Going solo is not an option! Tackle an increasingly challenging and bizarre world filled with puzzles which will push your cooperation skills to the very limits. Remember you are only as strong as each other and your communication skills are what will help you escape.
Average playtime 2.5 hours.
Join our Discord (OtherTales) and find a friend to play with! Find your way to our Discord and learn how to play in our FAQ by going to our pinned post in Community Hub -> Discussions.NARRATIVE ADVENTURE
Discover a deep story and atmosphere inspired by Scandinavian fairy tales while entering a hand drawn world. Explore different locations in an eerie village: visit an old clock shop, investigate rooms with creaky floorboards, and venture down into a dark basement to find the answers you need to solve the puzzle.SIMPLE CONTROLS, CHALLENGING PUZZLES
Tick Tock is so easy to pick up that anyone can join the adventure! All you need is a partner who can communicate what they see in order to solve each puzzle and you will be able to escape without any scratches.CROSS-PLATFORM PLAY
This game can be played cross-platform, play on Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android or Mac! It’s up to you how you play: play on two PCs, or get cosy on the couch with your Switch and iPad!STORY
In Tick Tock: A Tale for Two you and your friend find yourself trapped in an eerie world created by the skilful clockmaker Amalie Ravn. Your mission is to escape! But to do so you need to navigate a mysterious, sinister clockwork world filled with secrets and cryptic puzzles.
To find the truth and ultimately escape this place, you must combine the information on both players’ screens. Prepare yourselves for a narrative adventure where your communication skills are put to the test. Shout out instructions, discuss what you see, and listen. But remember: time is ticking.
Supported by the Danish Film Institute - The Games Scheme
