Tattletail for Windows

The idea of a seemingly innocent '90s talking toy becoming the source of a first-person horror game is an inspired concept, and Tattletail executes it with a great deal of charm and dread. This first-person horror game transports you back to Christmas 1998, where opening your new toy leads to a nightmare.

This blend of nostalgia and genuine fear makes for a unique experience. As you navigate the dark house, the fuzzy, lovable Tattletail demands your attention, creating a compelling dynamic. You are torn between keeping your new pet happy and quiet while trying not to alert Mama Tattletail.

Surviving the nights with a demanding pet

The core gameplay loop revolves around performing tasks for your talking toy, which are presented as a series of demands. You must feed, brush, and recharge Tattletail to keep it from making a fuss, which in turn could attract Mama. This system effectively builds tension, as every action you take is a risk. However, the tasks themselves can become a bit repetitive over time.

While the game's atmosphere and sound design are stellar at building suspense, the game does have some flaws. The game relies heavily on jump scares, which, while effective at first, can become predictable as you progress. Additionally, the AI for Mama Tattletail can be somewhat simplistic and easily outsmarted once you learn her patterns. This sometimes makes the horror feel less organic and more like a series of timed puzzles.

The free inclusion of the Kaleidoscope Expansion DLC is a major bonus, offering a whole new campaign with a different story and a strange new game to contend with. The new content adds significant replay value, but the narrative can feel a bit disjointed from the main story. While the fresh take on the Christmas 1998 events is a welcome addition, the plot points sometimes leave more questions than answers.

A short but sweet dose of horror

Overall, Tattletail is a clever, short-but-sweet horror game that nails its 90s aesthetic and manages to be genuinely scary with its simple premise. The included DLC adds a lot of value, extending the experience with a new campaign and story. While it suffers from some repetitive mechanics and predictable scare tactics, the game is a fun and tense ride for any horror fan looking for a unique and nostalgic experience.

• Released version