Controls are unbearable
I read many promising reviews and was excited to play Stela. I spent 10 minutes trying to move the wagon and close the gate at the beginning. Sometimes it worked but most times it didn’t. It was really frustrating trying to learn controls while rat things swarm you to death every 10 seconds. Idk what they were tbh cause the colors are so dull you can’t see anything. I really wanted to experience the music and details others talked about but you lost me in the first 2 minutes. For anyone looking for a similar game with far superior controls, beautiful color and details, and incredible music, I highly recommend GRIS+, also on Apple Arcade.
Show more
Criminally Underrated
This game is unfairly and simply criminally underrated. If you love Inside and Limbo, you’ll love this one. The controls are no way as bad as some reviews have made it out to be. I kept waiting to experience the issues others did and never had a single issue. Any “control” issue I had was just simply the result of playing a game on the phone with touch screen. This is expansive and engaging and I loved it. I’m a big fan of these sort of games and the puzzles. My one fault is they were maybe too easy and a little simplistic but the soundtrack was amazing and graphics were too notch. Didn’t want the game to end. Much like Inside and Limbo though, it’ll take you a bit to figure out what’s going on. But that’s the joy in playing these games IMO. Give this one a chance.
Show more
Good concept with just a few bugs.
This game had a lot of bugs and glitches that frequently caused me to restart the app, as I’d get stuck on a level after being killed by a shadow skeleton, but the game still recognized me as dead after resetting me. Or a shadow skeleton couldn’t access me when trying to hide from it, and the game would just kill me off since it couldn’t reach me. The music was beautiful and the graphics were very high quality. Some amount of logic was needed, I wish the game didn’t hint so much to what was needed though. This is a mix of Inside, Tomb Raider, and Journey. My biggest complaint was the controls. If playing on a phone it’s easy to jump off an edge and die when moving forward, as the very slightest deviation upwards causes you to jump. Overall, definitely worth a play!
Show more
Absolutely beautiful… but almost unplayable
I got caught on the chain at depths and she just won’t grab onto it, with multiple other times where I got caught in bugs bc she couldn’t interact with the proper things. All-in-all the interact feature just really doesn’t work. If there was an interact button and a joystick with a jump button (all on screen), the controls would be much more understandable. I tried the double tap and it says that she’ll jump towards the tap but she doesn’t do that either. Sometimes she will jump vertically instead of moving, and that got me killed in the forest.
I am literally stuck and unable to continue in the game but it has genuinely good ideas, art, music, and atmosphere.
I am literally stuck and unable to continue in the game but it has genuinely good ideas, art, music, and atmosphere.
Show more
This should be a great game, but it isn’t
The artwork is beautiful. The scenes are breathtaking. Sadly, Stela suffers from very uneven gameplay. A lot of reviews compare Stela to Playdead’s Inside and they are right to do so. Inside is beautifully balanced in terms of story, puzzles, and moments of danger. Stela has mastered none of that. You just die a lot. Some sequences last way too long and are repetitive. As always, the artists deliver a gorgeous visual experience. The gameplay is woefully under considered. Stela seems completely blind to gameplay experience. Being constantly killed is not fun. I get that you want me to figure out the puzzle, but I don’t have any understanding of your universe! About three quarters of the game through, you begin to understand that everything is a trap (whatever) then at the end is a Rubik’s Cube puzzle? The whole experience is delight mixed with aggravation. It’s like having dinner with a really attractive person who’s annoying the whole time.
Show more
Wonderfully Made Game
When I first saw the game I was very excited cause I don’t really play games or games that are set up like Stela with the point of view. After getting all the way through the game I started to really like the point of view. I like the animation that the game includes especially when it come to the winter themed section. I will say that the game came with about 7 or 8 really confusing parts to me but after a while I figured it out. I also like that the game keeps you on edge about what obstacle you might face next. In all honesty I give this game a 10 out of 10 and highly recommend anyone that comes across this review and has not played the game yet play it. :)
Show more
Response from developer
Thanks so much for this review! We're really happy that you enjoyed Stela!
Beautiful Enjoyable Experience
I rarely play games on mobile for the sheer fact that games tend to either be trying to hard to be a console experience, or it is laughably a mobile game that holds my interest for 10 minutes. There are rare instances of games being able to find a spot of perfect blend of the two while finding a way to hold my interest. I played this from start to finish in one day because it was beautiful, felt smooth an fun when used with a controller (I have heard people did not like the touch controls so definitely recommend a controller for this), and was able to keep me playing after finishing a level. Would definitely recommend.
Show more
Response from developer
Thanks so much for the kind words! The team really appreciates it!
Loved it!!!
Just beat the game this morning! Great game - I loved it so much!!! I’m not sure why it has such a low star review. I didn’t encounter a single bug. It never froze or glitched. It’s simple gameplay yet challenging. The controls are a little sensitive so if you try to take a step forward, you might leap forward - which made for some pretty funny deaths in the game! 😆 You quickly get the hang of it, though. Download the game, you won’t regret it!!
Show more
Looks Nice, Annoying Controls
The story was interesting untill the sci-fi section, at that point it became a bit repetitive.
Overall the game looks nice, but the controls are really infuriating and the puzzles are also quite weird. Now don’t get me wrong I’m up for a good challenge but a lot of the puzzles have kind of weird solutions, not to mention that the quick-time events are just die and repeat until you make it, like it’s almost impossible to beat the level on the first try without deaths.
Overall I give it a 3/5 because I liked the first forest gameplay. The music, scenery, story building, we’re all on point, but as the game continued it kinda lost me.
Overall the game looks nice, but the controls are really infuriating and the puzzles are also quite weird. Now don’t get me wrong I’m up for a good challenge but a lot of the puzzles have kind of weird solutions, not to mention that the quick-time events are just die and repeat until you make it, like it’s almost impossible to beat the level on the first try without deaths.
Overall I give it a 3/5 because I liked the first forest gameplay. The music, scenery, story building, we’re all on point, but as the game continued it kinda lost me.
Show more
Cannot stop Game Center prompts.
This game is beautifully crafted. However I have given up playing it because the intricately designed world is ruined by a persistent prompt to sign into Game Center. I hit cancel over and over and it doesn’t leave the screen. There is a Game Center badge on the lower left corner. If I do sign in, there is a different badge. This is the only game I have this problem with. Please correct this. It has ruined the game for me. It sounds like a small thing, but with such a gorgeous looking experience it’s so frustrating to have it sullied by this.
Show more
Fun, Beautiful, and Immersive
Stela is a great game with creative ideas and beautiful graphics. It translates pretty well to iOS, but it’s nigh-impossible on a phone. Just FYI.
The game gives me Ico vibes and I love that game, so that’s no bad thing. The very real fear of getting spotted and devoured by a Shadow is nice to feel in a game.
Two things holding it back from five stars: 1) jump controls are wonky. I ended up jumping when I didn’t mean to. A LOT. Or climbing up when I was trying to slide. 2) It would be nice to have even a little context/background from the story before we start. I understand that you can unlock all the details with secrets, but throw me even a little bone when I start. “You feel compelled to answer a call in your soul to head east.” That would at least explain why I’m running in primarily one direction other than “it’s in the script”. LOL
Great game overall and definitely worth at least one play through.
The game gives me Ico vibes and I love that game, so that’s no bad thing. The very real fear of getting spotted and devoured by a Shadow is nice to feel in a game.
Two things holding it back from five stars: 1) jump controls are wonky. I ended up jumping when I didn’t mean to. A LOT. Or climbing up when I was trying to slide. 2) It would be nice to have even a little context/background from the story before we start. I understand that you can unlock all the details with secrets, but throw me even a little bone when I start. “You feel compelled to answer a call in your soul to head east.” That would at least explain why I’m running in primarily one direction other than “it’s in the script”. LOL
Great game overall and definitely worth at least one play through.
Show more
Fastest Developer response ever!
Update to my last feedback, the developer released a new version within two days and now we can play on the Apple TV. 😀 Woot!
There are still some “quirks”, but due to the remarkable developer response, we are currently giving 4 stars.
We accidentally turned off the Apple TV. When we returned, the sound was off. Opening the game menu, and resuming turns it back on. We’ve also seen it happen by pressing the PS4 button which displays the Apple TV Control center. But it’s quirky.
A crash happened when we were in the woods and a shadow killed us. Reopening took us to the last save point and the next time we died at the same point, no crash happened.
There is a glide bug where we were standing still and the character glided left.
Btw, we are both software testers, but are enjoying the game. 😀
There are still some “quirks”, but due to the remarkable developer response, we are currently giving 4 stars.
We accidentally turned off the Apple TV. When we returned, the sound was off. Opening the game menu, and resuming turns it back on. We’ve also seen it happen by pressing the PS4 button which displays the Apple TV Control center. But it’s quirky.
A crash happened when we were in the woods and a shadow killed us. Reopening took us to the last save point and the next time we died at the same point, no crash happened.
There is a glide bug where we were standing still and the character glided left.
Btw, we are both software testers, but are enjoying the game. 😀
Show more
Does not save progress
I downloaded this game a few days ago as I am a big fan of this style of game play, but I, and several other users since October according to the reviews, are getting super far into the game, only to have it go back incredibly far in progress upon exiting the app and returning to it later. I had gotten to the frozen desolate town, only to open the app in an hour and be reset all the way back to the rolling spike log checkpoint. Extremely disappointing and overshadows all the positive elements of this game, it’s a bummer to know that all that progress is for nothing and i’m afraid to even put the game down for fear it’ll kick me so far back again. It is truly an amazing game, I just want to be able to play it without having to redo endless puzzles. I hope this can be fixed sometime soon.
Show more
Stella
Wow! This game was One of the first couple games I’ve ever downloaded from Apple Arcade! Let me tell you some of the levels had me on the edge of my seat and had my adrenaline pumping throughout my body! This will be my 2rd time playing this game , I’ve completed it once already and honestly was actually disappointed that it was truly over! This by far is the best mobile app game I’ve played that will actually have you anxious about picking up where you left off!
Love this one! Highly Recommend this game!
Love this one! Highly Recommend this game!
Show more
Definitely scary! But lacking in gameplay instructions.
So, I enjoyed the game very much. I played it a while ago and finally got back to it, and I’m starting from the beginning. The horror element is very good, the jump scares and just the shape of some of the monsters is horrifying! Even scarier with headphones. But I did have one comment. The controls are decent enough for me, but figuring out what to do at certain times can be super frustrating. As an example, the tree you have to hide in near the very beginning was really hard to figure out what to do with. It was obvious it was for something, but it was after numerous tries (and pure luck the one time) that I survived. I find if you are ever stuck tutorials are very helpful. Overall, pretty good game.
Show more
Great Game for Puzzle Lovers
This game is beautifully made with interesting puzzles and secrets. I love that the puzzles often require focus and a little extra thought yet the gameplay is fluid.
When I started this game I hated it because I didn’t understand the concept or my “mission” in the game and the items are very sensitive so you have to touch them just right to interact with them. But once slept on it and gave it another go I was impressed with how this game was put together and the intuitiveness of the puzzles. The only downside to this game is no save feature if you quit the game so you will return to the farmhouse if you logout before completing the game which caused me to play 4 times before I could finish. Highly recommend.
When I started this game I hated it because I didn’t understand the concept or my “mission” in the game and the items are very sensitive so you have to touch them just right to interact with them. But once slept on it and gave it another go I was impressed with how this game was put together and the intuitiveness of the puzzles. The only downside to this game is no save feature if you quit the game so you will return to the farmhouse if you logout before completing the game which caused me to play 4 times before I could finish. Highly recommend.
Show more
Issue with save mode
I just want to make it clear that I am giving this three stars Soley because there’s a huge issue where it doesn’t let you continue where you left off. I think that the game itself is great! I had a little trouble in the beginning because I wasn’t sure how to do certain maneuvers but I’m a quick learner. I think the graphics are nice and while I don’t really get the storyline I like how it’s a nice transition from one chapter/ area to the next. I’m very disappointed because I was at the ending of the game where everything was unraveling and I was just starting to understand more about my character but of course when I went to go play again the next day it put me right back at the farm. I really hope that this issue is fixed so that many of us experiencing the same problem can complete the game.
Show more
Worst touch controls I’ve ever seen
Were this NOT a mobile game, this would only reduce my overall rating by a single star. But because it IS a mobile game, it’s going to reduce it by four. I’m not buying a controller to play on my phone. At that point, I’ll just buy a console, to play better games, on a bigger screen.
But these touch controls ... atrociously bad. This game would be far better off with the clunky looking “d-pad” style for movement (just a left & right arrow, maybe?) and a universal button on the right; tap to jump, hold to grab. I find myself CONSTANTLY trying to repeat a gesture until it registers correctly, and by that point, I’ve been swarmed by beetles for the 27th time. Which, by the way, coupled with the staccato violin track, feels all too similar to “A Plague Tale,” one of the best indie PS4 titles of the last decade.
Not original. Not well-crafted. Actually rather pretty artwork at times, but at this resolution, it can’t even be enjoyed. What a shame.
But these touch controls ... atrociously bad. This game would be far better off with the clunky looking “d-pad” style for movement (just a left & right arrow, maybe?) and a universal button on the right; tap to jump, hold to grab. I find myself CONSTANTLY trying to repeat a gesture until it registers correctly, and by that point, I’ve been swarmed by beetles for the 27th time. Which, by the way, coupled with the staccato violin track, feels all too similar to “A Plague Tale,” one of the best indie PS4 titles of the last decade.
Not original. Not well-crafted. Actually rather pretty artwork at times, but at this resolution, it can’t even be enjoyed. What a shame.
Show more
I wish I could give 4.5 stars
Overall, this game is amazing. Beautiful and haunting graphics and soundtrack. It’s a gorgeous game that can be kind of scary at time, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t jump once or twice, but the adventure and puzzles are challenging enough without being burning, but still simple enough to get without a walkthrough. The only complaint I have would be the controls because the character does run a bit slow and it gets annoying at times, but also jumping and pulling functions are a little bit wonky. But I thank the creators for their time and energy put into this game because you can really tell that it was created with heart and care. It took me about 4, possibly 5 hours to complete, I don’t know if that’s fast or slow, but if you are looking to be captivated by an enticing adventure for a few hours, this game is a good option. Loved it!
Show more
Beautiful Game
This is the first game I have reviewed, and I must say, this game is phenomenal. The controls feel a bit wonky at first and take some getting used to for touch screen. However, for me, that did not detract from the game at all. I found this game to be marvelous. The art was fantastic, and the puzzles were complex. I enjoy the puzzles that aren’t super obvious but can still be figured out within a reasonable amount of time. They were tricky but not impossible.
I know some people did not like the game design of some paths not being obvious, but I think it was a great part of the game. It prevented the game from being a boring, linear path. It added depth and complexity. None of my deaths or struggles felt cheap. It was all fair.
All in all, I think this game was one of the best games I have ever played. I cannot wait to play it again.
I know some people did not like the game design of some paths not being obvious, but I think it was a great part of the game. It prevented the game from being a boring, linear path. It added depth and complexity. None of my deaths or struggles felt cheap. It was all fair.
All in all, I think this game was one of the best games I have ever played. I cannot wait to play it again.
Show more
Response from developer
Thanks so much for this stellar review! It was awesome to read, and our team really appreciates it! We're so glad that you enjoyed Stela.
