Item: Tick Tock: A Tale for Two
Rating: 89
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

89/100

Tick Tock: A Tale for Two is one of the most innovative cooperative experiences I've ever had on a mobile device. It isn't a game you play alongside someone; it’s a game you play *with* them. The catch? Each player only sees half of the world. To solve the eerie, clockwork puzzles, you must constantly talk to your partner, describing what you see and listening to what they have. It turns your phone into a literal piece of a larger machine. It’s brilliant, atmospheric, and genuinely creepy.

The puzzles are perfectly tuned for this 'two-perspective' mechanic. They aren't so difficult that you'll get stuck for hours, but they require a level of communication and trust that few games demand. The Victorian-gothic art style and the haunting sound design create a thick atmosphere of mystery. My only complaint is that it’s relatively short—you can finish it in about two to three hours—but those hours are incredibly high quality. It’s the perfect 'date night' game or a great way to connect with a friend far away. Note that both players need their own copy of the game to play!

Reviewed on: Sat Mar 16 2024

Dinsun Review

I am rarely impressed by 'innovative' mobile games, but Tick Tock is something special. It relies on the most basic gaming peripheral: your voice. The puzzles are clever, requiring actual deduction rather than just tapping everything on screen. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful and consistent. My only complaint is the length; it’s a short experience, and once it’s over, there is no replay value. However, the three hours I spent with it were far more meaningful than a hundred hours in any 'endless' game. This is art.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Unique co-op mechanic
Strong atmosphere
Respects player intelligence

Very short duration
No replay value

Technical Report

Performance: Perfect performance. The cross-platform play works seamlessly.

Accessibility:

Subtitles

Audience Fit

Buy if: You have a dedicated partner to play with and love mystery games.

Skip if: You want a solo experience or a long, grindy game.

Similar Games:

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
The Room

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 3 hours
Status: Finished Story

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1357651989

$2.99 4+★4.2 287 reviews

Author : Other Tales Interactive ApS

Pubish Date : Thu Feb 28 2019

Last Update Date : Wed Jan 28 2026

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.1.9Wed Jan 28 2026

Updated Age Rating
Tick Tock: A Tale for Two is an eerie cooperative puzzle game for two players. Each player needs a copy of the game on their own mobile device (phone or tablet) to play. You can also play cross-platform with a Nintendo Switch or a computer (PC or Mac).
Average playtime: 2.5h
***
You and your friend are trapped in a mystical clockwork world. As time ebbs away you must solve increasingly complex puzzles to escape. Cooperation is key as neither of you have the full picture! Play on two devices, local or remotely, all you need is a voice connection.
"perhaps one of the most clever game ideas I’ve ever seen." - TouchArcade
"a spooky multiplayer puzzle game with a brilliant hook - that the game is played simultaneously on two screens, with half of the clues on one and half on the other." - EUROGAMER
"a fantastic, beautiful game that can bring you closer to your friends and loved ones" - Coin-Drop
Awards & Recognition:
* Winner - Danish Games Awards (Best Debut, Best Emergent Experience) 2020
* Nominee - BAFTA Games Awards 2020
* Nominee - Nordic Game Awards 2020
* Winner- IndieCade (Cooperative Design) 2019
* Official Selection - AdventureX 2019
* Official Selection - Indie MEGABOOTH 2019
* Nominee - International Mobile Gaming Awards 2019
* Nominee - Ludicious 2019
* Official Selection - PAX 10 2018
* Official Selection - Leftfield Collection 2018
* Nominee - Play17 2017
* Nominee - Nordic Game 2017
* Official Selection - IndieCade Europe 2017
* Nominee - Amaze 2017
* Official Selection - Stugan 2016
Requires iOS 12.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Tick Tock: A Tale for Two is an eerie cooperative puzzle game for two players. Each player needs a copy of the game on their own mobile device (phone or tablet) to play. You can also play cross-platform with a Nintendo Switch or a computer (PC or Mac).
Average playtime: 2.5h
***
You and your friend are trapped in a mystical clockwork world. As time ebbs away you must solve increasingly complex puzzles to escape. Cooperation is key as neither of you have the full picture! Play on two devices, local or remotely, all you need is a voice connection.
"perhaps one of the most clever game ideas I’ve ever seen." - TouchArcade
"a spooky multiplayer puzzle game with a brilliant hook - that the game is played simultaneously on two screens, with half of the clues on one and half on the other." - EUROGAMER
"a fantastic, beautiful game that can bring you closer to your friends and loved ones" - Coin-Drop
Awards & Recognition:
* Winner - Danish Games Awards (Best Debut, Best Emergent Experience) 2020
* Nominee - BAFTA Games Awards 2020
* Nominee - Nordic Game Awards 2020
* Winner- IndieCade (Cooperative Design) 2019
* Official Selection - AdventureX 2019
* Official Selection - Indie MEGABOOTH 2019
* Nominee - International Mobile Gaming Awards 2019
* Nominee - Ludicious 2019
* Official Selection - PAX 10 2018
* Official Selection - Leftfield Collection 2018
* Nominee - Play17 2017
* Nominee - Nordic Game 2017
* Official Selection - IndieCade Europe 2017
* Nominee - Amaze 2017
* Official Selection - Stugan 2016

Ratings & Reviews

4.2 out of 5 with 287 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Tick Tock: A Tale for Two is an award-winning cooperative puzzle game designed for two players. Each player requires a copy of the game on their own device (mobile, tablet, or PC). As you get trapped in a mysterious world, you must collaborate and communicate to solve increasingly complex puzzles. Since neither player has the full information, your voice is the most important tool you have. Experience a haunting narrative and unique gameplay that brings people together.

Features

Unique two-player cooperative design

Full cross-platform play support

Atmospheric Victorian-inspired world

Challenging, communication-based puzzles

Winner of multiple indie game awards

Tips

The Power of Description

Don't just say 'there is a clock.' Describe the numbers, the colors, and the direction of the hands. Often, your partner has a different clock that reacts to your descriptions.

Promotion Videos

Tick Tock: A Tale for Two - Launch Trailer - YouTube

News on this game

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Gameplays

Cross-Platform Play

You can play with someone on a Nintendo Switch or PC while you are on mobile. As long as you have a voice connection (like a phone call or Discord), you are good to go.