# This is a True Story

> A beautiful quest for water

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1598949458](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1598949458)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1598949458`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Netflix, Inc.
- **Category:** Adventure
- **Rating:** 4.70 / 5 (3,228 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.0.3
- **Last updated:** 2023-12-07
- **First published:** 2022-03-22
- **Size:** 866 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-03
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/this-is-a-true-story/id1598949458)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://netflix.com/privacy](https://netflix.com/privacy)

## Description

This Netflix-exclusive narrative puzzle game features hand-painted art and a story drawn from actual events and interviews. Explore a beautiful landscape as you search for water, uncovering human stories across dozens of chapters and an original soundtrack.

Gameplay blends puzzle, hidden-object, and side-scrolling action. Survive a windstorm, catch poachers, and befriend a goat as you progress, all with simple, intuitive controls and a focus on Earth’s natural beauty.

## Rankings

- #32,057 — Overall
- #61 — netflix

## Review summary

Reviewers praise This is a True Story for its stunning visuals, calming atmosphere, and educational storytelling about water scarcity and Ethiopian culture. It’s seen as meditative and emotionally engaging with a strong narrative and sound. Common drawbacks are technical bugs (notably purple ground textures and sprite issues), imperfect or awkward controls, and slow pacing that relies on walking and reading rather than action. Some players also find puzzle guidance lacking. Overall, a visually stunning, thoughtful experience hampered by bugs and pacing for some users.

### Pros

- Beautiful visuals/art style and scenery praised by many reviewers.
- Calming, relaxing experience with a soothing soundtrack and meditative pacing.
- Educational value and cultural insight (water scarcity, Ethiopian culture) that some reviewers see as a plus for kids and learning.
- Thoughtful storytelling with a hopeful, impactful narrative that goes beyond typical mobile games.
- A memorable atmosphere that blends narrative with light puzzle elements and introspective play.

### Cons

- Frequent visual bugs that break immersion (purple ground textures, purple rectangles, missing sprites).
- Movement/controls are not always intuitive or smooth.
- Pacing can feel slow or boring for some players, with long walking-and-reading segments.
- Some tasks or puzzles aren’t always clearly explained, leading to occasional confusion or repeats.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1598949458)