Unboxing The Cryptic Killer
- April 27, 2023
- Eleven Puzzles
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Unboxing the Cryptic Killer" is a challenging 2-player cooperative puzzle game where both players must own a copy and communicate via voice chat to solve the cryptic box. Players step into the shoes of seasoned detectives Ally and Old Dog, working together to unravel intricate puzzles designed by the mysterious Cryptic Killer to save innocent lives. Teamwork is crucial in this thrilling race against time, as every puzzle solved brings you closer to unmasking the killer.
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PC
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Reviews
- Fun and engaging puzzles that require good communication between players.
- Great art style and immersive atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience.
- Perfect for a short co-op session, making it ideal for date nights or casual gaming with friends.
- The game is very short, typically taking only 2-3 hours to complete, which some players feel is not worth the price.
- Puzzles can feel repetitive, often revolving around finding 4-digit codes, leading to a lack of variety.
- Some puzzles are not intuitive and can lead to frustration, with hints sometimes being unhelpful.
- story206 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it predictable, short, and lacking depth, often feeling like an introduction to a larger narrative. While some appreciated the immersive setting and character details, others criticized the voice acting and plot quality, noting that the story often takes a backseat to the puzzle-solving experience. Overall, players expressed hope for future installments to expand on the story, as it leaves many threads unresolved.
“The story elements that tie together felt more immersive than the genre of games I'm used to.”
“Fantastic art, captivating story, really makes you think!”
“Each puzzle is thoughtfully integrated into the game's immersive storyline, creating a cohesive and engaging experience.”
“The story was not good at all, which would be fine if the puzzles were pulling the game.”
“I'm so disappointed with the whole story not really going anywhere.”
“The plot is really low quality, a struggle to get through with the voice acting being this bad.”
- graphics66 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their aesthetic appeal, particularly the crime noir comic book art style, which enhances the overall atmosphere and storytelling. Players appreciate the well-drawn visuals and the integration of comic strips that contribute to the narrative flow. While the art style is celebrated, some users noted accessibility issues for colorblind players, suggesting potential improvements in color differentiation.
“I love the game’s concept, that you and your co-op partner are detectives that’ve been drawn into a killer’s trap, as well as the game’s stylish comic book-style artwork.”
“The graphics are well-drawn and the comic strips between the chapters are nice, as they help create a more complete story.”
“Unboxing the cryptic killer has a moody and distinct art style that fits the detective genre well, and its 2D format allows for a pleasant and smooth puzzle-solving experience.”
“Art style is very pretty, the story might be generic but is enough for the game to work and add some tension.”
- gameplay48 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its engaging puzzles and satisfying mechanics, offering a unique and immersive experience, particularly in cooperative mode. However, many players feel that the game is too short for its price, with some expressing a desire for longer gameplay sessions. While the puzzles are challenging and enjoyable, there are occasional frustrations with mechanics that are not clearly explained.
“Wish it was so much longer because it truly is a unique gameplay experience.”
“Great puzzles and an extremely satisfying type of gameplay.”
“The game's intricately designed puzzles test players' problem-solving skills, while the cooperative mechanics make for an enjoyable and rewarding teamwork dynamic.”
“Gameplay wise it's the same as its prelude, unsolved case.”
“It's almost the exact same gameplay but for double the length at two hours and you have to pay money.”
“Since the game was not counting on me thinking that much and more about noticing random mechanics that nothing points me to.”
- humor18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as silly and genius, providing frequent laughs through the unique challenge of players seeing different screens and struggling to communicate. Many reviewers enjoyed the comedic frustration that arose from trying to solve puzzles together, often leading to entertaining moments both in-game and with friends watching. Overall, the game is highly recommended for those who appreciate a blend of challenge and humor.
“We loved the fact that we were both seeing completely different screens; it is such a fresh take on a puzzle game that had us laughing frequently at our poor communication!”
“We had so much fun getting frustrated trying to explain things to each other but also laughing when it was something so simple.”
“Insanely funny with your friend as both of you try to put what little brain cells you two have left to solve puzzles.”
- replayability14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers minimal replayability, primarily limited to switching characters for achievements, as puzzles are not randomized and can be easily solved again if notes are kept. Players can expect only 2 to 3 hours of playtime, with many feeling that there are better options available for the price that provide more engaging replay value.
“For $6, there are plenty of other games out there that have something worth more than just 2 hours and with lots of replayability.”
“Then it's also replayable by switching roles.”
“It was an interesting twist for replayability.”
“Puzzles are not randomized, so there's no real replay value.”
“There is 0 replayability because once you solved the puzzles, the numbers remain the same, and if you've written them down then you can easily breeze through.”
“There is no replay value (except for playing as the other character to get all the achievements), so expect 2 to 3 hours of playtime at best.”
- music10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere, with many praising its ominous quality and effective integration with the visuals. While some find the soundtrack a bit repetitive, it does not detract from the experience, and the art style enhances the ambiance further. Overall, the soundtracks are considered good, despite some minor frustrations related to gameplay elements involving music.
“I adore the graphic art style, and though the voice acting isn't necessarily the best, the atmosphere from the music to the visuals really helps to solidify the ambiance.”
“Great art style with ominous music really added to the atmosphere.”
“+good soundtracks.”
“The soundtrack is a bit repetitive, but it did not really get on my nerves.”
“The frustrating parts are tedious to do, and the basic ones that involve things like music notes, Morse code, semaphore, and basic chemistry are particularly annoying. We only got stuck once, and it was over such a small, stupid thing that I'm honestly annoyed by it.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its smooth and charming art style, which complements the compelling ambiance created by the music. While the voice acting may not stand out, the overall combination of visuals and sound effectively enhances the game's immersive experience.
“The art is charming and the atmosphere is compelling.”
“I adore the graphic art style, and though the voice acting isn't necessarily the best, the atmosphere from the music to the visuals really helps to solidify the ambiance.”
“Great art style with ominous music really added to the atmosphere.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some users report no noticeable bugs or glitches, others experience frequent issues that can disrupt gameplay, including needing to restart puzzles. Despite these bugs, many find the game entertaining and recommend it.
“It is quite buggy though.”
“Also buggy a couple of times we had to restart a whole puzzle due to it just not letting us unlock anything.”
“A bit buggy at times but very entertaining, I would recommend.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a mix of emotions, feeling both clever and uneasy throughout the game. The dynamic between characters creates a sense of tension and safety, enhancing the overall emotional experience. The gameplay fosters a sense of intelligence and engagement, contributing to a fun yet unsettling atmosphere.
“I love how Old Dog was with the sussyboi the entire game; it made me feel uneasy while Ally's side felt more safe and at ease.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find some puzzles in the game to be tedious, particularly those involving basic concepts like music notes and morse code, which can lead to frustration. However, many also appreciate the cleverness of the puzzles overall, suggesting that while grinding through certain tasks can be annoying, it is not overwhelmingly detrimental to the experience.
“The frustrating ones because they're tedious to do, and the basic ones that involve things like music notes, morse code, semaphore, basic chemistry, etc. We only got stuck once and it was over such a small, stupid thing that I'm honestly annoyed by it.”
“There is one tedious puzzle that my friend and I do not particularly enjoy though.”
“The puzzles are clever and while some look tedious at first, it's not bad!”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized, with many users labeling it as a soulless cash grab that prioritizes profit over player experience. Reviewers express frustration, likening the approach to highway robbery, especially in comparison to the free version.
“Compared to the free version, this seems like a soulless cash grab.”
“This game is nothing short of a quick cash grab and highway robbery.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is noted for its intensity, particularly towards the end of the game, and features strong character design that resonates well with players.
“Very intense at the end and good character design, captured my friend impeccably.”
