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.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
PC
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Windows
Android
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- Engaging and fun puzzles that require good communication between players.
- Charming art style and enjoyable voice acting enhance the overall experience.
- Great for cooperative play, making it a perfect game for friends or couples.
- The game is quite short, typically taking only 2-3 hours to complete.
- Some puzzles can feel repetitive, often revolving around finding a 4-digit code.
- The story is predictable and lacks depth, leaving players wanting more.
- story103 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story in this game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it predictable, short, and lacking depth, often overshadowed by the puzzle-solving experience. While some appreciated the immersive setting and character development, others criticized the plot for being cliché or incomplete, leaving them wanting more. Overall, the narrative serves primarily as a backdrop for the puzzles, which are generally well-received, but many players hope for a more substantial storyline in future installments.
“The story is interesting, and the art is nice.”
“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 is predictable, but that's not why you're playing, anyway.”
“There is not much in the way of story - just enough to get a sense of the characters - and it quickly gets out of your way so you can start solving puzzles.”
“The plot is really low quality, a struggle to get through with the voice acting being this bad.”
- graphics33 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their aesthetic art style, particularly the crime noir comic book visuals that enhance the overall atmosphere and storytelling. Players appreciate the well-drawn graphics and the unique character they bring, contributing to an engaging co-op experience. While some users noted minor accessibility issues for colorblind players, the overall consensus is that the art style and graphics significantly elevate the game's appeal.
“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.”
“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 help to solidify the ambiance.”
“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.”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its unique mechanics, engaging puzzles, and cooperative elements that enhance the experience. However, many players feel that the game is too short for its price, with some suggesting that the length could be improved to provide more value. Overall, while the gameplay is enjoyable and immersive, there are calls for longer content and clearer mechanics in certain puzzles.
“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.”
“Game is good but too short in my opinion for the price; if it was like 3D of gameplay it would be fine, but an hour... yeah, not enough for me.”
“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.”
- humor9 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 experience of players seeing different screens and struggling to communicate. Many reviewers enjoyed the comedic frustration that arose from their attempts 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.
“Very fun game, had lots of funny moments with my friend on this great game.”
“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!”
“Insanely funny with your friend as both of you try to put what little brain cells you two have left to solve puzzles.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers minimal replayability, with most users noting that it provides only 2 to 3 hours of playtime. While there is a slight incentive to replay by switching characters for achievements, the lack of randomized puzzles significantly limits the overall 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.”
“Also keep in mind you won't get much more than a few hours of playtime and no 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.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, contributing positively to the atmosphere with its ominous tones and solid soundtracks, despite some repetitiveness. While the voice acting may not be the strongest, the combination of music and visuals effectively enhances the overall ambiance.
“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 didn't really get on my nerves.”
“The frustrating parts are tedious to complete, especially the basic ones that involve music notes, Morse code, semaphore, and basic chemistry. We only got stuck once, and it was over such a small, stupid thing that I'm honestly annoyed by it.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its charming and smooth art style, which complements the compelling ambiance created by the music and visuals. While the voice acting may not stand out, the overall aesthetic and ominous sound design significantly enhance the 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.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report mixed experiences regarding stability, with some noting a lack of noticeable bugs or glitches, while others encountered significant issues that required restarting puzzles. While the game is entertaining, its occasional bugs detract from the overall experience.
“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.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a range of emotions, from feeling clever and engaged to experiencing unease and tension in the game's dynamics. The contrasting relationships between characters evoke a sense of safety and discomfort, enhancing the overall emotional experience.
“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.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find some puzzles in the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly those involving basic concepts like music notes and morse code. While most puzzles are clever and engaging, a few can feel overly repetitive and lead to moments of annoyance.
“There is one tedious puzzle that my friend and I do not particularly enjoy.”
“The frustrating ones are 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.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is widely criticized, with users labeling it as a soulless cash grab that prioritizes profit over player experience, likening it to highway robbery compared 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 development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is noted for its intensity, particularly towards the end of the game, and is complemented by strong character design that resonates well with players.
“The character development is incredibly intense, especially towards the end, and the design is exceptional, capturing my friend's attention perfectly.”
“The depth of the characters really drew me in, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
“I loved how the characters evolved throughout the game, each with their own unique arcs that kept me invested in their stories.”
