Unheard

The gameplay of "Unheard" is characterized by its unique audio-based detective mechanics, where players listen to conversations to piece together narratives and solve mysteries. While many find the concept innovative and engaging, some reviewers noted that the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks interactivity, leading to a decline in interest after the initial novelty wears off. Overall, the game is praised for its clever mechanics and storytelling, though it is often described as short, with a typical playtime of around 3 to 6 hours.

Overall, the game has very low replayability, typical for detective and puzzle genres, as players generally know the outcomes after the first playthrough. While some users appreciated the engaging story and unique experience, they noted that once the mystery is solved, there is little incentive to replay. A few mentioned minor replay value through different endings or achievements, but this was not enough to significantly enhance the overall experience.

The graphics in the game are generally described as simple and minimalistic, effectively complementing its audio-driven gameplay and narrative focus. While some players appreciate the clean and appealing art style, others note that the visuals are not the main attraction, emphasizing that the game's strength lies in its storytelling and sound design. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose well, creating an engaging atmosphere without the need for flashy visuals.

The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the need to replay lengthy audio recordings multiple times to gather clues. Many players found this mechanic to detract from the overall enjoyment, describing it as boring and overly time-consuming, with some suggesting that it could benefit from faster playback options. While the game has an interesting premise, the execution often leads to a frustrating experience that feels more like a chore than engaging gameplay.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive qualities, enhanced by excellent sound design and engaging visuals that create a creepy and tense environment. While many players found the atmosphere captivating and integral to their experience, some noted that the narrative's substance did not always match the atmospheric buildup, leading to mixed feelings about the overall impact. Overall, the game successfully cultivates a unique and engaging atmosphere that draws players in, especially when experienced with headphones in a quiet setting.

The music in the game has received high praise for its quality, atmosphere, and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many players expressing a desire to listen to the soundtrack repeatedly. While some found the music to be occasionally underwhelming or overshadowed by other elements, the haunting and immersive sound design effectively contributes to the game's detective mood. Overall, the combination of music, voice acting, and sound effects is considered a standout feature, elevating the gameplay experience.

The game's optimization is generally solid, with smooth performance noted, though Mac users may need to lower resolution settings to avoid lag. The voice acting is mostly competent, featuring strong performances that enhance the audio-driven storytelling, but some exaggerated or untrained deliveries can detract from the experience. Overall, while the voice acting is distinctive and engaging, it lacks the standout quality expected in a game reliant on audio.

Players find the game emotionally engaging, with immersive storytelling and effective audio design that enhances the experience. While some felt the ending lacked a deeper emotional impact, others appreciated the emotional peak that elicited tears. Overall, the game successfully evokes feelings of being a detective, though some players desired more nuanced writing and a longer playtime for greater emotional satisfaction.

The humor in the game is described as both unintentional and intentional, with players finding the over-the-top English voice acting and poor writing to be laughable. Many reviewers appreciate the comedic elements, including meta-jokes and corny voiceovers, while some express frustration with the quality, leading to moments of genuine laughter. Overall, the humor is seen as a mixed bag that can enhance the experience, despite its flaws.

Overall, the game exhibits some visual instability, including screen flashing and glitches, which can be distracting. However, gameplay remains stable with no significant issues reported, allowing for a smooth experience during the estimated 3-5 hour completion time.

Users generally feel that the monetization model is acceptable, especially if they acquired the game through advertisements, suggesting that the price point aligns well with their expectations.