Unknown Number: A First Person Talker
- September 21, 2022
- godolphin games
Unknown Number: A First Person Talker is a smart and innovative title, but there're a few hiccups that could be fixed to make it better.
Get on SteamUnknown Number: A First Person Talker is a voice-controlled puzzle-adventure game that immerses you in a high-stakes heist story. Using your voice, navigate an oil rig, decode puzzles, manipulate henchmen, impersonate oil execs, and make moral decisions to save the world. The game requires a good plug-in microphone for an interactive experience.
Reviews
- Innovative gameplay that effectively incorporates voice recognition, enhancing immersion and engagement.
- High-quality voice acting and a witty, engaging story that keeps players invested throughout the experience.
- Charming sound design and visuals that complement the unique narrative-driven format, making it a refreshing addition to the puzzle genre.
- Some puzzles, like the 'another phone' puzzle, can disrupt immersion and may require additional solutions to improve player experience.
- The game length is relatively short, leaving players wanting more content after completion.
- Minor technical issues, such as closed captions disappearing when pausing audio messages, could detract from the overall experience.
- story10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its unique and engaging narrative, delivered primarily through audio via phone calls and voicemails, complemented by excellent voice acting that enhances immersion. Players appreciate the clever integration of voice mechanics into the gameplay, alongside well-crafted characters and a balance of drama, action, and humor, making for a refreshing and complete experience that can be enjoyed in a single session. Overall, the story is considered a standout feature that elevates the game significantly.
“It's got great puzzles, excellent voice acting, and a gripping, witty story.”
“The story is interesting, with drama, action, pathos, and liberal use of comic relief throughout, and it's short enough to experience in a single night.”
“A fresh and fun style of gameplay with a storyline that immerses you and excellently sketched out characters and just-difficult-enough challenges.”
“The story is told through a combination of phone calls and voicemail messages, which are helpfully subtitled.”
“Between messages, you solve puzzles and advance the story through both speaking into your mic, pressing buttons on your virtual phone's keypad, and trawling through a web page.”
“The story also builds on the phone and voice mechanics in a very cool and organic way.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its innovative use of voice and phone mechanics, creating an engaging and immersive experience that evolves over time. Players appreciate the unique storyline and character development, though some desire a virtual notepad for note-taking. Overall, the combination of audio-based gameplay and compelling narrative elements makes for a fresh and enjoyable gaming experience.
“I thought the concept of incorporating your voice into the gameplay was cool, and the storyline was unique and engaging as well.”
“The gameplay is simple to start; over time it explores a range of mechanics using your voice and the phone pad.”
“A fresh and fun style of gameplay with a storyline that immerses you, excellently sketched out characters, and just-difficult-enough challenges.”
“You also need to take notes as part of the gameplay, and I would have liked a virtual notepad in the GUI so that I had the option of typing instead of writing on a physical page.”
“A super innovative game, where the audio-based gameplay sucks you into a sprawling world of evil oil executives and crafty eco-activists.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by sharp writing and well-developed characters, featuring clever twists. Notably, the phone assistant character serves as a humorous nod to "Clippy" from MS Word, complete with amusing animations that enhance the comedic experience.
“The writing is sharp and funny, with great characters and a fair few twists and turns.”
“I love the phone assistant character as well; he's a bit of a parody of 'Clippy' from MS Word, complete with very funny animations.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music in the game, produced by easyfun, is noted for its hyperpop influence, reminiscent of his work with artists like Charli XCX. Reviewers praise the music alongside the writing, voice acting, and art, highlighting its significant contribution to the overall experience.
“You can see in the credits that it was done by easyfun; I guess that makes sense as he produces hyperpop music for Charli XCX and some other famous artists.”
“I bought it for the interesting mechanic on the box and was blown away by the writing, voice acting, music, and art.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the soundtrack has some catchy tunes, it often feels out of place with the game's atmosphere.”
“The music doesn't match the intensity of the gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their immersive quality, with particular mention of the charming design of the helper character.
“The visuals felt very immersive, and the little helper character was cute too.”
“The graphics are stunning, with incredible attention to detail that brings the world to life.”
“The art style is unique and beautifully crafted, making every scene a visual delight.”
