Unboxing the Cryptic Killer
Genres: Puzzle, Escape Room, Mystery, Point & Click, Adventure
Play modes: co-op, multiplayer
Release Date: 27-4-2023
Developer: Eleven Puzzles
Our verdict
8.5/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 2–4 h
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer is a two-player online co-op puzzle game from Eleven Puzzles. Two detectives, Ally and Old Dog, are captured by the killer they have been chasing and must open his puzzle box to save two hostages. Each player sees different clues, so you talk through what you have to crack each code. Both players need their own copy, on PC, Mac or mobile, plus voice chat. It is made for an evening with one friend.
About 92% of 1,500 Steam reviews are positive. Players praise the hand-drawn comic art and puzzles that are intuitive without being too easy, with a good balance between shared spaces and split rooms where you have to describe things to each other. Several call it great value for the price.
It is short: most pairs finish in two to four hours, and replay value is limited to swapping roles. A few puzzles can confuse, and the game depends on clear communication. Recommended for duos who enjoy talking each other through puzzles; it cannot be played solo.
Pros
- Asymmetric clues force partners to describe and share
- Hand-drawn comic style and a tense killer plot
- Cross-platform play on PC, Mac and mobile
Cons
- Exactly two players, each needing their own copy
- Short, with little replay beyond swapping roles
About
IMPORTANT: "Unboxing the Cryptic Killer" is a 2-player cooperative puzzle game that requires each player to have their own copy on either mobile, tablet, PC or Mac . Internet connection and voice communication are essential. Need a Player Two? Join our community!SOLVE A CRYPTIC BOX
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer is the first standalone chapter to the cooperative point-and-click puzzle game series 'Cryptic Killer'.
Two seasoned detectives, Ally and Old Dog, are entangled in a chilling unsolved case. Lured on a perilous trail, they fall into the clutches of the enigmatic Cryptic Killer they've been relentlessly pursuing. The stakes are sky-high as two innocent lives hang in the balance. In order to save them, Ally and Old Dog must unravel a box of intricate puzzles masterfully designed by the nefarious killer. Test your mettle and join this high-stakes race against time, where every puzzle solved is a step closer to unmasking the Cryptic Killer.THE ONLY WAY TO ESCAPE IS TO WORK TOGETHER
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer is a puzzle for exactly two players. The name of the game is collaboration. Each player takes on one of the two roles and works their way through a series of challenging puzzles. You'll each see one half of the same puzzle and must work together to crack the codes and escape the Cryptic Killer's clutches.FEATURES LIST
- Two Player Co-Op
In Unboxing the Cryptic Killer, the detectives are separated. You’ll see different items and clues than your partner, and will be tested on your communication!- Challenging Collaborative Puzzles
Two brains are better than one when it comes to cracking the Cryptic Killer's codes.- Unravel a Thrilling Story
Track the Cryptic Killer's movements as Detectives Old Dog and Ally in this ongoing murder mystery saga.- Explore Illustrated World
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer features hand-illustrated environments that are inspired by noir novels.- Draw on… Everything!
You cannot solve a case without taking notes. At any time in the game, you can whip out a notebook and pen to make notes and scribble on your environment.
Go ahead! Don't let him get away!
