Frequently asked questions
[Steam, iOS, Android] Unsolved Case
Is there a single-player mode?
No, Unsolved Case is designed as a co-op experience and therefore it is not possible to play in single player mode. Playing with friends, family or colleagues allows for diverse problem-solving puzzles, and pushes our players to communicate well together and think outside the box.
We believe that the co-op experience is a trade-off worth making for an even more enjoyable, and challenging puzzle experience!
Do I need an active internet connection to play Unsolved Case?
Yes, an internet connection is required at all times to play Unsolved Case. This is because certain features and functionality of the game, such as online multiplayer and achievements require an internet connection to function properly.
Additionally, you may also require an internet connection for updates and downloadable content. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
I don't have a partner to play with! What can I do?
If you don\'t have a partner to play our video game with, don\'t worry! Head over to our Discord server and look out for the channel "Find a Detective". You can join the channel and connect with other players looking for fellow detectives to play. This is a great way to meet new people and make friends who share the love for puzzle games!
Can I play Unsolved Case on two different devices by myself?
Yes, technically you can play the video game "Unsolved Case" on two different devices by yourself. However, playing alone on two devices may not provide the same level of excitement and challenge as playing with a fellow detective.
At it's core, Unsolved Case is a co-op experience where two detectives work together to find hidden clues, crack the codes, and communicate to solve the case. So yes, while it is possible to play Unsolved Case by yourself on two different devices, we definitely recommend finding a partner to play with for the best experience!
Does Unsolved Case support voice communication?
Unfortunately, Unsolved Case does not have built-in voice communication support. However, we recommend using our Discord channel's built-in voice chat channels (Walkie Talkies), or your other favourite third-party voice chat software (such as Zoom, Facebook Messenger, or good ol' fashioned mobile phones). This will allow you to discuss clues and strategies in real-time!
Is Unsolved Case cross-platform? What platforms is the game available on?
Yes, Unsolved Case is currently available on Steam, iOS, and Android and is fully cross-play enabled. To get started and download the game, simply visit the Steam store, App store or Google Play store, and search for "Unsolved Case".
When is your next game coming out?
We are currently working on the next game in the series, "Unboxing the Mind of a Cryptic Killer", which you can wishlist, and we aim to release it by Spring 2023.
We are very excited to continue the story of Old Dog, Ally and the Cryptic Killer and can't wait to bring you the next chapter, packed with more adventure, new challenges, and new puzzles to solve. We hope it'll be worth the wait.
In the mean time, we will keep you updated on the progress of the game and any new information will be shared on our website and social media channels. So stay tuned!
Why is Unsolved Case free? What's the catch?
There is no catch! Unsolved Case is free to play as we want to give players the opportunity to dip their toes into the Cryptic Killer series. Additionally, it serves as a prequel to our other games and gives players a taste of the kind of gameplay and puzzles they can expect from our other titles.
Additionally, there are no ads or in-app purchases (IAPs) in the game, it's a complete game that you can enjoy without any interruptions or hidden costs.
It's just our little way of thanking our players for their loyalty, and offering a fantastic puzzle game to enjoy for free. And it will remain free forever, we want as many people as possible to playing.
We hope you'll enjoy playing and we look forward to your feedback!
I found a bug! What do I do?
If you have found a bug in the game, please let us know about it as soon as possible!
You can report the bug on our dedicated Discord channel or by sending an email to [email protected] When reporting an issue, please provide as much detail as possible, including:
- A detailed description of the bug
- The steps to reproduce the bug
- Screenshots or videos that show the bug in action
- Your device type and operating system version
This information will help us to reproduce and fix the issue more quickly. We'll keep you updated on the progress of the bug fix and we'll share any new information with you directly.
What's the deal with the web games?
We're currently in the process of updating the content, adding new puzzles, and migrating all our web games to new platforms. This means that we are working to make them available on other platforms such as Steam, iOS, and Android.
In the near future, our web games will continue to be available to play via our website until the transition has been completed, but we're no longer providing any updates or support!
Is Unsolved Case a complete game?
Yes, Unsolved Case is a complete game packed with twists and turns, puzzles, and a full story. However, as many of our eagle eyed players have noticed, it does end on a cliff hanger, which will be answered in the next game of the series, "Unboxing the Mind of a Cryptic Killer".
Will Unsolved Case be included as a first chapter in a different game?
No, Unsolved Case is a standalone title and will not be included as a first chapter in a different game. However, it is part of a series of games that follow Ally and Old Dog as they investigate the chilling 'Cryptic Killer case'. As such, each game in the series will be a standalone title, but players who are interested in the bigger picture can follow the character' journey through the series by playing all the games.
Where are the translations?
At the moment, Unsolved Case is only available in English. We understand that our players come from all over the world and would love to play in their native language, and it's our intention to translate the game into as many possible languages in the near future. However right now we are a very small team, and the process takes time.
I loved Unsolved Case! How can I support you guys?
Thank you so much for your support of Unsolved Case! We're so glad you enjoyed the game. There are a few ways you can help support us and our future games:
- Leave a positive review: If you enjoyed the game, leaving a positive review on Steam, the App Store or Google Play can help others discover the game.
- Join our Discord community: Joining our Discord community is a great way to stay up-to-date on our latest games, connect with other players, and give us feedback directly on our games.
- Share the game with friends: Sharing the game with your friends, family, and on social media can help us reach a wider audience and gain more support.
- Follow us on social media: Following us on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, will allow you to stay up-to-date on our latest developments and news.
We greatly appreciate any support you can give us, it allows us to continue creating games that we hope you'll enjoy!
[Web] Buying process
How long is the purchased code valid?
The code is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. However, don't wait too long because the Cryptic Killer is lurking.
Can I reuse the code?
Sadly no, the code is for a one time use and progress is saved as you go so it's not possible to start the game again using the same code and if you leave the game and come back to it your progress will be saved to the last known game state, upon completing the game the code will remain saved as a complete game with no way to return to previous levels.
Can I buy a gift code?
Sure. You can give a purchased code to anyone. Not only as a gift either, UNBOXING THE MIND OF A CRYPTIC KILLER would be perfect as an element of an integration meeting, bachelor party, or just meeting with friends. In fact, we could find plenty of opportunities to play UNBOXING THE MIND OF A CRYPTIC KILLER. Provided you have a computer with Internet access and at least one other person in the same position.
What happens if I accidentally share my game code with someone else?
We cannot help you in this situation. Try to contact this person so that they do not use the code you provided.
How long do I have to wait after I buy the game to play?
The code for your game should be delivered instantly via e-mail. In the rare event you experience a problem - message us, and we will aim to sort it as quickly as possible (please note that we are a European team and may not be available to answer in the middle of the night).
[Web] Game mechanics
Can we stop the game and come back to it later?
Technically it is possible, but we do encourage you to play the game in one session. Doing so will allow you to get more immersed in the atmosphere. The Cryptic Killer will be defeated sooner, and you will be able to celebrate foiling their plans. If you do need a break, however, the code you used to start the game will return you to the level that you stopped playing on.
In the event of an interrupted game, will the counter be stopped?
No, the counter will not stop when you interrupt the game.
Can we reset the game and start over?
We are afraid that's not possible. It's best to take a break in-between levels as we pause your game there. If you take a break in the middle of a level, even if you close the browser, the timer will keep ticking. The detectives are fighting for their lives, with or without you!
If our game time runs out, will we be able to finish the game?
Yes, there is nothing to stop you. We know that rushing can be a bad idea, especially when solving puzzles. The timer is there to add some pressure to stop the Cryptic Killer. However, the game's main goal is to have fun, so there's no issue with the timer running out unless your pride gets hurt by it.
Can we go back to the previous puzzle?
Within the same level, you can jump between puzzles. The nature of the game, however, means that there are some puzzles that, once you complete them they will change state. These cannot be returned to in their original form.
Can we go back to the previous level?
You cannot return to previous levels in the game. However, suppose you finish the level before the other team, if they get stuck or need some information from you, then they always have the option in game to show them the necessary information by using the clue system.
Can you switch teams during the game?
It is theoretically possible. If you want to switch teams, you have to exit the game and log in again. You will resume the game exactly where you changed roles. But let's be serious. You are undertaking a criminal case, and this is not kindergarten, so you can't act as if you have teleportation and body-swapping powers at your disposal. This is about the Cryptic Killer, not a Science Fiction story. If we make a game in a sci-fi world in the future, teleportation will be something we will look into, possibly even body-switching!
Can I change the language of the game?
Sadly you cannot change the language in the game. The puzzles are written in English. Besides, our detectives: Steve "Old Dog" Kowalski, Allison Abernathy as well as the Cryptic Killer, all communicate in this language. This is an international criminal case but without international languages.
Does it matter what time zone we are in during the game?
Basically no. If one of your teams is in a different time zone, you have to decide which of you doesn't need that much sleep or can play well whilst tired. Although the game is so addictive that you will probably not fall asleep after it, we imagine your brain will be turned up to maximum power.
Do teams have to run the game and work on puzzles at the same time?
It is absolutely necessary. Without cooperating with the other team you won't get far at all, and the Cryptic Killer will most definitely succeed. We wrote in the description of the game that cooperation will be important for a reason. It is up to both teams to succeed in the mission to stop the Cryptic Killer.
Is there a hard limit of 6 players?
If you want to play in a larger group, you have the option. We have tested the software with a larger amount of devices, and it worked well. However, since the game requires constant communication, more than 6 players will be challenging. The software can handle 6 individual screens playing, but you could have multiple people per screen. In the event of your failure in the game, the Cryptic Killer will gladly increase their number of victims.
Can we play on mobile devices, e.g., smartphones?
The game is designed for PCs, laptops, or tablets. The bigger your screen, the better, so we don't recommend playing on smartphones, although if you want a challenge, then that's on you!
If I lose my internet connection, will I be able to resume the game after reconnecting?
Yes. See: Can we stop the game and come back to it later?
Can I choose the difficulty level of the puzzles?
No. The puzzles in the game are preset and do not have any options to tune difficulty.
Is the game suitable for children?
The game is suitable for kids, but it's still best if they have an adult in their team to help them because some of the puzzles can be a bit tricky. We would say the game does have a dark theme to it, which might not be suitable for very young kids. The game is about a murderer, and there is talk of murders throughout it; however, there is no blood, gore or jump scares in it. It's certainly a fun family activity, just possibly with slightly older kids.
Do you need more than a computer with Internet access to play?
We recommend that you take notes during the game, so you may need paper, something to write, and a good mood is always a plus.
What to do when we are stuck on one of the puzzles?
Each of the puzzles has detailed hints from the first, which will generally point to the items that should be used to complete the puzzle, to the last, in which the solution is given. Hints in between these should provide pointers to help you solve the puzzle yourself. The hints can be found using the light bulb icon on each item's screen.
Is it a “closed game“, or do players have to use external sources (like Facebook, Instagram, Mail, Google, Google Maps etc.) to solve puzzles?
It's a closed game, so you shouldn't need any external help at all. All the information is in the game. It may just not be immediately obvious as it wouldn't be an escape style game otherwise.
Is there a live avatar or a host?
No, this is not a game with a live avatar or host. The game is entirely digital and will not require communication with anyone outside of those you are playing with.
[Web] Virtual team building or a large group
How can I buy multiple copies of the game?
Yes, you can buy multiple copies of the game via the website. When you hit the buy button, it opens up our purchasing portal, which has a basket icon in the top left of the window. You can click on that to adjust how many copies you wish to purchase.
Is it suitable for a team event?
We have been used as a team building exercise on several occasions, and feedback has been very positive. Just remember that the recommended max party size of 6 is there to allow everyone to communicate efficiently. If your team is bigger, just split into groups. The fewer people per game means the more those individuals will have to communicate, so playing with 2 or 4 is also an option.
Is it possible to play the game with several teams in parallel (e.g. 30+ teams of 4 people)?
Our servers can handle many games running simultaneously; however, our limit of 6 people per game (3 per team) is there as any more than that is going to be difficult to coordinate communication without things getting too busy. If you were looking to run 30+ games with up to 6 people per game, it would definitely be possible. The time taken by players is given at the end, which can serve as a comparison point in a competition setting.
[Web] Other
We found a bug in the game; what should I do?
If you are convinced that you have found a bug, please let us know via the contact tab.
I did not find an answer to my question - what to do?
Write to us via the contact tab, and we will get back to you as quickly as we can!