Available now!
Co-op puzzle adventure
"Unboxing the Cryptic Killer" is an immersive co-op puzzle game that cleverly combines the suspense of a mystery thriller with the excitement of an escape room experience.
Step into the shoes of two detectives as they work together to solve a perplexing case, with much of the action taking place inside a mysterious box. This unique aspect of the game adds an extra layer of intrigue and challenge as players navigate their way through stunning hand-drawn environments.
Communication and collaboration are crucial as you share crucial information and solve complex puzzles in your pursuit to unmask the killer and unlock the secrets of the box.
The only way to escape is to work together
Two minds are better than one, and the only way you'll be able to crack the Cryptic Killer's codes is by working together. Through separate screens, you and a friend will be given half of a puzzle at each location. Communicate, collaborate, and work together to push your puzzle-solving skills to the limit.
🤝 Team up and strategize - effective communication and cooperation are key to success
📝 Decode cryptic messages to unlock the secrets hidden within the mysterious box
🕹️ Manipulate devices and consoles to uncover new information and advance through the game
🎮 Dive into engaging retro mini-games that test your skills and teamwork
🗣️ Engage with trapped NPCs to gather crucial information and gain their trust
🖊️ Unleash your creativity by drawing on anything - scribble on walls, items, and more to solve puzzles
Features
Challenging puzzles
Immerse yourself in Unboxing the Cryptic Killer's mind-bending enigmas that will push your cognitive abilities to their limits. With intricate puzzles and riddles to unravel, you and your partner must work in tandem to outsmart the killer and solve the case, proving that two heads are indeed better than one.
Escape a Trap
You must navigate a deadly labyrinth of challenges and obstacles set by the cunning murderer. Work together to decipher clues, crack codes, and overcome the twisted games that await you, as you strive to escape the killer's intricate trap and bring him to justice.
Two Player Co-Op
In Unboxing the Cryptic Killer, detectives find themselves isolated from each other. As you encounter unique items and clues distinct from your partner's, your communication skills will be put to the ultimate test!
Collaborative Experience
Immerse yourself in a truly cooperative gaming adventure, where teamwork and communication are essential for success. Unboxing the Cryptic Killer requires both players to combine their unique perspectives and skills, sharing vital information and insights to solve the puzzles and challenges that stand in their way, as they uncover the truth behind the Cryptic Killer's sinister schemes.
Explore Illustrated Worlds
Delve into the captivating hand-drawn environments of Unboxing the Cryptic Killer, where the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the game comes to life through its intricate comic-book-style graphics.
As you progress, discover the distinct and immersive worlds created for each level, which serve as the perfect backdrop for the suspenseful and thrilling journey you and your partner embark upon.
Draw on… Everything!
You can't 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.
Game screenshots
Frequently asked questions
Do both players need to buy the game?
Yes, each player needs their own copy of Unboxing the Cryptic Killer or Parallel Experiment. That's why we keep the price lower: two copies cost about as much as one full-price co-op game with a free "friend's pass" for the second player. Unsolved Case is free, so both of you can simply download it.
Before releasing Unboxing the Cryptic Killer, we asked our community which model they prefer: one full-price copy with a friend's pass, or two copies at half the price. It was close, but most players chose two copies, because:
- it's easier to split the cost: each player simply buys their own copy
- it's easier to play with someone you've just met, for example a partner from our Discord server
- there's no confusion between a full and a free version of the game
Many co-op puzzle games work the same way, for example the We Were Here series and The Past Within.
Thanks to cross-play, each of you can get the game on the platform you prefer: Steam, iOS or Android.
Is there a single-player mode?
No. Unsolved Case, Unboxing the Cryptic Killer and Parallel Experiment are designed as co-op experiences, so it is not possible to play them 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!
Are the games cross-platform? What platforms are they available on?
Yes. Unsolved Case, Unboxing the Cryptic Killer and Parallel Experiment are available on Steam, iOS and Android, and are fully cross-play enabled: you can play together no matter which of these platforms each of you uses. You'll find the links to each store in Where can I buy your games?, and the supported devices, controllers and Steam Deck in Which devices can I play on?
Our games are also coming to the Epic Games Store.
We're stuck on a puzzle. How do hints work?
Every puzzle has built-in hints. Open the puzzle close-up and select Hint in the top right corner. The first hints give you a nudge in the right direction, so you can still solve the puzzle yourselves, and the last one usually shows the solution.
Before you reach for a hint, talk it through with your partner: the missing piece is often on their screen, not yours.
Still stuck? Ask other players on our Discord server, or watch the Parallel Experiment walkthrough on YouTube.
Do I need an active internet connection to play?
Yes, an internet connection is required at all times to play our games. They are online co-op games, so you and your partner stay connected to each other while you play. Achievements and updates need an internet connection too.
Having trouble connecting? See our connection issues guide.
What's the difference between Unboxing the Cryptic Killer and Unboxing the mind of a Cryptic Killer?
These are two different games. Unboxing the Cryptic Killer is a title available on PC, iOS and Android, while Unboxing the mind of a Cryptic Killer is an online escape room game we designed a few years ago, played in a web browser.
Available now!
Latest news
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer - Patch 1.4.1
Japanese and Korean localization minor bug fixes.
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer - Patch 1.4.0
New Features: Added Japanese localization Added Korean localization
Sales in Russia suspended due to connection issues
Detectives, Due to ongoing technical issues affecting connections to our servers, we’ve decided to suspend sales of our games in Russia. We…