A cooperative puzzle adventure
Parallel Experiment is a stylish two-player cooperative puzzle game developed by Eleven Puzzles. It is the second standalone chapter in the Cryptic Killer series, following detectives Old Dog and Ally as they attempt to thwart the enigmatic antagonist's latest scheme.
Parallel Experiment delivers a unique cooperative adventure puzzle-solving experience that hinges on effective communication and teamwork. With its engaging narrative, challenging puzzles, and distinctive art style, it’s set apart by the creative puzzles specially designed for co-op and unique story interactions that are poised to captivate fans of cooperative adventure games. It also has a free demo for players.
Intriguing co-op puzzles and mechanics
Parallel Experiment is designed exclusively for cooperative play. This puzzler requires each player to have their own copy across their preferred platforms; the game is available on PC and mobile. The core gameplay involves players navigating separate screens, each possessing different clues and items, necessitating constant communication to solve intricate, escape-room-style puzzles. This design emphasizes teamwork, as neither player can progress without the other's input.
Set in a noir-inspired world with a distinctive comic book art style, the game immerses players in a cityscape filled with mystery and suspense. The narrative continues from the previous installment, 'Unboxing the Cryptic Killer,' with the detectives delving deeper into the mind of the elusive criminal. The storyline is crafted to engage players, encouraging them to piece together clues collaboratively to unravel the overarching mystery.
The hand-illustrated environments and characters are heavily inspired by noir novels which makes the game stand out even more. However, the game is not for everyone and some of the puzzles are on the easier side which can be disappointing for fans of the puzzle genre. Moreover, the game loses its mystery once played through. Nonetheless, this should not detract from the story or adventure you’re to embark on.
Patches 1.0.1 to 1.0.4
Patch 1.0.1 for the game primarily focuses on bug fixes, enhancing connectivity by adding servers in Hong Kong and Tel Aviv, and resolving issues with backup server connections. It addresses critical gameplay bugs, including preventing moves in Guliver’s game and an unsolvable Gears and Sliders puzzle. Additionally, it corrects sound control and map switching in Investigation Mode, improving overall stability.
Patch 1.0.2 introduces new features for a smoother experience, such as manual server selection and reduced graphic requirements in large areas to prevent crashes. Save files are automatically backed up, and the game remembers your chosen language. Puzzle reset options have been added for the Pipe and Gears & Sliders puzzles. Bug fixes include map icon visibility, localization improvements, and minor visual enhancements.
There’s also another patch in Patch 1.0.3: it optimizes performance and adds graphic options, fixing save loss and various minigame bugs. And lastly, the Patch 1.0.4 update introduces menu credits, resolving a rare elevator maze split, stacking books, and off-screen iPad levers. Both updates collectively enhance stability, performance, and accessibility, ensuring a smoother and more reliable gaming experience for players.
A stylish co-op mystery with limited replayability
Parallel Experiment offers an engaging cooperative puzzle adventure with its noir-inspired visuals, intricate storytelling, and teamwork-driven gameplay. Its unique design fosters collaboration, making it a great experience for fans of co-op mysteries. However, its puzzles may feel too easy for some, and the game loses its intrigue after a single playthrough. Despite these flaws, it remains a compelling choice for those who enjoy narrative-driven puzzle games.
