Two detectives split apart
Parallel Experiment is a 2-player cooperative point-and-click puzzle game set in a noir-inspired world with a comic book art style. You play as detectives Ally and Old Dog, who are following the trail of the dangerous Cryptic Killer and suddenly become his targets in a twisted experiment. The story is told through cutscenes presented as comic book pages, with almost 100 pages created to deliver the narrative. This is the second standalone chapter in the "Cryptic Killer" series, and it can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the first game.
Communication is the core mechanic
Each player only has one half of the puzzle. You are often separated, holding different clues, and you must talk to each other to make progress. Solving a puzzle on your end unlocks the next step for your partner. The game includes over 80 puzzles covering a wide range of tasks: redirecting water flows, finding computer passwords, unlocking intricate locks, deciphering cryptic ciphers, soldering electronic components, and even waking up a drunk. NPCs respond dynamically to each player, so some conversations are puzzles that only teamwork can unravel. Between the main investigation, there are retro-inspired mini-games with a cooperative twist, including darts, Three in a Row, Match Three, Claw Machine, and Push and Pull. Each level also has ways to annoy your partner, like knocking on a window to distract them, poking them, or shaking their screen.
What you need before starting
Internet connection and voice communication are essential. Each player must have their own copy, and cross-platform play is supported across mobile, tablet, PC, or Mac. If you need a Player Two, the developers have a community on Discord. You can play Unboxing the Cryptic Killer first to learn more about the detectives and their nemesis, but it is not required. Every detective gets a notebook where you can jot down notes, sketch solutions, and interact with the environment.