Gaming
The aural detective game Unheard - what makes it so interesting?
A Spoiler-Free review
Unheard is a 2019 detective RPG game created by NExT Studios, a chinese game company. As described on their website they "aim to make differentiated, high quality and reputable games via multiple approaches including but not limited to original idea incubation, advanced technology application as well as external collaboration." They experiment with new designs, create new experiences, work across platforms and game genres, to explore future possibilities in gaming as a unique media and keep pushing the boundaries.
Such is the case with Unheard. Thanks to the brilliant premise of solving criminal cases through audio alone allows for the game mechanics to truly shine through.
As the player steps through time to eavesdrop on conversations from past crime scenes every clue, every move, and every motive is presented in the form of audio. Rather than controlling any one character, they only need to listen to their conversations, following along as the story evolves. Using the information heard to match names to voices and determining how everything and everyone is related is undeniably the most fun part of the game. The mystery hangs above the player, encouraging them to finish the game and discorver the truth if for their own satisfaction.
One obviously commendable asset of the game is its audio mixing and soundtrack. Multiple times during the game sneakily put in voice cues from the previous cases can be heard. This is especially prevalent during the final case, which is also the most difficult and enigmantic one.
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The Menu theme music can also be heard many times in the playthrough. It is cleverly used in almost any musical part of the interactive criminal drama, and is a very important part of the overarching story.
In Unheard, all the clues are presented to players. There's no hidden information or rooms that require a key to enter. Players are all privy to the same information, which makes the game fair to all of those who play it.
Interestingly, all characters in Unheard have their own storylines, however each of these storylines will become interwoven in the same space and at the same time, resulting in complicated cases that force the player to meticulously search for and track clues. They can choose to follow one character or move around between multiple characters. The audio can be replayed as many times as they want to.
Unheard is essentially an interactive radio drama. By combining aural narrative techniques with the type of exploration elements present in video games, Unheard offers a brand-new and non-linear experience.
Case 1 - Twins
Case 2 - Empty frame
Case 4 - Theatre
Case 3 - Raven
Unfortunately though, the genius concept didn't become as big of hit as it probably should have. With the bizzarily entertaining game mechanics and the overarching plot slowly unraveling with each solved case the game is exceptionaly great.
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With an almost non-existent fanbase, the game remains a hidden gem among criminal interactive fiction.
Unheard especially resonated with me though, as it is such a unique and compelling experience. The game's genius premise with multiple cases you can solve attached to a greater narrative makes it stand out among the many other detective games out there. The levels intrigued me and knocked me off my feet with the subversive plot twists and brilliant ending, which ties everything together. It all combines into fascinating gameplay, which keeps the player absorbed up until the very end.
Case 5 - Mental Hospital
The game has won many awards - deservedly so.
Overall, I reckon this game merits much more hype than it's gotten so far. Therefore I would most certainly reccomend it to everyone. It's amazing sound design, incredible game mechanics and marvelous plot and continuity make it an extraordinary and engrossing experience that tests one's interpretive and deductive skills.
