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Blackwell Unbound

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Mac, Android • 2012

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Quick resume

The year is 1973. The sound of a lone, ethereal saxophone drifts over the Roosevelt Island promenade, while a series of accidents plague a midtown construction site. The citizens of Manhattan take no notice of these events, let alone think they are connected.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click

Pros

  • Engaging noir story with strong characters
  • Innovative dual character control
  • Atmospheric jazz soundtrack
  • Well-voiced dialogue
  • Commentary and extra content

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some repetitive backtracking
  • Low resolution pixel art graphics
  • Minor voice recording quality issues
  • Lack of hint system

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can switch between two characters, Lauren and Joey, each with unique abilities, allowing freedom in puzzle solving and investigation."

  • Competence
    3

    "Puzzles require logical thinking and combining clues, with some difficulty but generally accessible and well integrated."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal investigation and story progression without competitive elements or player comparison."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Short game length but players often replay for achievements and commentary, showing moderate attachment."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Gameplay involves switching between two characters working together, but no multiplayer or social cooperation."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Limited player creativity; mostly following narrative and puzzle solutions with minor interaction choices."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; cooperative and narrative-driven experience."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players immerse in a noir, paranormal story set in 1970s New York, providing a strong escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story and genre, not due to obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Switching between characters and using new mechanics encourages some experimentation within the game."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Exploration is limited to a few locations revisited multiple times, with some backtracking."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Minimal customization or self-expression; players follow a fixed narrative and character presentation."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Supernatural elements and ghostly investigations provide an imaginative, paranormal experience."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Single-player experience focused on individual play with limited social interaction."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players develop investigative skills and understanding of story through puzzle solving and clue analysis."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; protagonist is a heavy smoker, reflecting unhealthy habits."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention on puzzles and dialogue; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some emotional connection to characters and story, but limited social or relationship-building gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No leadership or management roles; players follow a linear narrative and puzzle progression."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through solving cases, gathering clues, and unlocking story content and achievements."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Calm, atmospheric gameplay with jazz soundtrack and narrative focus provides a relaxing experience."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable audio-visual style with jazz music and pixel art, but sensory stimulation is moderate and subtle."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition mechanics; focus is on personal story experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with well-developed characters, dialogue, and interconnected ghost cases."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires logical reasoning and planning to combine clues and solve puzzles effectively."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense and mystery elements, but overall a calm and steady narrative experience."

  • Value
    2

    "Good value for price especially in bundles; short length balanced by quality story and replayability."

  • Violence
    -4

    "No combat or destruction; gameplay centers on investigation and helping spirits move on."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable, low-risk gameplay environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026