Parallel Experiment

Parallel Experiment is a cooperative puzzle game that has garnered mostly positive feedback for its engaging gameplay and inventive puzzle design. Players appreciate the diverse puzzle mechanics that require strong communication and teamwork, often highlighting the asymmetric perspectives between the two characters as a fresh and enjoyable challenge. The game offers a longer experience compared to previous titles in the series, with around 6-7 hours of playtime, including some optional content and mini-games.

However, the game has drawn criticism for its storytelling and pacing. Many players feel the narrative takes precedence over gameplay, leading to lengthy cutscenes and dialogue-heavy sections that disrupt the flow. The writing and voice acting have been described as clichéd and occasionally stiff, which detracts from immersion. Technical issues such as bugs, crashes, and connectivity problems have also impacted the experience for some users.

Overall, fans of cooperative puzzle games and the series will find much to enjoy, especially in the inventive puzzles and cooperative mechanics, though the story and technical polish leave room for improvement.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's innovative cooperative puzzle mechanics, which emphasize communication and asymmetric perspectives. The puzzles are often described as clever, original, and satisfying to solve, maintaining the series' reputation for quality puzzle design.

The game's art style and environmental design receive positive remarks for creating an immersive atmosphere. The inclusion of new gameplay styles and mini-games adds variety and depth.

Additionally, the longer duration compared to previous entries and the meaningful cooperative experience make it a rewarding game to play with friends or partners.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's narrative and pacing, with many players feeling the story overshadows the puzzles through excessive dialogue and long cutscenes. The writing is often seen as clichéd and uninspired, while voice acting quality is inconsistent.

Technical issues such as bugs, crashes, desyncs, and lost progress have frustrated some players. Certain puzzles lack reset options, and some gameplay segments are considered tedious or poorly implemented.

Finally, some players find the game mechanics occasionally frustrating due to wonky controls or unclear puzzle clues, which can detract from the overall experience.