Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Developer: Steel Crate Games
Release: Oct 8th 2015
Platforms:
Indie
Addictive
Creative
Cooperative
Stressful
Repetitive
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes Poster

" Unique cooperative indie with intense communication puzzles but steep learning curve "

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes Review

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a highly engaging cooperative puzzle game that revolves around communication and teamwork to defuse bombs. One player handles the bomb, while others consult a complex manual to guide the defuser. The game excels at creating moments of tension, panic, and humor, making it a unique social experience. Players often praise the sense of accomplishment after successfully defusing bombs despite repeated failures.

The game’s design encourages collaboration and can be a great exercise in communication skills, even used in workplaces and educational settings. Although the core gameplay is simple, the variety of modules and escalating difficulty keep players challenged. The inclusion of mod support extends replayability. However, the game is best enjoyed with friends or family, as solo play lacks an AI guide. Overall, it’s a fun, addictive title ideal for parties and cooperative play, though it can become repetitive after extended sessions.

Highlights

Players love the innovative cooperative gameplay requiring real-time communication and teamwork.

The variety and design of bomb modules provide engaging puzzles that test problem-solving under pressure.

The game’s humor and stress-inducing moments create memorable, fun experiences.

Mod support adds variety and longevity.

Its simple graphics suit the gameplay focus and do not detract from the experience.

Criticisms

Some modules, like Morse code and complicated wires, are considered overly difficult or frustrating.

The game can become repetitive after long play sessions as players memorize modules.

Solo play is limited without an AI or bot to assist, reducing accessibility.

Stress levels can be high, which may deter some players.

Certain modules’ complexity can overwhelm especially the instructor role.

Pros

  • Unique cooperative gameplay that fosters communication and teamwork under pressure.
  • Varied bomb modules that offer diverse and challenging puzzles.
  • Highly replayable with mod support adding new content.
  • Great party game that generates humor and memorable moments.
  • Simple graphics that focus attention on gameplay mechanics.
  • Effective at teaching communication skills in fun ways.
  • Engaging progression with escalating difficulty and complexity.

Cons

  • Some modules like Morse code can be overly frustrating and time-consuming.
  • Repetitive gameplay after extended sessions due to memorization.
  • No AI or bot option limits solo play enjoyment.
  • High stress and panic may not appeal to all players.
  • Certain modules are confusing and difficult to understand quickly.
  • Requires at least two players with good communication skills.
  • Limited storyline or narrative depth.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Find yourself trapped alone in a room with a ticking time bomb. Your friends have the manual to defuse it, but they can't see the bomb, so you're going to have to talk it out – fast!

Release Date Oct 8th 2015
Publisher Steel Crate Games
Developer Steel Crate Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (7,628)
99% Positive 1% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
71