Unheard - Voices of Crime stands out as an audio-focused puzzle game blending elements of RPG and simulation, where solving mysteries relies entirely on listening to recorded conversations from crime scenes.
This indie title, available on PC, invites you to step into the role of an acoustic detective equipped with a device that replays voices from the past. Released in 2019, it emphasizes narrative depth through sound, drawing from detective fiction, immersive theater, and radio drama traditions. With its non-linear storytelling, the game challenges you to connect clues without direct character control, making it a fresh take on mystery-solving in the simulation genre.
Gameplay
The core mechanics revolve around audio eavesdropping to uncover details of various crimes. You navigate crime scene layouts represented in a 2D top-down view, positioning yourself to hear conversations that unfold in real time. Key systems include matching voices to character names, tracking individual movements based on audio cues, and piecing together motives and relationships from dialogue alone.
Replaying segments is essential, as the game allows unlimited access to audio clips, encouraging repeated listens to catch overlooked details. The puzzle-solving aspect demands careful attention to timing and context, with storylines from multiple characters intersecting in shared spaces. This creates complex scenarios where you switch between following different people to build a complete picture of events.
Unlike traditional RPGs, there is no combat or inventory management; instead, progression comes from submitting answers to questions about the case, such as identifying culprits or explaining sequences. The simulation element shines in how audio drives the entire experience, simulating real detective work through auditory evidence.
Game Modes
Unheard - Voices of Crime features a single-player narrative mode structured around multiple cases, each presented as a self-contained mystery. The base game includes five chapters, where you tackle crimes by exploring audio timelines without predefined paths.
There are no competitive or multiplayer options; the focus remains on solo puzzle-solving. Additional content comes through DLCs, which expand the available cases but maintain the same core format.
Updates and DLC
Since its 2019 launch, the game has received free DLCs like Unheard - The Lethal Script and Unheard - 中元节特别篇, adding new cases to the lineup. A paid DLC, Unheard疑案追声 - 黑面观音, offers further mysteries at a discounted price.
As of early 2026, the game remains supported with these expansions, and recent player activity shows continued engagement through positive reviews in the last 30 days.
Is It Worth Playing?
With an Overwhelmingly Positive rating from 29,961 reviews on Steam, including 95% positive from 285 recent reviews, Unheard - Voices of Crime appeals to those who enjoy thoughtful puzzle games centered on narrative and sound design.
It suits players interested in mystery genres or audio-based experiences, offering around five hours of content in the base version, extendable with DLCs. If you prefer games that reward patience and observation over action, this title provides a satisfying challenge, especially for detective fiction fans. However, those seeking fast-paced gameplay or visual spectacle might find it too subdued.
Recommendation: Yes, for puzzle enthusiasts looking for an innovative indie simulation, given its strong community approval and unique mechanics.
