Info about DUAL PROTOCOL: The Case of Eva & Miles:

Official game description:
Track clues behind locked doors as **Agent Eva**, or manage the operation from analog terminals as **Analyst Miles**. One is in the heart of danger on the field; the other is at the desk, buried in data. You cannot see each other's screens, yet you must become each other's eyes and mind. **Dual Protocol** is a pure Noir asymmetric detective experience where your voice and the information you relay are your only weapons.
In this investigation, the only way forward is to keep talking. You must instantly describe every complex symbol, every mysterious object, and every lock you encounter to your partner. A single miscommunication or a missing detail in the halls of the **Castellari Manor** could lead to the case being closed forever.
The mysterious murder at the city’s most prestigious estate is too deep to be solved from a single perspective. As Eva, touch the physical evidence on the ground; as Miles, dive into the archives to decrypt technical blueprints. Eva finds the clues Miles cannot reach; Miles analyzes the complex data Eva cannot decipher.
A bleak universe where the technological texture of the 90s collides with classic noir atmosphere. Search for the truth amidst CRT flickers, heavy shadows, and the tactile clatter of vintage computers. Manually enter terminal commands, scan documents, and piece together the Castellari murder bit by bit.
**Cross-Data Verification**
Connect the dots by matching real-time field info with hidden central records.
**Asymmetric Operation**
One player physically triggers mechanisms in the manor while the other reads complex system manuals to guide the way.
**Critical Deduction**
When Miles's data and Eva's observations unite, the veil of mystery over the Castellari murder will finally lift.

Release date: Oct 2, 2026

Categories: Puzzle, Asymmetrical Co-op, Detective, Point-and-Click, Noir, Escape Room Puzzle, Communication-based Gameplay


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 1.8h
  - Story completion: 1.8h
  - Session length: 1.5h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: GameCompletion: completion reports cluster around 1.5-2 hours: one player solved it under 2 hours, another described literally an hour and a half of game, and another beat it in 2 hours with a friend, so a representative completion estimate is about 1.75 hours. StoryCompletion: the same finish/beat reports describe completing the game's main content and do not distinguish a separate story-only length, so I use the same 1.75-hour estimate. SessionLength: the translated Turkish quote says they played for 1.5 hours, supporting a typical session of about 1.5 hours. Endgame: no quote gives post-completion or replayability playtime, only a question about replayability, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reviewers largely report fun from the start, especially when playing the asymmetric co-op as intended; no timing-based click or unlock is described. A minority criticizes AI cutscenes and puzzle quality, but this does not establish a later payoff.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: AI short renders between scenes; boring puzzles for some players
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: playing with a communicating co-op partner; co-op is mandatory to progress; enjoying escape-room and classic puzzle mechanics; being a detective and crime genre fan; having a buddy available to play
- Player Archetypes:
  - Co-op Puzzle and Escape Room Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Solving challenging puzzles and escape-room-style mysteries together with a friend.
    - Playstyle: Pairs up with a friend to tackle cooperative puzzle and escape room mechanics, relying on shared problem-solving and communication.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Asymmetric Communication-Focused Co-op Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing novel asymmetric co-op where each player sees different information and must talk through solutions.
    - Playstyle: Coordinates closely with a partner, comparing separate perspectives and piecing together clues from different roles.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Content-Value Skeptic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Evaluating whether the game offers enough content and replay value to justify the price, especially for two copies.
    - Playstyle: Plays through the short co-op campaign quickly and judges whether the amount of content matches the cost.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Detective and Crime Fiction Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Immersion in detective, police, and crime-solving themes through cooperative play.
    - Playstyle: Approaches the game as a cooperative investigation, collecting evidence and solving a case with a partner.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Fun cooperative experience (weight 0.97): Playing with a friend or loved one was frequently highlighted as a major source of enjoyment. The cooperative aspect, especially with voice communication, made the game more engaging and memorable.
- Engaging and clever puzzles (weight 0.92): Many players praised the puzzles for being fun, clever, and satisfying to solve. The difficulty was often described as moderate and appropriate, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience.
- Enjoyable and fun game (weight 0.9): Many players found the game to be generally fun, entertaining, and pleasant to play. It provided a good time for both short and extended sessions.
- Beautiful and immersive visuals (weight 0.7): The graphics, art design, and atmosphere were widely praised for being beautiful, adorable, and fitting the noir theme. The visual style contributed significantly to the overall experience.
- Great concept and originality (weight 0.4): The core concept of the game was frequently praised as original, interesting, and well-executed. It offered a unique experience that stood out.
- Asymmetric gameplay works well (weight 0.35): The asymmetric cooperative design, where players have different roles and information, was highly effective. It required genuine communication and made the game stand out from typical co-op puzzle games.
- Strong noir detective atmosphere (weight 0.34): The noir atmosphere, detective theme, and 90s setting were highly appreciated and well-portrayed. They added depth and immersion to the gameplay.
- Satisfying communication-based mystery (weight 0.33): The core mechanic of solving a murder purely through verbal communication, without seeing each other's screens, was incredibly satisfying and enjoyable for many players.
- Affordable and good value (weight 0.26): Several players noted that the game is not expensive and offers good value for the time it provides. It was considered one of the best games for its price.
- Short but sweet experience (weight 0.25): The game was often described as short but fun, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of playtime. Despite its brevity, it left a positive impression.
- Good to play with friend or loved one (weight 0.25): The game was seen as a great activity to do with a friend or loved one, providing a shared and enjoyable experience.
- Smooth and polished experience (weight 0.24): Players reported no bugs or problems, and the game was described as flowing well. The developers were also praised for being welcoming and thorough in playtesting.
- Memorable city exploration segments (weight 0.16): The parts where one player guides the other through the city map were particularly memorable and enjoyable, adding variety to the gameplay.
- Balanced and thoughtful gameplay (weight 0.16): The balance between characters and the overall thought-provoking nature of the puzzles were appreciated. It made players think and engage deeply.

Common complaints:
- Extremely short gameplay duration (weight 0.77): Many players report the game can be beaten in about 1.5 to 2 hours, with some even finishing in under 1.5 hours. This short playtime leads to feelings that the game is more like a demo than a full experience.
- Poor optimization and bugs (weight 0.52): Players report poor optimization, bugs, and a generally unpolished experience. Specific issues include clipping through objects, UI problems, and AI-generated content suspicions.
- High price for little content (weight 0.49): Reviewers frequently complain that the game is not worth the price due to its short length and lack of content. The cost feels unjustified for only a couple hours of gameplay.
- Puzzle difficulty is inconsistent (weight 0.46): Some puzzles are frustratingly hard, while others are too easy or solved quickly. This inconsistency makes the puzzle experience uneven and often unsatisfying.
- Story and gameplay are predictable (weight 0.37): The storyline and gameplay are often predictable, reducing engagement and excitement. Some players find the beginning boring and the overall experience disappointing.
- Requires two copies to play (weight 0.35): To play cooperatively, two copies of the game are needed, which doubles the cost for a very short experience. This is a significant barrier for many players.
- Illogical and inconsistent game world (weight 0.35): The game world has inconsistencies and geographical errors that break immersion. Examples include contradictory visuals and poorly made world maps.
- Unclear progression and lack of feedback (weight 0.33): Many players find it unclear what to do next or whether they have solved a puzzle correctly. The game often lacks clear indications, leading to confusion and lost time.
- Puzzles lack logic and plot connection (weight 0.33): Puzzles often feel nonsensical and disconnected from the story, with some solutions being illogical. This undermines the detective and puzzle-solving experience.
- Lack of replayability and achievements (weight 0.31): The game offers little replay value, even when playing as a different character, and lacks achievements for key actions like solving the murder. This reduces long-term motivation.
- Not intuitive and poorly explained (weight 0.31): The game is not intuitive, with many players struggling to understand mechanics and objectives. Initial difficulty and lack of clear instructions contribute to frustration.
- Final cutscene visibility issues (weight 0.26): The final cutscene is only shown to the player controlling the male character, so the other player may miss it entirely. Additionally, the text in the final cutscene changes very quickly, making it hard to read.
- Co-op communication and stress (weight 0.25): Playing remotely can lead to intense arguments and stress due to communication difficulties. Some sections are hard to coordinate, especially for musically illiterate players.
- UI and controls detract from experience (weight 0.25): The user interface is poorly designed, with elements clipping over gameplay and controls that are problematic, especially for precise inputs. This makes the game less enjoyable.
- AI-generated content suspicions (weight 0.24): Several players suspect the game uses AI-generated art and has many small issues consistent with AI generation. This raises concerns about quality and originality.
- No save feature forces one sitting (weight 0.19): The game lacks a save function, requiring players to complete it in one sitting or risk losing progress. This is inconvenient and frustrating for many.
- Technical issues with display and controls (weight 0.18): There are technical problems such as ultrawide monitor workarounds requiring resolution changes and readable parts skipping automatically. These hinder the overall experience.
- Missing features like online play (weight 0.18): The game lacks network or online play, and co-op is limited to offline parallel play. This limits accessibility for friends playing remotely.
- Role and gameplay imbalance (weight 0.1): The analyst role is only distinct in the first map; afterward, both characters perform the same tasks. This reduces the uniqueness of the co-op experience.
- No photosensitivity warning (weight 0.1): The final cutscene lacks a photosensitivity warning, which can be harmful to players with relevant conditions. This is a safety concern.

Gameplay feedback:
- Co-op with a friend (weight 0.61): Players frequently highlight that the game is played cooperatively with a friend, using roles like Eva and Miles. It is an asymmetrical co-op experience that requires partnership.
- Puzzle challenges core gameplay (weight 0.61): The game contains numerous puzzle challenges that are central to the experience. Many describe it as a puzzle game with communication-based challenges.
- Asymmetric information gameplay (weight 0.41): Players see different information and must describe what's on their screens to each other. This asymmetry is a key cooperative mechanic.
- Emphasis on communication (weight 0.35): Players solve puzzles through verbal communication without seeing each other's screens. Strong communication between both players is required to combine clues and progress.
- Detective noir theme (weight 0.34): The game features a noir detective theme where players solve a murder mystery. It falls into the detective and crime genre.
- Short completion time (weight 0.33): The game can be completed in about two hours or less, with some finishing in around 2.5 hours. It is a short experience.
- Specific puzzle types (weight 0.31): Puzzles involve reading wall clocks, geography knowledge, determining time zones, and sometimes musical ability. These require varied knowledge.
- Two characters Eva Miles (weight 0.31): Players choose between two characters, Eva and Miles, who have distinct roles in the co-op experience. One player is Eva and the other controls Miles.
- Puzzle over story (weight 0.26): It is primarily a puzzle game rather than a story or plot-driven game. Many find it simple and fun.
- Roles evidence gathering schematics (weight 0.25): One player collects evidence in the field while the other solves schematics at a desk. This division of labor is central to the asymmetric co-op.
- Point-and-click escape room (weight 0.24): The game features point-and-click puzzle mechanics and escape room-style gameplay. It blends classic puzzle and escape game elements.
- Guidance through city maps (weight 0.24): One player guides the other through a map or city, often with the partner providing directions. This involves a first map and later maps.
- Offline local co-op only (weight 0.19): Co-op is offline parallel play only, not online, and requires two copies to play. It is designed for local multiplayer.
- Communication over voice chat (weight 0.18): Players solve puzzles over voice chat, describing what they see. This requires clear verbal communication.
- Character role analyst (weight 0.15): The game includes a character role called the analyst. It is one of the roles players can assume.
- Intellectual effort required (weight 0.1): The game requires intellectual effort to solve puzzles and progress. It challenges players mentally.
- No replayability (weight 0.1): Players report no replayability, even with a different character. Once solved, there is little incentive to replay.
- Includes achievements (weight 0.1): The game has achievements that players can unlock. This adds optional goals for completionists.
- Driving scene included (weight 0.09): There is a driving scene in the game. It adds variety to the puzzle-solving gameplay.
- Nineties theme (weight 0.09): The game has a 90s theme, which influences its aesthetic and setting. This nostalgic element is noted by some players.

Performance notes:
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.19): Multiple reviewers report poor performance and bad optimization, which can hinder gameplay experience.
- Ultrawide monitor incompatibility (weight 0.1): The game does not work on ultrawide monitors, limiting playability for users with such displays.

Recommendations:
- Great cooperative puzzle experience (weight 0.77): Players highly recommend the game for cooperative puzzle solving with a friend, emphasizing the fun of working together. It is considered a must-play for fans of cooperative puzzles.
- Not recommended by some (weight 0.53): A notable number of reviewers do not recommend the game at all, with some stating they cannot recommend it ever. This indicates a significant negative sentiment.
- Recommended for puzzle fans (weight 0.4): Many reviewers recommend the game to anyone who enjoys puzzle games. It is seen as a solid choice for puzzle enthusiasts.
- Lack of content concerns (weight 0.19): Some players feel the game lacks sufficient content, suggesting that it might be worth the money if more cases are added in the future. Currently, they do not recommend it due to limited content.
- Reasonable price point (weight 0.19): Reviewers find the price quite reasonable compared to similar games on the market. This makes it an attractive option for those interested in the genre.
- Ideal for detective genre fans (weight 0.19): The game is considered indispensable for fans of detective and crime genres. It appeals strongly to those who enjoy solving cases.
- Worth the time investment (weight 0.1): Reviewers consider the game well worth your time. It provides a satisfying experience that justifies the hours spent.
- Good for unwinding (weight 0.1): Some players find it a great fit for unwinding and relaxing. It offers a enjoyable experience for casual play.
- Difficulty manageable for coordinated teams (weight 0.1): The game is not too hard if you have a well-coordinated team. This suggests that teamwork is key to overcoming challenges.

Other player notes:
- Short game length noted (weight 0.48): Players frequently describe the game as short, often taking roughly two hours to complete. This brevity is a commonly mentioned characteristic.
- Affordable and reasonably priced (weight 0.34): Many reviewers highlight the game's low price point, considering it good value for the cost. It is also sold with a release discount.
- Uses AI-generated assets (weight 0.26): The game includes AI usage, specifically AI-generated art and short renders between scenes. This has been a point of discussion among players.
- Comparison to Rusty Lake (weight 0.25): The game is described as a new Rusty Lake-style game, but some compare it unfavorably in terms of content and quality. It is also compared to other better examples like Operation Tango, We Were Here, and The Past Within.
- Indie team from Turkey (weight 0.16): The game is developed by an indie team from Turkey. They have attended events and playtested their game.
- More involved than Keep Talking (weight 0.1): Compared to Keep Talking, this game is much more involved rather than simple. It offers a deeper cooperative experience.
- Requires buying two copies (weight 0.1): To play, two copies of the game are required. This is a necessary purchase for the cooperative experience.
- Focused and mind-challenging game (weight 0.1): It is a short, focused, mind-challenging local indie game. Players appreciate the concentrated puzzle experience.
- Demo and full release available (weight 0.1): The game has both a demo and a full release, allowing players to try before buying. This provides accessibility to potential customers.
- Interest in future Dual Protocol content (weight 0.09): A reviewer looks forward to more Dual Protocol content in the future. This indicates a desire for continued support.
- Unfavorable comparison to schoolkids (weight 0.09): The game is compared to schoolkids solving morse code from Roblox, implying a less sophisticated experience. This comparison highlights perceived simplicity.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.17): Players derive enjoyment from the co-op puzzle-solving experience, especially when communicating over voice chat to solve puzzles together. The 90s theme, beautiful graphics, and engaging gameplay with a friend contribute significantly to the fun.
- Disappointment (weight 0.15): Disappointment stems from the game being too short and not worth the price, with many feeling it feels like a demo. Poor optimization, unpolished puzzles, predictable storylines, and heavy AI art usage also contribute to letdown.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Frustration arises from overly hard puzzles, lack of save functionality forcing one-sitting playthroughs, and unclear progression. Technical issues like bugs and ultrawide monitor incompatibility, along with precision controls, add to the frustration.
- Boredom (weight 0.06): Boredom is caused by puzzles that are considered boring and an opening section that drags before leaving the room. The overall experience is described as the most boring co-op puzzle game by some.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.05): Dissatisfaction is primarily due to the game being expensive for its short length and lack of online co-op, leading to poor price-to-value perception.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement comes from entering the city and experiencing a change in gameplay, as well as the fantastic co-op experience that makes players lose track of time.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is driven by love for the game's concept and its masterpiece quality.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy is experienced when learning new skills like time zones and reading clocks while playing with a partner, and from the co-op flow and memorable city navigation sections with a friend.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Satisfaction is felt from solving a murder purely through verbal communication without seeing each other's screens, and from clever puzzles and a great mystery vibe.
- Love (weight 0.03): Love for the game is due to its noir atmosphere and visuals, along with interactive puzzle solving.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement arises from a puzzle that made the reviewer doubt their friend's intelligence.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.02): Mild frustration is caused by one communication section being a little difficult, attributed to poor musical ability.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is caused by the game not being intuitive and ruining the graphics.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion results from some puzzles leaving players very lost.
- Delight (weight 0.02): Delight is brought about by adorable graphics and a delightful game.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Sadness is felt because the game has a great concept but appears to be made with AI.
- Adoration (weight 0.02): Adoration is for the visuals, especially the miniature/terrarium camera angles.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Relief comes from seeing developers properly playtest their game.
- Interest (weight 0.02): Interest is sparked by the game's concept.
- Concern (weight 0.02): Concern is due to missing photosensitivity warning for the final cutscene.}