Originally published at: https://xboxera.com/2023/10/28/point-n-click-murder-is-game-over-has-players-find-out-whodunit-on-xbox-consoles-today/
Developer HitherYon Games and publisher Ratalaika Games have announced that their latest point ‘n click “whodunit” title, ‘Murder is Game Over’, will be launching on Xbox consoles today. You can pick up the game on the Xbox Store by clicking this way, the title retailing at $4.99 USD.
For all those sleuths out there, here is a point and click ‘whodunit’ mystery that will have you immersed in a storyline that is both challenging and intriguing. The enthusiastic positive reaction to Murder is Game Over has gone on to spawn a successful series of subsequent games! Players will talk to many a suspect to unravel clues as to who committed the crime in addition to sidequests that arise during your quest for the truth in this 2 to 3 hour-long adventure title.
More specifically, per the press release:
Murder is Game Over is a linear story with a lot of detail. The player can talk to suspects and find clues in any order, but there are specific actions that need to be performed before being ready to explain the mystery’s solution. Some areas are locked until you’ve solved a puzzle that allows you to access them. For the average player there is approximately 2-3 hours of gameplay. In addition to the main goal of solving the murder mystery, there are additional side-quests including a collection game and a treasure hunt riddle.
Investigation scenario
The investigation begins outside the front door of the castle near where the murder happened. Inside the castle are the victim’s living quarters, including a room with a playable pipe organ, an arcade game room with a minigame, as well as mystery staples like the master bedroom, the study, the garden, the kitchen and dining room. Then there’s also the sealed wing of the castle, which is unsafe and off limits due to needing renovations. You’ll also explore the outside areas nearby, including a large cemetery, a town park, and a dense forest. Maybe somewhere there’s a secret passage… If that sounds a little big and confusing like you might get lost then don’t worry! The in-game menu has a world map so that the player can orient themselves when needed.
The first task is to determine the cause of death and identify the murder weapon. It turns out that the victim was crushed to death by a gargoyle that somehow came off the castle roof! Nearby, Cleo finds a clue which is a library book that discusses the castle’s dark history. Is it possible that the supernatural curse really is to blame, or is a human killer responsible?
And summaries from the developers:
The developer summarises:
The US developer, HitherYon Games, was asked to paraphrase the experience presented.
“For us the most innovative feature is the emphasis on exploration. Most murder mystery games only have a small map with a few cluttered rooms and the player’s job is to pixel-hunt for hidden objects. The exploration in the game is much more like an RPG where you visit different locations that are realistically scaled. The layout of the game world may even be important in the solution to the case!”
Murder is Game Over’s story is methodically plotted with loving detail. Puzzles are all focused on solving the mystery rather than merely unrelated minigames. The atmosphere accents the feeling of fun, spooky suspense with use of pixel art visuals and custom original music and the setting is inspired by a real castle in rural Vermont, Much research has gone into making the feel of the game as authentic as possible!
Check out the trailer and gallery below for more details on Murder in Game Over.