A Just Adventure Double Dose of Mystery

By Randy Sluganski

Case
Closed: The Ultimate Murder Mystery Adventure
Developer and Distributor:
Manaccom Release
Date: 1999
Platform:

Murder
Mystery Party
Developer: KO
Interactive Inc.
Distributor: Valu-Soft
Release Date: 1999
Platform:

Having
survived two murder mystery parties, I was already aware of their popularity and
therefore not surprised to discover that the gaming world has attempted to duplicate
their universality on the computer. The second game we will look at, Case Closed,
is, as you will see, a familiar morsel from our Australian friends down under.
But first our travels around the world took us to the exotic locale of Pittsburgh,
where we found a little-known title, Murder Mystery Party, which is available
in chain stores across the United States.

Murder Mystery Party was
initially a disappointment not because of what it delivered but more due to what
I was mistakenly expecting. What I thought would be a Clue-like computer
board game was instead a compilation of party themes, invitations, etc. that can
be designed and then printed for your next midnight soiree. Murder Mystery
Party delivers what it promises; just be aware of what you are purchasing.

What
you get for your $19.99 is a well-done party planner that offers multiple options
to plan and host your own murder mystery party. The program begins in the foyer
and offers access to six rooms that will allow you to plan and then print out
all of the material you need for your party. Six party themes, from the wild west
to 1940s jet-setting New York, are available to choose from, and a comprehensive
Character Studio lets you select your guest list. The Invitation Workshop then
allows you choose from several different styles of invitations. Finally, the Printing
Press offers different options to print out all the material you will need for
your party. Clues and tips for hosting a successful party round out the program.

While
Murder Mystery Party is a good deal if you just want to host your own tryst,
Case Closed is more for adventure gamers who wish to join in on the fun
without worrying about scrubbing blood from the carpet afterwards.

Case
Closed is quite simply an Australian version of the American classic Clue
enhanced by splendid animations. It plays and looks like the board game, but
a plot and background have been established for each of the characters. Your character
(whom you get to choose) has received an invitation to a deserted mansion on a
mysterious island. Seven other guests have already arrived, and it seems they
and you all know, and hate, the host. The host is, of course, soon found dead,
and now everyone, including you, is a suspect and cannot leave the island until
the murder is solved. Turns are taken by rolling video dice, and you can play
alone against the computer, with a teammate against the computer, or with up to
four single players. Eight characters are available to search 12 rooms that are
detailed in 3D. Clues and weapons are randomly scattered, and there are eight
different cases to solve with 24 possible case outcomes and nine game endings.
For afficionados who need more mysteries to keep their brain cells awake all night,
new cases can be downloaded from the Internet site.

Case Closed succeeds
mainly because it never attempts to be more than a computer-enhanced board game.
It builds upon its board roots by dishing up some memorable characters and amusing
animations. The ability to search the rooms for clues allows the player to immerse
him/herself into the game, as does the addition of sound effects and voices. Definitely
a must-have for fans of Clue and murder mysteries that can be solved in
one sitting.

Case Closed is currently only available from the developer’s
website (unless you live in Australia, in which case you can purchase it at your
local gaming shop). With any luck, maybe some savvy European or American distributor
will acquire the distribution rights. Until then, you may want to pick up Murder
Mystery Party and plan a homicide of your own to pass the time. Now, if you’ll
excuse me, I must find my spouse.

Final Grade for Murder Mystery Party:
C
Final Grade for Case Closed: C+

System Requirements:

Case Closed: Pentium
120
Win 95/98
Sound card
Mouse
4X CD-ROM
15 MB HD Space

Murder
Mystery Party:
Pentium 166
Win 95/98
Sound card
2X CD-ROM

75 MB HD Space
Printer