A Just Adventure Double Dose of Mystery
A Just Adventure Double Dose of Mystery
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 SpaceMurder Mystery Party:
Pentium 166
Win 95/98
Sound card
2X CD-ROM
75 MB HD Space
Printer
