I don’t talk about it often, but I really love a good murder mystery, especially… Clue: Murder by Death… Now that the subtle like a train opening is done, let’s talk about the game.
Developed by Cocodrolo Games, Clue: Murder By Death is a narrative-driven detective adventure set in 1930s England. It blends classic British crime fiction with modern investigative design, offering a focused mystery that values deduction, conversation, and choice over action. From the outset, it makes one thing very clear. Time is your greatest enemy.
There is something deeply satisfying about following clues, questioning motives, and slowly piecing together the truth before the final reveal. That feeling of confidence when you think you have it all figured out, followed by the doubt that creeps in when a detail does not quite line up, is hard to replicate.
Muh…Muh… Murder
The story begins with the death of Lord Robert Anderson, who has been found murdered in his secluded country manor. You are summoned by his loyal butler, an old comrade of your father from the Great War, and arrive at the estate in the dead of night.
The house is quiet, the guests are shaken, and everyone appears eager to cooperate. Of course, polite smiles and calm manners quickly give way to hidden grudges, long-held secrets, and motives that are anything but innocent.
You do not know who committed the crime or why, but you do know that Scotland Yard is on its way. You have exactly 120 minutes to uncover the truth before they arrive and take over the investigation. That hard time limit immediately sets the tone, transforming the manor into a pressure cooker where every decision carries weight.
The real standout mechanic in Clue: Murder By Death is its use of time. You are constantly aware of the clock ticking down, and every action pushes it forward. Exploring rooms, examining evidence, and engaging in conversations all consume precious minutes. There is no opportunity to see everything, talk to everyone, or follow every lead in a single playthrough.
This creates a strong sense of tension and forces you to prioritise. Do you spend time pressing one suspect harder, or do you move on in hopes of uncovering new evidence elsewhere? Do you accuse someone early based on instinct, or wait and risk running out of time? The game encourages you to trust your deductions, even when you are not completely sure.
Atmosphere and Presentation
Every suspect has their own version of events, and not all of them are telling the truth. Some will mislead you, others will withhold information, and a few may reveal more than they intend. The branching narrative structure ensures that each playthrough can unfold differently, depending on who you trust and which clues you connect.
The 1930s English setting is a perfect fit for this type of mystery. The manor feels imposing and full of history, with each room hinting at untold stories and hidden tensions. The atmosphere leans heavily into classic whodunnit vibes, evoking the works of Agatha Christie while maintaining its own identity.
Rather than overwhelming the player with complexity, the presentation keeps things focused and accessible. The emphasis remains on observation, logic, and narrative rather than convoluted systems or mechanics.
Good enough to MURDER!
If you enjoy detective stories, narrative-driven games, or mysteries that reward careful thinking under pressure, this game is shaping up to be a compelling experience.
Clue: Murder By Death understands the appeal of a good mystery and respects the player’s ability to solve it. Placing strict limits on time and information, it creates a sense of urgency that makes every choice feel meaningful. It is not about finding every answer, but about finding the right one before time runs out.
