Wurder Mystery
You would think a homicide detective and the lost spirit of a homicide victim would be a perfect duo and a quick case closed. Unfortunately, there is a language barrier.
Background
At Uncommon Hacks 2024, hosted by University of Chicago, I met with a team of students, Giorgio, Arnav, and Jeffrey, where we designed and developed a mystery game. The hackathon's theme was "Puzzle," and our team felt a mystery game would be consistent with it. The game won a prize for the Most Thematic hackathon project.
Goals
1
Create a Unique and Engaging Puzzle Game
Design a game that combines creativity, speed, and ingenuity, offering players a fresh and challenging experience inspired by classic mystery games like Clue.
2
Implement Pixel Art for a Nostalgic Aesthetic
Incorporate pixel art to give the game a nostalgic, retro feel that appeals to fans of classic top-down games.
3
Design a Game with Replayability and Story Depth
Create a game that offers replayability and a rich narrative, encouraging players to return for multiple playthroughs.
Solutions
1
Dual Role Gameplay Mechanics
To achieve a unique and engaging puzzle game, we developed distinct roles for players—detective and ghost—each with specific objectives. The detective focuses on uncovering clues, while the ghost solves word searches to provide hints, creating a dynamic and interactive experience that combines puzzle-solving with strategic gameplay.
2
Incorporation of Pixel Art Assets
We used pixel art to give Wurder Mystery a nostalgic, retro aesthetic. By sourcing and customizing pixel art assets from online resources, we ensured the game’s visuals were cohesive and engaging. This style not only evokes the charm of classic games but also complements the top-down perspective, enhancing the overall player experience.
3
Branching Narrative and Replayability
To ensure replayability and story depth, we designed a branching narrative with multiple possible outcomes. We incorporated various rooms and items that change with each playthrough, offering new clues and challenges. This approach provides players with a different experience each time they play, maintaining the game’s intrigue and engagement over time.
Tools
C#
Programming Language
Unity
Software
Conclusion
The game won the "Most Thematic" prize at the hackathon. I'm incredibly happy to have worked with Giorgio, Arnav, and Jeffrey on this game; we had a lot of fun!