Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click
- Platforms: DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Activision, Dice Multi Media Europ, Riverhillsoft
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder (1996)
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder is a point-and-click mystery game developed by Humongous Entertainment and released in 1996. It is the first game in the Santa Fe Mysteries series, followed by Santa Fe Mysteries: Sacred Ground. The game is set in the American Southwest, and follows the player character, a young woman named Maria, as she investigates the murder of a famous Native American artist named Anna Elk Moon.
The game begins with Maria arriving in Santa Fe to visit her friend, Anna Elk Moon. However, when she arrives at Anna’s house, she finds her dead on the floor. The police are called, and Maria is questioned as a witness. However, she is not satisfied with the police investigation, and decides to investigate the murder herself.
Maria’s investigation leads her to a number of suspects, including Anna’s husband, her business partner, and her former lover. She also learns about Anna’s involvement in a local Native American tribe, and the secrets that she kept from her friends and family.
As Maria digs deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit. She learns that Anna was not who she seemed, and that she had been hiding a dark secret. Maria must use all of her skills to solve the murder and bring the killer to justice.
Gameplay
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder is a point-and-click mystery game. The player controls Maria as she explores the game world, interviews suspects, and solves puzzles. The game features a variety of puzzles, including logic puzzles, environmental puzzles, and inventory puzzles.
The player must use their wits and observation skills to solve the puzzles and progress through the game. The game also features a number of red herrings, which can lead the player down the wrong path if they are not careful.
Characters
- Maria: The player character. Maria is a young woman who is visiting Santa Fe to visit her friend, Anna Elk Moon. When Anna is murdered, Maria decides to investigate the crime herself.
- Anna Elk Moon: The victim. Anna is a famous Native American artist who is found dead in her home.
- Tom Elk Moon: Anna’s husband. Tom is a successful businessman who is deeply affected by Anna’s death.
- Sarah Runningwater: Anna’s business partner. Sarah is a Native American woman who is also a close friend of Anna’s.
- Joe Blackhorse: Anna’s former lover. Joe is a Native American man who is still in love with Anna.
Setting
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder is set in the American Southwest, in the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The game features a variety of locations, including Anna’s house, the police station, and the local Native American reservation.
The game’s setting is rich in detail, and the player can learn a lot about the culture and history of the American Southwest by exploring the game world.
Themes
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder explores a number of themes, including:
- Murder and mystery: The game is a murder mystery, and the player must use their wits to solve the crime.
- Native American culture: The game is set in the American Southwest, and the player can learn a lot about Native American culture by exploring the game world.
- Friendship and betrayal: The game explores the themes of friendship and betrayal, as Maria investigates the murder of her friend, Anna Elk Moon.
Reception
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its engaging story, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles. The game was also praised for its beautiful graphics and music.
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was also nominated for a number of awards, including the Computer Game of the Year award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.
Legacy
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder is considered to be one of the best mystery games ever made. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and well-developed characters. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the point-and-click adventure game genre.
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder has been followed by a number of sequels and spin-offs. The most recent game in the series, Santa Fe Mysteries: The Sacred Ground, was released in 2009.
Conclusion
Santa Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder is a classic point-and-click mystery game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game features a compelling story, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles. The
Review Score
8.5/10
