Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore 16, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore Plus/4, DOS, Mac, Texas Instruments TI-99
- Developers: Infocom
- Publishers: Infocom
Suspect (1984): A Murder Mystery Masterpiece
Released in 1984, Suspect is a text-based murder mystery game from Infocom, the legendary developer of interactive fiction classics such as Zork, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Planetfall. Suspect is the last murder mystery game released by Infocom, and it is widely considered to be one of the best examples of the genre.
Gameplay
The player takes on the role of a reporter for the fictitious newspaper The Washington Representative. The player’s character is invited to the annual Ashcroft Halloween Ball, where Maryland’s high society bluebloods rub elbows, network, and congratulate each other on their fortunes. The paper’s editor suggests covering the party as a story, smelling an easy article that could either praise or mock the wealthy. Since it is a costume party, the player’s character suits up in a rented cowboy outfit and moseys over to the bash. Many attendees wear masks, making it difficult to initially identify them.
Not long into the party, however, Veronica Ashcroft-Wellman, a longtime friend of the player character and the wealthy socialite who invited them to the party, is found dead—strangled with a very familiar-looking lariat, with a bullet from the costume’s gunbelt lying near the body for good measure. But the player stashed the rope in the closet earlier, and the bullet is missing from the back of the belt; anyone could have taken them! Nevertheless, the player is the prime suspect in Veronica’s murder. A lot of snooping has to be done to identify the real killer.
Setting and Characters
Suspect is set in the opulent world of Washington, D.C.’s high society. The game’s characters are a diverse and colorful cast, each with their own unique motives and secrets. From the wealthy and powerful Ashcroft family to the shady underworld figures who lurk in the shadows, Suspect’s characters are all suspects in Veronica’s murder.
Puzzles
Suspect is a challenging game, with a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress. The puzzles are all logical and fair, and they require the player to think carefully about the game’s world and characters.
Writing
Suspect is written with Infocom’s trademark wit and intelligence. The game’s text is full of clever wordplay and humor, and the descriptions of the game’s world and characters are vivid and evocative.
Themes
Suspect is a game about murder, mystery, and the dark side of human nature. The game explores the themes of greed, ambition, and betrayal, and it asks the player to question the true nature of justice.
Legacy
Suspect is considered to be one of the greatest interactive fiction games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay, well-written story, and memorable characters have made it a classic of the genre. Suspect has been praised by critics and players alike, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans of interactive fiction today.
Conclusion
Suspect is a must-play for fans of interactive fiction and murder mystery games. The game’s challenging puzzles, well-written story, and memorable characters make it a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a classic adventure game that will keep you guessing until the very end, then Suspect is the game for you.
Tips for Playing Suspect
- Pay attention to the details of the game’s world and characters. Everything in Suspect is a clue.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are multiple ways to solve the game’s puzzles.
- If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to consult a walkthrough.
- Have fun! Suspect is a challenging game, but it’s also a lot of fun.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
