This week on Steam, it’s all about detective games. There are so many murder mysteries, it feels like a crime scene everywhere you turn. If you’re looking for a good investigation, the Steam Detective Fest has tons of discounts and demos available until January 19th. With so many choices, where do you even begin? I decided to challenge some game developers: how would they eliminate Humpty Dumpty without getting caught?
In just a few creative responses, developers showed us their thoughts on this tricky task.
The first comes from Tim Sheinman, designer of The Ratline, set in a world where a new political party seeks to undermine the fragile advisor to the king, Humpty Dumpty.
In a fictional realm, a grassroots movement against eggs leads to chaos. They stir up public sentiment and manage to sway the king into putting Dumpty on trial. Humpty is eventually shattered in a staged execution, showcasing how power dynamics can lead to drastic actions, all without a single drop of blood on the instigators’ hands.
Then there’s Yannis Antonakakis from Obsidian Moon. He suggested a slow, political maneuvering to discredit Dumpty. Rumors would surround him, creating doubt in the court and ultimately leading to Dumpty’s exile, or much worse.
Next up is the Dinocop team, whose character Carmen Babar thinks the king would need to make the call for murder. Through political wrangling and power plays, the act could happen right in front of the king without his knowledge. This highlights how political motives complicate personal conflict.
Lastly, from Just In Crime, designer Raúl Ramos proposes a unique approach: weaken Dumpty through subtle actions. By making Hampty feel self-conscious about his hygiene, he might inadvertently harm himself. This response serves as a clever reminder of how perceptions can lead to downfall.
This blend of creativity provides a fresh take on the classic “how to get away with murder” trope, revealing the complexities of human nature and social dynamics. In these tales, murder isn’t just about brute force; it’s a dance of influence, knowledge, and ultimate power shifts.
So, how would you pull off the perfect crime on Humpty Dumpty? Think it over!
