
1986 | a Sinister '80s Murder Mystery
A sinister 1980's murder mystery party game for 12-16 guests, ages 15 and up due to difficulty. This dark-themed '80s game has required video components, but transcripts are provided as back-ups. Characters are flexible gender. The expansion pack (purchased separately) provides 16 more unique roles (4 required), and 4 expandable teams. The game will be expandable to over 136 players with main game and expansion pack (purchased separately). This is the instant download version of the game, you will have everything needed to play within the download, and there's nothing to ship, so you avoid shipping fees. No waiting, just download, print, prepare and play! Don't want to prepare your game? No worries - for the party ready pack (boxed set), click on the link below in the helpful links section.
You will receive a host instruction file, printable file, solution file, and access to the videos via Vimeo and YouTube. The links to the free invitation and pre-game site are below, under helpful links below.
Game release date: September 24th, 2020. Last rev. 9/14/21
Helpful Links:
- Host character list
- Free, printable invitation
- 16+ character expansion pack #1 - expand to over 136 guests
- Sample game materials
- Boxed version (party pack) kit version is here. Have our staff prepare your game kit
- Want props? They are optional, but fun. Prop Emporium!
- Pre-game site for your players.


Here's the breakdown of how to host a large game (see character lists below for details):
- 16 characters with the main game
- 16 characters with expansion pack #1 (coming mid-September, purchased separately. Note: 4 players are required if you add this pack.)
- Up to 25+ duplicate players as Nurses with Alby Dahmer (expansion pack #1 player)
- Up to 25+ duplicate players as Film Developers with Bernie Cullen (expansion pack #1 player)
- Up to 25+ duplicate players as Assistant Butchers with Marion Holmes (expansion pack #1 player)
- Up to 25+ duplicate players as Blockbuster employees with Randy Fish (expansion pack #1 player)
Mystery Synopsis:
Nevertheless, Ridley Barnabet recently inherited the family fortune and wishes to catapult the manor to become a local hot-spot and travel destination. Ridley has sent out exclusive invitations for a VIP bash. The town gossips are on fire with rumors of what will happen on this night when the who’s who of the town will be gathered together.
On another note, there is a buzz that the mysterious society, The Clear, might be involved with the event. The Clear is a top-secret social order that nobody knows for sure exists, but everyone chats about and spreads tales about how they control the world and all of its headlines. Could The Clear be behind this event? Only time will tell - or would time even spill the secret?
You’ve received an invitation to the gathering at the manor. This is where your story begins.
If you wish to host this (or any other) game for profit, you will need a commercial license or provide us with your 501C number for a charity fundraiser - click here.
- Minimum age:
- 15 for difficulty - like our other games, there are no instances of foul language, sexual innuendos, or drugs. This game does involve 'cultish/world domination' references.
- Gender:
- All characters are gender flexible
- Number of players:
- 12 minimum - 16 total in the main game.
- Expansion packs?:
- Expansion pack #1 (16 players) - purchased separately
- Expandable teams?:
- Yes, expandable to over 136 players with expansion packs and expandable teams
- Required videos:
- Yes.
- Group Challenge?:
- Yes - there is one in round one and another in round two.
Reviews
-
Entertaining Evening!
We hosted this party on Saturday night. Our guests had a blast and already have asked if we would host another murder mystery party. I will say that the setup is time-consuming so consider the boxed set.