Murder at Menlo Park: Retrofuturism Murder Mystery Party

Murder at Menlo Park

🕒 Game Time: 2-3 hours

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Number of players: 7-15 players, all gender-neutral

🖥️ Play Online or In-Person with you and 14 friends!

⚙️ Theme: Retrofuturism/Steampunk

🥼 Inspired By: The Prestige, Steampunk, Thomas Edison, Age of Invention

✨ The Host can play without knowing whodunnit

Your Story Starts Here!

During the 1904 World’s Fair, Dr. Ari Jacobson and Dr. Julian Shaw debuted their marvelous creation, The Animatronic Man. Despite great interest, they dissolved their partnership shortly after, leaving their invention unfinished. Eleven years later, WWI rages in Europe, and the Germans have just sunk the Lusitania. The call for America to join the war grows louder, and the now Professor Jacobson has announced a mysterious new invention after years of exile. They have invited guests from their past and present to a special reveal in Menlo Park, the small quaint town they've lived in for years. 

CONTENT WARNING: Mild violence, mild romance, and suggestive themes

Recommended For Ages 16+

Character List: 

Professor Ari Jacobson - A Professor of Science at Rossum University, they were hailed as a genius when their invention, The Animatronic Man, made its debut at the 1904 World’s Fair. They have been living in exile in Menlo Park for over a decade.

Dr. Julian Shaw - The other half of the partnership behind the famed Animatronic Man, Julian started their own telecommunications company, Shaw Teleworks, after the public falling out between them and Professor Jacobson. 

Rory Jacobson - The only child of Professor Jacobson, Rory is quite the opposite of their mechanically-minded parent. A concert pianist, Rory has received accolades for their music career.

Sydney Green - Professor Jacobson’s new House Manager. 

Jordan Baker - Professor Jacobson’s assistant.

Mayor Torrance Henson - The long-time mayor of Menlo Park, Mayor Henson takes pride in the small and quaint atmosphere of the town. 

Sheriff Myer Williams - The local law in Menlo Park, their job is pretty easy, as Menlo Park is such a peaceful place. 

Morgan Hopkins - Morgan is the head of Rossum University in nearby Rossum City. 

Rene Andrews - A colleague of Professor Jacobson’s at Rossum University. 

Leslie Coleman - A late-bloomer in the world of industry, Leslie is nonetheless a successful entrepreneur catering to the wealthy through their luxury railcar service. 

Drew Thatcher - A well-known industry leader, they have their funding in many proverbial pies through their company, Thatcher Industries. 

Leighton Call - A high-up from the United States government, Leighton is representing the State Department’s interest in this new invention.

Elliot Glove - A reporter for The National Journal, Elliot was the first to break the news as a brand new reporter eleven years ago about the falling out between Professor Jacobson and Dr. Shaw. 

Kay O’Malley - Leader of the largest worker’s union in the country, Kay is tough and shrewd when it comes to fighting the brutal conditions of factories for workers. 

Kerry Jacobson - Professor Jacobson’s cousin. They were close as children but drifted apart when the Professor went to college and began their idea for the Animatronic Man. 

Mason Keeler - Mason is the Mayor’s new assistant. 

Download Instantly and Plan Your Party Today!

Foulplay Games are immersive, interactive mystery experiences able to be played online or in-person. Before the game, players receive a character profile with a backstory, personality traits, and various goals to accomplish. Once the game begins, guests "act" as their character, interacting with others, moving through scenarios, while investigating, bribing, or blackmailing other characters. Then, spoiler alert, a murder takes place! After that, players receive their Goals and Objectives for the rest of the game. The murderer knows they are the killer and is trying to cover their tracks while the other players are trying to figure out whodunnit! Many players will have secrets of their own to hide. At the end, there is awards for Best Performer, Costume and more and players have an opportunity to share their secrets with the rest of the group. As Host, you can play a character and keep the identity of the murderer a secret, even from yourself!

Your Game Comes With:

A Host Guide walking you through all the steps you need to host your game, Character Profiles and Goals and Objectives, Name Tags, Play Money, Item Cards, and Foulplay Cards, Best Costume, Best Performer, Shadiest Player, and Wealthiest Player Award, Evidence and Solution, A Pinterest Board and Spotify Playlist and BONUS: Instructions on how to host your game online if you choose!

About Us: 

Foulplay Games is a women-owned creative business based in Seattle, WA! We write murder mystery games for geeks! Learn more about us at https://foulplayco.com