While murder mystery and forensic-based TV shows and movies have been gaining in popularity over the past ten years, only since 2021 has murder-themed game play emerged. Now that we’re closing out the final months of 2023…they’re all of the rage! Fun to play at parties with your family and friends.

** 2023 Holiday Gift Guide Feature ** Complimentary Game Received. Post May Contain Affiliate Links.

Now there are immediate murder solving games that may be played at home. University Games has been the leader in murder-based games for the last four decades since launching the Murder Mystery Party brand in 1985. Co-Founder, Bob Moog, explained, “In the 1980s when Mystery Weekend and Mystery Train were popular, we created the Murder Mystery Party to give partiers a mystery-in-a-box that could be solved in an evening with friends.

The Night Hunter stands alone as the next generation of murder-in-a-box. To catch The Night Hunter, four separate game-solving chapters require players to solve five distinct and seemingly unrelated murders. The game includes ciphers, cryptograms and hidden clues, requiring good old-fashioned gumshoe logic and observational skills. The Night Hunter takes 3-4 hours to play and employs innovative online hints and solutions that help detectives throughout every step of the game, making sure they don’t get stuck.

Synopsis: It was more than 20 years ago when The Night Hunter terrified America with a series of disturbing murders. He taunted police and wrote strange and bewildering letters to the media. Everyone thought the reign of terror ended when Bill Mendax confessed to the crimes. But now a new murder has taken place. Is it a copycat? Has the real killer been loose all of this time? Does Mendax have a partner? The Bureau needs your help to find the truth before The Night Hunter kills again. Join the Bureau in a search of clues about The Night Hunter’s past to solve the murders in the present. It will take lots of evidence and listening to witnesses to catch the nurderer.

We host a game night with family and/or friends twice a month at our home. Two weeks ago we had our friends J and K come over for pizza, beer and game night. We sat down to play The Night Hunter and wow…this was one game that had you thinking from start to finish. Unlike a crime-solving TV show…you’re pulled into the storyline and MUST SOLVE the crime. Since it takes a couple of hours to play I recommend that you take a pizza break about 90-120 minutes into the game to break up the “sitting” time.

All 4 of us (all 30-something adults) loved this game! Yes, it takes a few hours to play but it’s unlike other games out in the retail marketplace. You have to think and use your own “smarts” to solve the case…along with your fellow players. It’s engaging. The crime, clues, characters, etc. are all well thought out. Did I say…we loved playing it? Okay, it was worth repeating it!

This game is for ages 14 years of age and up and for 1 or more players. There’s over 100 pieces of evidence, 4 known victims and 1 new target. Can you find the killer before it’s too late? This is not a quick-playing game. You need to allow 4-5 hours in your schedule. It’s an immersive crime-solving experience. The game is available online and at retail shops including Target, Amazon, Fred Meyer and AreYouGame.com.

Learn more about University Games by visiting: www.universitygames.com and interact with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Giveaway: One lucky winner is going to win The Night Hunter Mystery Game from University Games. Good Luck!!!

Giveaway Details: This giveaway is open to residents of the US ONLY age 18 and over. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering. This giveaway will close on November 18th, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST time. No purchase necessary to enter or win. 

Disclaimer: Jenelle received a complimentary product to review & feature. No monetary compensation was received. Regardless, Jenelle is sharing her 100% unbiased and honest opinion with the readers of the TwoClassyChics blog. Your opinion may differ. Two Classy Chics is not responsible for prize shipping. This post may contain affiliate links.