Killer Inn: A Unique Multiplayer Murder Mystery Experience
Developed by Tactic Studios in collaboration with Square Enix, Killer Inn was recently unveiled during the Summer Game Fest livestream, marking a significant departure from Square Enix’s traditional RPG roots. This multiplayer murder mystery game draws inspiration from popular titles like Among Us, introducing intense gameplay that combines deduction and danger. Players find themselves in a sprawling castle-turned-hotel where 24 participants engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, seeking to identify the original killer among them while eliminating threats with a diverse array of weapons, including knives and guns.
Each match in Killer Inn operates within a framework reminiscent of traditional detective games such as Ultimate Werewolf and Mafia. Players begin as either "lambs," who cooperate to identify the killers, or "wolves," who are the secret assassins tasked with eliminating the lambs. Players complete various tasks to earn tokens, which can be exchanged for weapons and items, but the tension escalates dramatically once a body is discovered. This triggers a search for clues, allowing the lambs to piece together information while navigating a landscape of fear, suspicion, and potential betrayal.
One major departure from the Among Us format is the absence of group discussions or voting sessions. Instead, Killer Inn plunges players directly into action. If a lamb suspects a wolf, they have the option to take lethal action without consulting others. However, a misstep may lead to an innocent teammate’s death, resulting in severe consequences—being turned to stone for the remainder of the game. The mechanics cultivate both excitement and a sense of paranoia, as players must navigate their decisions carefully while balancing teamwork and survival.
In addition to identification and elimination mechanics, Killer Inn introduces a secondary win condition for the lambs: collecting four keys to escape from the island aboard the arriving ship. This layer of strategy encourages players to pursue multiple objectives, whether they are focusing on gathering clues, eliminating suspected killers, or racing to find the keys. Added features such as hotel staff providing safety and information can also influence the game’s dynamics, enhancing player interaction and immersing them in a rich environment.
Character selection plays a crucial role in Killer Inn, with 25 distinct pre-made characters each equipped with unique appearances, abilities, and potential for development throughout a match. As players progress, their characters can evolve in skills, reflecting their darker aspects as they gain advantages from the gameplay. For example, the character named Winston, a surgeon, can achieve greater efficiency in knife kills and increase damage when coated in blood, while The Otaku character gains health and resistance by finding clues. Notably, these leveling attributes reset with each match, ensuring that everyone starts on equal footing, adding strategic variety and replayability to the gaming experience.
While Killer Inn currently lacks an official release date, a closed beta test is on the horizon for interested players, facilitated through Steam. This upcoming phase promises an opportunity for gamers to engage with the game’s mechanics firsthand and provide valuable feedback. The combination of social deduction, action-oriented gameplay, and character versatility is set to generate significant interest, potentially carving out a unique niche within the multiplayer gaming landscape.
