The Reality is Murder
The Reality is Murder is an interactive murder mystery party for 23-30 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.
(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy The Reality is Murder I will earn a small amount of commission.)
the story
It is 2003 and Tribal is Network 123's reality show where 12 people live on Moko Shanti, a beautiful tropical island. Every few days, contestants vote each other off the island. Now, only three contestants are left.
Tonight, everyone has returned to the beach where the final Tribal Meeting will be broadcast live and the winner of the $1,000,000 prize will be decided.
Unfortunately, all is not well. Jeff Thompson, Tribal's creator and director, has been found dead on the beach…
how the reality is murder works
The Reality is Murder is an interactive murder mystery game. Players receive complete details of their character, including detailed backstory, objectives they must try to achieve, and information about other characters.
They also have item cards (representing weapons, passports, documents and so on) and abilities (that let them detect secrets and discover information about other people).
In my opinion, once you've played an interactive murder mystery game, you won't want to go back to any other style.
the cast and plots
The Reality is Murder has a number of different plots to keep everyone busy. For example, there is the final of Tribal, the mysterious ANTHRO, and the TV shows finances.
The cast of The Reality is Murder includes:
Tribal Contestants
- Cindy Perkins – A waitress from Miami, Florida and a finalist.
- Mike Hollandale – A real estate agent from LA and a finalist.
- Sandy Aikley – A lawyer from Chicago and a finalist.
- Harry Samson – A retired US Army veteran from Long Island. Most recently eliminated in Tribal – coming 4th.
- Lou Breakmier – An aging mystic from San Francisco, coming 5th.
- Ronnie Brooks – Ski instructor and mountain guide from Colorado, coming 6th.
- Derek Lunesdale – A body builder from Detroit, coming 7th.
- Kelly Patterson – A model from New York City, coming 8th.
- Devon Warring – Unemployed, from Orlando. Mysteriously pulled out of the show, effectively coming 9th.
- Rev. Hal Cleever – A minister from a small town in Texas, coming 10th.
- Domino Mountford – An eccentric French contestant currently living in New York City, coming 11th.
- Bernie Fraser – A stay-at-home parent from New York. First to be eliminated, coming 12th.
Tribal Crew
- Sam Wraysford – Sam is Tribal’s producer.
- Murray Neilson – Originally a park warden from the Florida Everglades, now an assistant producer.
- Chris Keller – Tribal’s head of security.
- Rex Newby – One of the set designers, responsible for the creation of the Tribal Meeting set. Mary’s husband.
- Mary Newby – Production assistant and Rex’s wife.
- Dr Charlie Milahoff – Tribal’s psychologist.
- Jules McGee – A snake and insect expert, originally from Australia.
- Britney Thompson – Jeff Thompson’s wife and Tribal’s host.
- PJ Deever – Tribal’s primary camera operator.
- Dr Georgie Palmer – Tribal’s on-site doctor, an expert in tropical diseases and injuries.
Other TV People
- Matthew Stuart-Fosterson IV – CEO of the TV Network 123.
- Alex Johnson – Matthew Stuart- Fosterson’s personal assistant.
- Bo Bo Hardensfield – TV chef and presenter of Tribal’s spin-off show, Tribal Bites.
- Honey Rider – Bikini model from LA.
- Clara Stuart-Fosterson – Network 123’s Finance Director, and Matthew’s wife.
Islanders
- Phoenix – Leader of the Moko Shanti Islanders.
- Skua – Phoenix’s headstrong son.
- Summer – Phoenix’s daughter
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, The Reality is Murder is better suited to a buffet meal or finger food.
Everyone needs to be able to talk quietly with each other - to plot and scheme and achieve their goals.
The Reality is Murder needs a dedicated host, someone to organise the game.
They will read the entire game and will be available to answer questions.
I really enjoy being the host - you know what's going on and can watch your friends scheme and plot and be devious to one another.
how to get Casino Fatale
Click here to purchase The Reality is Murder is available from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase The Reality is Murder.
Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!
Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy The Reality is Murder.)
Does The Reality is Murder come with a money-back guarantee?
Does The Reality is Murder come with a money-back guarantee?
Yes!
Freeform Games offer a cast-iron guarantee on all their murder mystery games. If you're not completely satisfied with The Reality is Murder then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is The Reality is Murder suitable for?
What age is The Reality is Murder suitable for?
Freeform Games recommends The Reality is Murder is suitable for those aged 18+ as it contains extra-marital affairs, a sex-tape plot, and teen pregnancy.
How long does The Reality is Murder take to play?
How long does The Reality is Murder take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play The Reality is Murder. While the game itself takes 2.5-3 hours to play, I recommend allowing time to introduce the game and wind down after.
Where's my download?
Where's my download?
Shortly after buying The Reality is Murder you should receive an email from Freeform Games explaining how to download the game files.
If you haven't received this, please first check your spam filter - sometimes the emails end up there.
If that fails, please get in touch directly with Freeform Games - with the details of which game you bought, when you bought it, and which email address you used. Or contact me (with that same information) and I'll get in touch for you.
How many guests will I need?
How many guests will I need?
You need at least 23 guests and no more than 30.
If you have fewer than 23 guests you will have to drop a character (which may affect the plot), or play a character yourself (not ideal, but I talk about it here), or even ask a guest to play two characters at once.
If you have more than 30 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download The Reality is Murder.
Can I host The Reality is Murder and also play a character?
Can I host The Reality is Murder and also play a character?
The host has an important role in The Reality is Murder. The organize and coordinate the party. They also act as an impartial "referee" - so it's important that they have read the game and understand what is going on.
So I recommend not playing a character and hosting the game.
But if you still want to host a game and play a character (or you have to because a player cannot attend), I have advice on doing that here.
Click here to purchase The Reality is Murder from Freeform Games.
New game
The Show Must Go On! - an English amateur dramatics themed themed murder mystery for 9-13 guests.
Don't know where to start?
Here's my suggested quick route through the site:
Step 1 - Go to Choosing a Game to choose the game that suits your party best.
Step 2 - Review the Tips for Hosts for helpful advice.
Step 3 - If you want to keep up to date with the latest murder mystery game news, click on my What's New page.
Step 4 - Once you've had your party - tell me how it went! Click here to tell me your murder mystery party story.
Got a question? Click here to go to the FAQ.
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