Murder

What happens in play

Murder is built around a single key. As the assassin you hold Spacebar to charge and release it to strike. The king does not stand still: he looks around, and the game is about moving only while he is not watching.

Poki's description sets the stakes plainly. If you are caught, you end up in the dungeon. If you succeed, other people want to kill you for the throne. The game also lets you take the other side: playing the king, Spacebar makes you look back, so the same single button becomes the thing that catches the assassin.

Because everything rides on one button, the learning is in rhythm. Watch how the king behaves for a moment before you start charging, then match your timing to his.

The tension comes from the fact that nothing else is going on. There is no map to learn and no inventory, only the king, the distance between you and him, and your own sense of rhythm. A failed attempt tells you something specific: either you started too early or you held on too long.

Poki frames the story as a short adventure with consequences on both sides. Getting caught means the dungeon, and succeeding means you become the next target. It is a dark premise told in a light, cartoon way, and the session is short enough that you can play it between other things.

Playing the king is a nice contrast. The same single key means something different when you are the one being stalked, and it shows how the whole game is a negotiation between two timings.

Keys

Spacebar (assassin)

Charge and strike

Spacebar (king)

Look back

Time one button press to reach the king unseen.

Practical pointers

• Spend the first moments watching rather than acting. The king's pattern is the information you need.
• Charge in short bursts if the game lets you stop; holding through a look is how most attempts fail.
• If an attempt fails, change one thing, such as when you start, and try again instead of repeating the same timing.
• Try the king role too. Seeing the assassin's side of the timing helps when you return to the other one.
• Practice the release as much as the hold; a good strike depends on both.
• When you think you have the rhythm, try varying it slightly to see how the king reacts.

Who gets the most from it

Players who enjoy one-button games, short sessions and a slightly dark sense of humour told through cartoons.

What may put you off

The theme is a murder plot told in cartoon style. Poki does not give an age rating here, so adults should decide for younger children.

Poki may show ads before or between rounds.

One-button timing can feel repetitive if the pattern does not click for you.

Questions about Murder

Neighbours in the box

• Temple of BoomAnother action game, with weapons and more to do than one button.
• Rail in the AirShares the idea that timing decides the run.