Donate to complete the game!

Help bring this independent game to life. You can even become a part! (see rewards below). The Murder on Hemlock Drive is a murder-mystery, role-playing, puzzle game where you have to utilize your skills of deduction and knowledge of human nature to solve the crime. In this game, you step into the pages of an Agatha Christie novel, full of intrigue, greed, and betrayal.  

When you arrive at the House on Hemlock Drive, there will be many secrets to discover and puzzles to solve. The game boasts a rich dialogue system where your choices matter, complemented by modifiable character traits that will help you get out of risky situations. For example, at the beginning of the game, you find yourself stuck in a train station. You can choose to make friends with a stranger who will drive you to where you need to go, or you can just steal his car. Choices like these will change everything that comes after.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: No Reward Necessary
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: No Reward Necessary

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: No Reward Necessary

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: No Reward Necessary

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$0.00

No Reward Necessary: You will get my sincere gratitude and appreciation!

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Backer Credit
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Backer Credit

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Backer Credit

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$10.00

Backer Credit: You will get a digital copy of the game on completion with a thank you and your name in the credits.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Soundtrack
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Soundtrack

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Soundtrack

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$20.00

Soundtrack: You will get a digital copy of the game’s soundtrack. Also includes rewards from: Backer Credit.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Digital Art Book
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Digital Art Book

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Digital Art Book

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$25.00

Artbook: You will get a digital copy of the game’s artbook, containing final artwork, notes, sketches, unused pieces and more! Also includes rewards from: Backer Credit and Soundtrack.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Be an Author
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Be an Author

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Be an Author

In cart Not available Out of stock
$30.00

Become an Author: There are many secrets hidden in books. Be a part of a puzzle by becoming an author of one of the many books in the game. Also includes rewards from: Backer Credit, Soundtrack and Artbook.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Your Message in a Book
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Your Message in a Book

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Your Message in a Book

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$50.00

Message in a Book: Write a special note, share some poetry, defend your thesis - write something that players will encounter as they play through the game. Also includes rewards from: Backer Credit, Soundtrack, Artbook and Be an Author.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Signed Photo of the Lead Programmer
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Signed Photo of the Lead Programmer

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Signed Photo of the Lead Programmer

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$100.00

Signed Photo of the CMO: A photo of our CMO (Chief Meow-keting Officer) Emma the cat, signed especially for you. Also includes rewards from: Backer Credit, Soundtrack, Artbook, Be an Author and Message in a Book.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: The Power of Friendship
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: The Power of Friendship

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: The Power of Friendship

In cart Not available Out of stock
$150.00

Power of Friendship: Receive a custom character illustration (of a character of your choice!) from my friend and artist, Hugo Pereira. This tier is limited to 10 backers. Also includes rewards from: Backer Credit, Soundtrack, Artbook, and Be an Author.

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The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Your Head In the Game
  • The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Your Head In the Game

The Murder On Hemlock Drive: Your Head In the Game

In cart Not available Out of stock
$500.00

Your Head on The Wall: Your visage will appear as a portrait, mannequin, trophy, or mask somewhere in the game. Also includes rewards from: Backer Credit, Soundtrack, Artbook, and Be an Author, Message in a Book and Signed Photo of the Lead Programmer.

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$7105 Raised out of $7000

STRETCH GOALS

$8500 - Expanded Side Character and Environmental Animations

You are a research scientist employed at the Cincinnati Zoo as a Rodentia Research Specialist. 

You hear of some interesting behavior being exhibited by the Allegheny Woodrats in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and read reports of them growing to twice their normal size. The only thing going through your head is, “I just have to check this out.”

On an off chance, you write to the mother of an old friend who lives in the area and she invites you to stay at her house while you conduct your research. She insists that you come to her New Year’s Party. It has been many years since you’ve seen this family and you wonder what they are like now.

With your curiosity piqued, you catch the train from Union Terminal and head to the House on Hemlock Drive. As you meet the residents of the house, you begin to feel the thinly veiled tension permeating throughout the house. What have you walked into?

 

Intimidate, gossip, flirt, lecture, or bribe - this rich dialogue system will react to the choices you make and build dynamic relationships with the characters around you. Choose your words wisely, if you want to extract the most information.

Forge your unique path through the narrative by mixing and matching a variety of styles:

  • The Classy Individual: As a person of means and manners, you walk around with an aura of respect. Though many things come easy, be aware that deference may hide secrets.
  • The Charismatic Youth: With you, there’s never a lull in conversation and you can always find a friend to gossip with. However, your talkative ways often leave you distracted from the machinations going on around you.
  • The Intelligent Scholar: You have always been observant and quick witted. You have never met a problem you could not solve. But be careful, not all people respond to logos as well as you think they should.

Explore the world, solve ciphers, find secret passages - There are many secrets hidden away in this old house for you to discover.

Experience a striking and unique world of fully hand drawn illustrations. And vibe to a fully orchestrated Jazz soundtrack. Each character has their own improvised, cinematic motif. 

I am currently raising money to complete the fully featured demo. To get an idea of what the finished game will look like, you can check out my “vibes” demo.

  • Check out my "vibes" demo. [Here] This short demo from early in pre-production contains the basic role playing and puzzle mechanics. Also, the game features the brilliant illustrations of Evan Verrilli and the well-crafted musical themes and motifs of Ethan Kimberly. It is currently lacking the rich dialogue system and some RPG elements mentioned in the “Featured” section.

 

 

 

 

Risks

The Murder on Hemlock Drive is in the later stages of pre-production. Currently, the final assets are being created and the programming is being finished.  As a solo developer, there may be unforeseen circumstances and delays in finishing the project. However, I am confident that I can overcome any obstacle that presents itself.

Backers will receive a monthly newsletter detailing updates in production. Make sure you sign up!

Reward Disclaimer

All names and notes that will be added to the game must be first approved by myself to preserve player immersion.

FAQ

Feel free to ask me questions! I'll answer them here.