Game Analysis
Jay Smith
What is the name of the game?
Who Dunit
Its platform?
Arcade
Who is the publisher or what is the game's url?
Exidy
Goal
What is the object of the game?
Solve a mystery by indirectly controlling a character by shooting objects onscreen.
Setting / Premise
What is the context for the game?
The protagonist of the game, Max, walks in a straight line. The player needs to shoot objects on
the screen with a light gun in order to protect him from harm as he walks into a variety of
dangerous situations. His direction can be controlled indirectly by shooting targets on the screen.
Is there a backstory?
Max has inherited his grandfather’s mansion and needs to solve a mystery by locating a key and
opening a locked treasure chest. The details of the mystery are not discussed in the attract loop
and are not expanded upon during gameplay.
User Actions and Control Mapping
How does the user interact with the game?
The user interacts with the game entirely by shooting with a light gun mounted to the arcade
machine. An on-screen crosshairs indicates where the gun is pointed. Pulling the trigger sends a
signal the selected location on the screen.
What actions are available and how are they executed?
Hitting certain targets on the screen can give Max power-ups. He will either jump or change
directions if the player shoots him directly. Shooting enemies will either destroy or redirect them.
Challenges
What puzzles and hurdles are presented to the user?
The player must simultaneously protect Max by shooting obstacles in his path and guide him by
changing his direction at certain times. Dozens of different types of enemies and objects
gravitate towards him as he walks at a steady pace. Max loses a life if any of the objects touch
him (even a beach ball).
Scoring / Rewards
What incentives does the game provide?
The incentives in the game are to collect points and to solve the mystery.
How is progress tracked?
The game is non-linear. Max walks around through the same rooms and areas until he finds the
key and opens a locked treasure chest that reveals who “dunit”.
Strategies
What techniques are useful to improve your standing in the game?
Anticipating the location of enemies and the timing of their attacks is helpful. Knowing the
location of the key and the subtleties of maneuvering Max around is also advantageous.
Allure
What makes the game fun?
The game is fun because of the absurd enemies and cartoonish graphics. The light gun is a fun
interface to a game, and the murder mystery is an interesting twist on an otherwise standard
shooting game. Subtle humor sets this game apart from other gun-based arcade games. Max
instantly disintegrates into a skeleton when he is touched by any of the enemies. Enemies range
from animals such as goats, cats, and dogs, to a guy clearly resembling a stereotypical 1970’s
pimp who attacks by throwing his hat. These sort of humorous details make this otherwise
ordinary point and shoot game into something unique and entertaining.
Is it fun to replay? Why or why not?
The replay value is limited because there are a limited number of areas and activities. It is
primitive by modern standards, but is nonetheless enjoyable to play for an hour or two.
Presentation Short Form
Who Dunit - Exidy
How to Play (3 sentence max)
Shoot objects on screen to protect the protagonist from attacks and affect his movement.
Goal (1 sentence)
Find the key to a locked treasure chest to determine “Who Dunit” (the crime is never
specified).