It’s a mystery why a board game that revolves around a macabre murder became such a hit with families, but Clue has had a stranglehold on audiences from the get-go. Using cards, clues and cunning, the detective game born in 1943 out of boredom during WWII air-raid blackouts has remained a family-friendly sensation all these years. Now, the classic whodunnit comes to life as an interactive and immersive experience in Boston. (Yes, you can dress in character.)
As a fan of the game since my dad first dragged out his childhood set to play with me in the ‘80s, I was excited to hit the bricks with my friend for some sleuthing when “Clue: A Walking Mystery” debuted in Boston on June 27. With the green light from Hasbro, award-winning interactive game designers The Wild Optimists and Right Angle Entertainment first launched the event in Chicago, with more cities in planning. It invites armchair sleuths to hit the streets to cosplay as descendents of the original characters—Mayor Green, Colonel Mustard, Solicitor Peacock, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlett and Chef White—to solve the grizzly murder of Mr. Boddy Black, the game’s fictitious victim. The 75-year-old case may have gone cold, but thanks to clues scattered throughout the city, you can be hot on the trail of a murderer.
Our adventure begins just off the Freedom Trail, by the North End Bakery counter inside the bustling Quincy Market, as two butlers describe the tale and the familiar task at hand: We must determine who murdered Mr. Black, where it happened and which weapon was used.
As the butler’s story reveals, furniture from the victim’s Tudor Mansion has been auctioned off and distributed at locations around downtown Boston. These pieces hold the key to the murder, so my fellow detective and I took off to investigate. Armed with the provided booklet full of notes as well as a map of where to find the furniture, our itinerary includes Bostonia Public House, Margaritaville, Sip Café, Boston Marriott Long Wharf, the Dagny Boston hotel and more touristed businesses.
Word to the wise: wear comfortable walking shoes. The approximate walking distance from the two furthest points of the hunt is just under a mile, but the distance could be more depending on the route you decide to walk from location to location (translation: whether you use Google Maps or the printed map you’re given).
Because you’re solving the case with your own team at your own speed, the experience is free-flowing as you whittle down the list of suspects, settings and murder weapon. Most games take about three hours, but there is no time limit. Want to take a break to discuss the evidence or just sit for a bit? Linger at any of the stops and take advantage of Clue discounts provided to participating businesses, which incentivize various snacks to drinks.
If you need a little help sleuthing, a QR code inside your booklet comes to the rescue with hints along your journey. The game concludes at the final gathering spot, where another butler is waiting to reveal what happened. If your answer is right, you get bragging rights and a photo with your team and a banner touting “I Solved Clue!”
Boston is the second city to host Clue: A Walking Mystery, which had its inital summer run extended through November 3. The experience will also be opening in Los Angeles, Denver, Minneapolis, Miami, St. Louis and Seattle, with additional cities announced as they’re scheduled. Recommended for ages 8 and over with adults accompanying minors, tickets start at $35. Slotted times are noon-6pm from Wednesday-Sunday.