Abstract:
The present invention is an interactive mystery game that can be played anywhere (as there is no board to restrict playing venue) by any number of people of all ages. The objective of the game is to solve the mystery, as clues are eventually revealed such that a logical and unique solution to the mystery can be eventually discovered. Each player assumes a new and unique identity and instructions on what and when to say and do prescribed acts. Each player is encouraged and given the opportunity to improvise and integrate the character assigned to him or her.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to entertainment, including games and performance art and, more particularly, to an interactive game especially related to activities and themes associated with mysteries.  
           [0003]    2. Background Information  
           [0004]    The playing of board games is a very popular pastime in a variety of circumstances. Throughout the years, many innovations have been developed relating to various games for people of all ages. The following U.S. patents are representative of some of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,121,928; 5,139,268; 5,183,257; 5,251,905; and 5,282,630. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,928 discloses a board game that is based on information recall. Although such information recall games may be enjoyable to some adults who have accumulated much knowledge over the years, such an information recall board effectively limits the age group of players. Consequently, it would be desirable for a game that would allow all age groups to play the game.  
           [0005]    Moreover, each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,139,268 and 5,183,257 discloses a board game that has two paths. A long path has less risks, and a short path has more risks. For some players, especially young players and timid adults, the need to make a choice of taking risks or not taking risks may be an undesirable and disconcerting undertaking. For some players, such choice of risk taking may take the fun out of the game and produce unnecessary stress and anxiety. In this respect, it would be desirable if a board game were provided which does not require a player to make choices among risky categories.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,905 discloses a war game in which each player tries to capture the other players&#39; pieces. Rather than have a board game depend solely upon capturing the opponents pieces, it would be desirable if a board game had a mode of playing which provides for more than capturing an opponents pieces. Besides, some people find do not want to have anything to do with wars, battles, and violence.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,328 discloses a Halloween board game that may be particularly apropos for enjoyment during the Halloween time of year; however, it may feel inappropriate to play a board game with such seasonal theme “out of season.” 
           [0008]    Another common denominator to the games discussed above and similar games thereof is the essential use of a board of some sort, size or shape. Any such variety of a board may limit the number of players and the location in which the game may be played. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a game not limited by the use of a board and a game that would allow more than the average maximum number of players to play the game.  
           [0009]    Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use board games, the prior art described above does not teach or suggest an interactive “Mystery” game which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) does not require information recall to play the game; (2) an interactive game for players of all ages; (3) does not require a player to make choices of taking less risky long paths or more risky short paths; (4) provides for more than capturing the pieces of an opponent; (5) relates to mysteries written for a variety of players; (6) can be played anywhere and not limited to where a level or horizontal board can be set up; (7) the mysteries are written for a variety of players; (8) each mystery can accommodate virtually any size group; (9) there are no boards, dice, scorecards, or other board-related paraphernalia to lose; and (10) by virtue of the interactive mystery game, players are encouraged to improvise their given roles, which adds to the fun and excitement. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique interactive “Mystery To Go!” Game of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    Games are the ultimate medium for mystery fiction, as they can offer a great story and memorable characters like any book or movie. While most people tend to connect computer games with “Super Mario” and “kids&#39; stuff,” the present invention offers a new form of mystery, one that places every player squarely in the center of the story instead of a passive observer and keeps every player there until the puzzle or mystery is solved. The proposed invention is designed for all age groups of people who enjoy good fiction and solving puzzles.  
           [0011]    To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides an interactive mystery or “who dunnit” game, which includes mysteries written for a variety of players such that each mystery can accommodate any size group. There are three versions of each mystery: the Small Packet is tailored for 48 players, the Medium Packet is tailored for 9-20 players, and the Large Packet is tailored for groups greater than 20. The objective of each mystery is to solve who committed the crime and why. There is a logical and unique solution to each mystery and each clue encountered suggests answers to the who and why goals of the game.  
           [0012]    Each game contains a master information page, 8, 20 or 50 pamphlets and several props. Each player assumes a new and unique identity. Each player receives a pamphlet, which describes his or her character and instructions on what and when to say certain words or sentences and do certain acts. Throughout a player&#39;s dialog, hidden clues are revealed, which help solve the mystery. Comedic lines and acts are provided to provide some levity to the game.  
           [0013]    As such, the characters in this interactive mystery game are believable this interactive mystery game is tailored for players to solve a comical mystery while assuming the speaking and acting roles; each player is prompted to improvise and dress the part of his or her character, who is very believable. Each mystery or story line is interesting enough to get everyone involved, even spectators. The plot lines may be complex but never confusing.  
           [0014]    The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.  
           [0015]    In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
           [0016]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
           [0017]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.  
           [0019]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that individuals of all ages can play.  
           [0020]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that can be played anywhere and not limited to where a level or horizontal board can be set up.  
           [0021]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that has mysteries written for a variety of players.  
           [0022]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that can accommodate virtually any size group.  
           [0023]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that has no boards, dice, scorecards, or other board-related paraphernalia to lose.  
           [0024]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that encourages players to improvise their given roles, which adds to the fun and excitement.  
           [0025]    An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that may be manufactured at low materials and labor costs, and thereby affordable to the average consumer.  
           [0026]    Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that does not require information recall to play the game.  
           [0027]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that permits each player to assume a different character to be acted out verbally and physically.  
           [0028]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that does not require a player to make choices of taking risky decisions of any degree.  
           [0029]    Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that provides for more than capturing the pieces of an opponent.  
           [0030]    Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved interactive mystery game that can be played anytime and any season.  
           [0031]    These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0032]    With reference to the instructions, a new and improved interactive mystery game embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.  
         [0033]    The present entertainment method involves scripted performances by each of a variable number of participants or players. Unlike prior “mystery games”, the present method involves completely scripted recitations by participants, so each character reads aloud a humorous scripted dialog that reveals clues to a subject mystery in a precise order. Any adlibbing, while perhaps fun, is strictly optional for the present method. Also, participants in the present method are instructed to speak in a certain tone or accent. This helps define the character and is more fun for the individual playing the part.  
         [0034]    Another feature that distinguishes the present method from prior entertainment systems or methods is that, with existing games or systems, the “crime” has already taken place, and the object of the activity is to determine “who did it.” Conversely, according to the present method, the bad event takes place during play—participants actually experience the mystery after it happens.  
         [0035]    Still another distinguishing factors relates to “props” and supplies. Existing mystery games are based upon, and, therefore, require such expensive items as cassette tapes that tell stories about the mystery, invitations, maps and many individual clue packages that ultimately cause the game to be cumbersome and expensive. The present method substantially relies only on the paper-based props (pictures), scripts, and other simple printed matter. Participants can optionally supply their own physical props, if desired.  
         [0036]    An illustrative guide to an activity according to the present method follows:  
         [0037]    “What&#39;s going on?” (Read this aloud to everyone in your party)  
         [0038]    “A terrible crime is about to happen and one of you is the perpetrator! 
         [0039]    The object is to solve the mystery of who did it. So get rid of all inhibitions and have fun with it! Be a ham!!!” 
         [0040]    Now the host or moderator proceeds as follows:  
         [0041]    First simply open up the large brown envelope and remove all the contents listed below.  
         [0042]    1. (4) Blue pamphlets. These are the (4) characters parts.  
         [0043]    2. A white diamond stand with a scratch on it.  
         [0044]    3. A picture of a diamond necklace that lies on top of the diamond stand.  
         [0045]    4. A picture of a fishing pole  
         [0046]    5. A picture of a bowl containing pretzels.  
         [0047]    6. A large white envelope marked “Confessions”.  
         [0048]    7. A suspect list.  
         [0049]    Steps to get Started:  
         [0050]    1. Hand out the pamphlets.  
         [0051]    (These pamphlets not only tell each person what to say or do, but they also give information about your individual character.) These are the parts for everyone. Make sure you give a male character pamphlet to a male, and a female character pamphlet to a female. Try to match the right person with the character (in both appearance and personality).  
         [0052]    2. Put all the props in the middle of the table (The props are in picture form).  
         [0053]    a. The diamond stand with the diamond necklace laying on top.  
         [0054]    b. The bowl of pretzels  
         [0055]    c. The fishing pole  
         [0056]    3. Hand out a piece of paper (Their individual clue sheet) and a pen to everyone. This allows them to document clues so that at the end of the game, they can easily recall the clues and solve the mystery.  
         [0057]    4 Make sure nobody opens the envelope marked confession until the end of the game! 
         [0058]    Now you can start! 
         [0059]    1. A designated first character starts things off! She reads her first lines and everyone will follow along in their pamphlets.  
         [0060]    2. Instructions on what to do and say are given in the pamphlets.  
         [0061]    3. That&#39;s it! No difficult instructions—just follow along and be prepared to say and do whatever the pamphlet tells you to do! 
         [0062]    Solving the Mystery 1. After all the clues are given out (all the info in the pamphlets are read aloud) everyone then writes down who they think committed the terrible crime on their individual clue sheet! (Make sure they write their name on the clue sheet)  
         [0063]    2. After everyone has turned in their clues sheet with who dunnit, the confession envelopes are now to be taken out of the large brown envelope and given to the person who&#39;s name is on the papers inside (confession papers).  
         [0064]    3. Each person who received the confession paper will read out their confession in order. There will be a number on the top of the page that tells you if you&#39;re first, second, third, etc.  
         [0065]    4. The mystery is solved and the perpetrators are caught! 
         [0066]    5. Now look at the individual clue sheets and see who got it right! 
         [0067]    6. Who are the master detectives in your group? 
         [0068]    7. You&#39;re done! 
         [0069]    The present entertainment method is not like a board game, or other “games”, but rather a participatory entertainment event.  
         [0070]    As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided.  
         [0071]    It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved interactive mystery game that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may be advantageously used without limits to venue, age or number of players.  
         [0072]    Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use.  
         [0073]    Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.