All aboard for a first-class journey filled with secrets, suspicious passengers, and murder in Murder on the Buffalo Express, a downloadable 1930s train-themed video chat murder mystery party designed for Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and other video-chat platforms.
Dress as passengers and crew members aboard a luxurious steam locomotive, and investigate a murder during the journey from New York City to Cleveland.
This is a highly challenging, Sherlock-level mystery and is not recommended for novice sleuths. Players must carefully analyze evidence, collaborate on group challenges, and consider information revealed through the required video presentations to uncover the solution.
Helpful Pre-Game Resources
The optional player pre-game website introduces the Buffalo Express, the characters, costume suggestions, party details, and story background before the train departs.
Casting note: Kit Barcroft and Ruth Cavetti appear in the story materials and character lists but are not normally assigned to players. Kit Barcroft is the victim, and Ruth Cavetti is used only when the host presents the written video transcripts instead of the videos.
Mystery Synopsis
Built in 1891, the Buffalo Express is a luxurious steam locomotive that makes five stops between New York City and Cleveland, Ohio. It is 1934, and the train is preparing to leave New York City with a fully booked first-class carriage. The crew has ensured that the food is fresh, the ice cubes are perfectly square, and every surface is spotless.
With so many prominent passengers aboard, every detail must be flawless. Unfortunately, beneath the polished service and first-class elegance, secrets are traveling alongside the passengers.
You will be aboard the Buffalo Express for the journey to Cleveland. Before the train reaches its final destination, a murder will demand the attention of everyone on board. This is where your story begins.
For significantly larger events (e.g., 100+ players), most video chat themes will include a spectator file, either with the main game purchase or with the purchase of the expansion pack, when available. The spectator files allow additional players to participate in a general, non-suspect role.
To see if a theme has a spectator file included with the main game, view the product details section under Max Players (main game).
The spectator players will receive a character packet just like the character players. All character packets will follow the same pagination so the host can control the flow of the game.
The spectators are not suspects, and they are not unique characters, but rather will be a general group that goes along with the game's theme. For example, the Murder on the Buffalo Express game has Buffalo Express Crew Members. The spectators expand the game to 100 or more participants.
Important: Only host a video chat game with a group size you have successfully managed on your chosen video-chat platform before.
Do not use this party as your first attempt at hosting a large virtual group, as larger events require additional preparation, platform familiarity, and moderation.
The spectator players should be encouraged to dress in costume for their generalized roles. As the host, you can create a fun themed background graphic for them to use on the video chat (depending on the platform), so the spectators are easily visualized together as a group and different than the character role players.
The spectator players will not add information, clues, or dialogue to the game, but you can allow them to freely speak, ask questions, pose theories, help with group challenges, etc.
Assigning Characters: After purchasing the game and reading the host instructions, the host downloads the character packet files, assigns one character to each player, and sends each participant their assigned character packet by email or text message.
Character Packets: Each participant receives an individual PDF character packet before the party, along with a player contact sheet for the pre-game round. The packets include clear instructions specifying which pages players may view before the game begins.
If you have a mischievous guest who peeks ahead, don’t panic—the mystery is designed so that no single player can solve it alone. Players must collaborate and consider the videos and additional evidence presented by the host to uncover the solution. Fortunately, most players are honest and will follow the instructions!
Pre-Game Round: Players will engage in the pre-game round by sending assigned characters messages (directed by their packets). This kicks off the fun roleplaying and gets everyone excited for the party. Typically, it's done the week before the party, but as long as it's done before the party starts, it's fine.
Gameplay Begins: For gameplay, each player joins the group through the host's chosen video-chat platform. The host will review the player instructions and ensure everyone knows how the game will proceed. Allowing the players to introduce their characters is optional.
Rounds One and Two: The character packets guide players through the mystery with private information, character backgrounds, suspect details, and materials for each round. The host keeps everyone on the same page in their packets and follows a checklist to reveal graphics, videos, and other game elements at the appropriate times.
During the two rounds, players take turns presenting their assigned clues and/or dialogue, and the story builds. Most games will have two videos that push along the story. Everyone remains together on the video call as they question suspects, uncover evidence, complete virtual challenges, and work to identify the culprit.
Accusations and the Solution: Players can take turns making accusations of who they believe did the crime. Then, the host will either read the solution file to the group, or most games will have a solution video for the host to share.
The host may easily participate as a character without learning the solution in advance.
The solution is a separate file or video that the host does not need to view in advance.
