way out west
Way out West is an interactive murder mystery game for 10-24 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.
(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy Way out West I will earn a small amount of commission.)
The story
It is 1884 and America’s West is populated with small towns full of settlers, coming to prospect for precious metals, set up ranches and run dubious saloons. And now the railroad is coming!
Founded 20 years ago, Cactus Gulch has a festive air as the townsfolk celebrate their 20th anniversary. However, all is not running smoothly. Land disputes, disreputable card games, and strange folk from out of town all add to a tense atmosphere...
Central to everything is Zeke Calhoun, local landowner and prospector. He owns Fat Bull Range (which the railroads would like to buy) and he’s also found silver in the nearby hills (but nobody knows where).
Sadly, Zeke never makes it to Catcus Gulch’s celebrations – and Sheriff Able Blane has a murder to investigate.
how way out west works
Way out West is an interactive murder mystery game, so all the players receive complete details of their character, including a detailed backstory, objectives that they must try to achieve, and information about other characters.
Characters also have item cards (that represent guns, knives, wanted posters and so on), and abilities (that let them detect secrets find out information about other people).
In my opinion, once you've played an interactive murder mystery game, you won't want to go back.
the casT
The cast of Way out West includes:
- Sheriff Able Blane: Cactus Gulch’s reliable sheriff
- Lucy Calhoun: Zeke’s daughter
- Mel Easton: city slicker and railroad representative
- Elijah Entwhistle: a travelling fire-and-brimstone preacher
- Deputy Dan Fairweather: Sheriff Blane’s deputy
- Doc Faraday: a notorious gambler
- Kalamata Kate: a young waitress
- Slick O’Hare: Scruffy ranch-hand for hire
- Clem Parham: city slicker and a rival railroad representative
- John Paulson: the town judge
- Blaise Sadler: aging saloon owner
- Three Feathers: revered Indian shaman
- And more!
Way out West is ideal for those who like to dress up as the game is full of saloon girls, city slickers, cowboys, and of course the town Sheriff and his Deputy.
It’s one colourful party!
the details
Instead of a formal dinner party, Way out West is better suited to a buffet meal or finger food.
Everyone needs to be able to talk quietly with each other - to plot and scheme and achieve their goals.
Way out West also needs a dedicated host, someone to organise the game.
They will read the entire game and will be available to answer questions.
I really enjoy being the host - you know what's going on and can watch your friends scheme and plot and be devious to one another.
how to get Way out West
Click here to purchase Way out West from Freeform Games.
You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - just follow the instructions to purchase Way out West.
Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!
Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy Way out West.)
Does Way out West come with a money-back guarantee?
Does Way out West come with a money-back guarantee?
Yes!
Freeform Games offer a cast-iron guarantee on all their murder mystery games. If you're not completely satisfied with Way out West then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is Way out West suitable for?
What age is Way out West suitable for?
Freeform Games suggest Way out West is suitable for anyone aged 12+. You can play it with kids or adults - or a mixture of both!
How long does Way out West take to play?
How long does Way out West take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play Way out West. While the game itself takes 2.5-3 hours to play, I recommend allowing time to introduce the game and wind down after.
Where's my download?
Where's my download?
Shortly after buying Way out West you should receive an email from Freeform Games explaining how to download the game files.
If you haven't received this, please first check your spam filter - sometimes the emails end up there.
If that fails, please get in touch directly with Freeform Games - with the details of which game you bought, when you bought it, and which email address you used. Or contact me (with that same information) and I'll get in touch for you.
How many guests will I need?
How many guests will I need?
You need at least 10 guests and no more than 24.
If you have fewer than 10 guests you will have to drop a character (which may affect the plot), or play a character yourself (not ideal, but I talk about it here), or even ask a guest to play two characters at once.
If you have more than 24 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download Way out West.
Can I host Way out West and also play a character?
Can I host Way out West and also play a character?
The host has an important role in Way out West. The organize and coordinate the party. They also act as an impartial "referee" - so it's important that they have read the game and understand what is going on.
So I recommend not playing a character and hosting the game.
But if you still want to host a game and play a character (or you have to because a player cannot attend), I have advice on doing that here.
New game
Backstage Business - a 1980s rock music themed murder mystery for 18-22 guests.
Don't know where to start?
Here's my suggested quick route through the site:
Step 1 - Go to Choosing a Game to choose the game that suits your party best.
Step 2 - Review the Tips for Hosts for helpful advice.
Step 3 - If you want to keep up to date with the latest murder mystery game news, click on my What's New page.
Step 4 - Once you've had your party - tell me how it went! Click here to tell me your murder mystery party story.
Got a question? Click here to go to the FAQ.
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