Murder

What happens in play

The premise is brief. You sneak up on a king and strike while he is not looking. If you are caught, the assassin ends up rotting in the dungeon. If you succeed, the story does not end there: according to Poki, others will come for your throne.

The whole game is built around one key. Poki lists the Spacebar both for the assassin, who uses it to charge and strike, and for the king, who uses it to look back. The game therefore turns on timing: when to move closer, when to hold still, and when to commit to the strike.

Because there is only one control, the skill is in reading the rhythm of the other character. A quick glance back at the wrong moment is the difference between the throne and the dungeon.

Knobs and keys

• Spacebar (assassin)Charge and strike
• Spacebar (king)Look back

Tips for the first sessions

1. 1

   Watch the pattern of the king's glances before you close in. Learning the rhythm is more useful than moving fast.

2. 2

   Charging takes a moment. Start the strike when you have enough time, not at the last second.

3. 3

   A failed attempt is short, so use it to learn the timing and try again with one change.

4. 4

   On a phone or tablet, tap steadily rather than rapidly; a calm touch is easier to time.

Who it is made for

Players who like quick, tense arcade rounds with very little to learn. It also works as a short break between longer games.

Points to consider

• Poki shows ads around the game, so you may see one between attempts.

• With a single key, the game can feel thin if you want long-term progress.

• The latest update listed on Poki is from July 2022, so it is an older title.

Questions about Murder