Clue was invented in 1944 by Anthony Pratt.

We will start the National Games Week board game countdown with the #5 place selection, the classic detective game Clue.

Clue, or Cluedo in England, is a murder mystery game with the objective of identifying the murderer of Mr. Body in the United States or Dr. Black in England. The sleuthing must include the identity of the killer, the instrument of the murder and the location of the deed. Three to six players take on colorful roles of the sleuths – Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard and Mrs. White – attempting to solve the mystery and out one of the sleuths as the killer.

The 1985 movie “Clue” was released in theaters with three different endings.

The game was invented in 1944 by Anthony Pratt and was originally titled Murder! It was published in England in 1949 under the name Cluedo and in the United States under the name Clue.

Over the years Clue had numerous spin-off and themed games, including video and computer variations. There were several standalone books and book series based on the game. There was also a 1985 movie, released with three different endings, a 2011 television miniseries, a 1985 stage play and a 1997 musical. Both the play and the musical required audience members to randomly select three cards from a game deck and place them in an envelope. The cards determined the ending of the show, resulting in 216 possible resolutions.

Clue also inspired humorous parodies on the game, such as 13 Dead End Drive and its sequel 1313 Dead End Drive, where players attempt to murder their competitors at the mansion of the recently departed Aunt Agatha in an attempt to be the last one left in order to claim the inheritance.

13 Dead End Drive is one of a number of Clue parody games.

[whohit]2014-11-24 National Games Week Countdown – #5 Clue[/whohit]