Murder mysteries often have complex stories, but The Deed takes a different approach. Released in 2015, this short RPG Maker title is simply a tight half-hour experience where decisions make all the difference. Right now, the game is available free on Steam as part of a time-limited promotion, though it normally sells for under a dollar. This isn’t the first time the title has been given away either, as a lot of players may recall it showing up in previous free promotions.

The premise is pretty straightforward, but quite clever. You play as Arran Bruce, who returns to his family estate after discovering that his father intends to disinherit him in favor of his unstable sister. The goal is not just to commit the murder, but also to stage the crime scene, so suspicion falls on someone else. Conversations with relatives and staff can shape available options for you, while choosing the right weapon and planting evidence can influence how the inspector interprets events. Once “the deed” is done, the questioning phase determines whether the player walks free or faces justice.

Although it can be finished in under an hour, The Deed is made in such a way that it encourages repeat playthroughs. Multiple endings reward experimentation, and players can try different approaches to see how the inspector reacts. Steam feedback is “Very Positive”, with many reviews in favor of its writing and the replay value given its size and price point. At the same time, some negative reviews state that the game is extremely short, the graphics are barebones, and the branching outcomes become somewhat predictable after a few attempts. Also, as per some other reviews, the weapons cannot be planted as evidence and evidence items cannot be used as weapons.

Still, for a game that typically costs less than a cup of coffee, the reception has been great. Considering that the promotion ends on September 28, it’s an easy recommendation to claim it while free. Even if you only play it once, The Deed gives you a brief, unusual take on crime and consequence – and at zero cost, it’s a low-risk addition to any library. Check it out here.

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Anubhav Sharma – Tech Writer – 1024 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024

Fueled by a childhood spent taking apart video game consoles to see how they worked, I turned my passion for tech into writing. I have a double Bachelor’s in Computer Science Engineering (2018) and English (2024). I’ve been writing on a variety of tech topics since 2016, with a particular interest in gaming. When I’m not hunting down the latest tech news, you’ll find me producing music, gaming, or hiking.