Murder Dog IV: Trial of the Murder Dog
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| Murder Dog IV: Trial of the Murder Dog | |
|---|---|
 Main menu | |
| Developer | Stephen Gillmurphy |
| Engine | Adventure Game Studio |
| Platforms | Windows, Macintosh |
| Release | 1 August 2011 |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Mode | Single-player |
Murder Dog IV: Trial of the Murder Dog is a 2011 video game by Irish independent developer Stephen Gillmurphy, under the name thecatamites. Murder Dog is an adventure game which involves the player in a courtroom defense of the titular Murder Dog, a canine with a comically obvious penchant for murder. Whilst Murder Dog was satirical in nature, the game received recognition from many critics for its subversive commentary on the justice system.
The legal system must make a distinction between what we 'know' as individuals and what can be demonstrated as evidence in this bizarre ritualistic setting.[1]
— Dog, in Murder Dog
The player assists "noted murder enthusiast" Murder Dog, a canine on trial at the Hague for "crimes against humanity", charged with "more than 1,500 instances of brutal homicide". Murder Dog is openly unremorseful for the suffering he has caused and vows to murder again, stating openly his "thirst for bloodshed remains voluminous." It is up to the player to present Murder Dog's case and determine the outcome through one of six endings.[2] A small dog located at the bottom of the screen provides commentary on the proceedings as they unfold and their implications for the justice system, whilst opining over the nature of violence and justice.[1]
Gameplay
The player presents Murder Dog's case using a point-and-click interface to plead their case, present multiple items of evidence, call and cross-examine witnesses, and rest their case. Dialog is presented to the player through a dialog box, as well as a lower dialog box for commentary by the small dog. The dialog options in the game create branching depending on the evidence that is submitted, although it is up to the player as to whether to indict or attempt to exculpate Murder Dog for his crimes. For instance, Murder Dog can eat the evidence presented, destroy witnesses, and attempt to refute the evidence and witness testimonies presented, as well as attempting to murder the jury.
Development
Murder Dog IV was developed by Irish independent game developer Stephen Gillmurphy, known for his work on the game Space Funeral and other independent titles. The game was developed by Gillmurphy over two weeks for a game jam on the defunct platform Super Friendship Club.[2] In 2011, the game was released as part of the IGF Pirate Kart, a compilation of independent video games organised by Mike Meyer resembling a multicart for entry in the 2012 Independent Games Festival.[3] In October 2019, a Macintosh port of the game was published by programmer Jonathan Cole.[4]