A Magical Murder Mystery Adventure: Beta Testing The Disappearing Wings:
At Harvest Moon Mysteries, we believe that the best games are those that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and bring people together for an unforgettable experience. That’s why we recently ran a beta test for our newest murder mystery kit, The Disappearing Wings—and it was a fantastic success! In this blog, we’re sharing the highlights of the playtest, the changes we made based on feedback, and why you should grab a copy of the kit to experience the magic for yourself.
A Murder Mystery Like No Other
The goal of our beta test was simple: to see how The Disappearing Wings played out in real-time, gather feedback, and fine-tune the experience. Unlike traditional murder mystery kits, this game is designed to let players take the lead. Each person steps into the shoes of a fully developed character, complete with backstory, secrets, and motivations. Since the players drive the story, no two games will ever be the same. However, we also wanted to ensure that there was enough structure to guide participants seamlessly through the experience, making sure everyone could engage fully and have fun.
Testing with the Perfect Group
For this beta test, my besties’ group of friends took on the challenge. They were the perfect mix of playful, fearless, and sharp-witted—ready to embrace the experience and dive into the world of Miravel. Watching them bring the story to life was incredible. They fully immersed themselves in their characters, engaging in clever scheming, witty banter, and thrilling investigations. Their energy and enthusiasm made the game an absolute blast!
The Highlights & Key Takeaways
The test run of The Disappearing Wings exceeded all expectations! While I always anticipate making a few tweaks after a first playthrough, I was thrilled to see how well the game flowed. The storyline unfolded beautifully, the players actively engaged with their roles, and the excitement was palpable.
Of course, I did make some minor adjustments based on feedback. One key change was refining some character packets to ensure all players had the right information at the right time to move their story forward smoothly. I also edited the host guide to clarify one of the most pivotal moments of the game—the ballroom dance competition that occurs at the halfway point. This event plays a crucial role in uncovering key mysteries, as the prizes awarded during the competition contain essential clues. After observing some minor confusion, I updated the instructions to make sure hosts clearly announce the prizes and award them to the winning teams rather than individuals.
Why The Disappearing Wings is Unique
Without giving too much away (spoiler alert!), one of the most exciting elements of The Disappearing Wings is its shift toward collaboration in the second half. While players begin the game with their own personal agendas and secrets, working together becomes the most effective way to unravel the central mystery. However, given the nature of the game, trusting others is a risky move. Watching the beta testers navigate this challenge was fascinating! They got incredibly close to solving the biggest mystery but were ultimately held back by one key decision—proving just how engaging and unpredictable the game can be.
Who Will Love This Game?
If you enjoy role-playing, improv, world-building, and immersive storytelling, The Disappearing Wings is for you. The fantasy setting allows players to step outside reality and into a world of intrigue, magic, and deception. Whether you’re a seasoned murder mystery player or trying one for the first time, this game is designed to be fun, engaging, and filled with surprises.
What’s Included in the Kit?
The Disappearing Wings kit includes everything you need to host an unforgettable mystery night:
15 core character packets + 5 additional character packets
A comprehensive host guide with instructions, scripts, and game flow details
A few scripted moments to kick off and conclude the game smoothly
The host guide ensures that even first-time hosts can run the game seamlessly, providing clear instructions and an easy-to-follow structure.
Get Your Copy Today!
Right now, The Disappearing Wings is available at a special beta test price! I’d love for more groups to try it out and share their feedback. If you’re looking for an exciting new murder mystery game, visit Harvest Moon Mysteries to grab your copy today!
Pro Tips for Hosting a Great Game Night
One of my biggest tips for hosting The Disappearing Wings (or any murder mystery night) is to assign characters strategically. When you purchase the kit, you’ll receive a character summary table to help you match guests with roles that suit their personalities. Our beta test ran so smoothly because we had some particularly charismatic and engaging players in key roles, which helped draw everyone into the experience. Thoughtful character assignments can make all the difference!
Explore More Mysteries
If you love The Disappearing Wings, be sure to check out our other games, including An Irish Murder at Glas Mansion and Chaos at the Circus. Each game offers a unique setting, intriguing characters, and thrilling twists that will keep your guests engaged from start to finish.
