​Death Dodgers is our latest addition to Adventure Escape Mysteries! This advanced game explores life-and-death stakes against a bustling city backdrop. 

When Marcus downloads a phone game at the recommendation of a mysterious stranger, he gets more than he bargained for. Over the next five days, he must compete against other players in a series of challenges set up by masked admins. Only one player will remain standing after five days. However, there’s something strange about these admins and the head game master. What’s really going on behind those masks?
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Today, we’re here with Andrew Petersell, the game designer behind Death Dodgers.

This is your first solo game at Haiku! You also worked on Vanishing Act before this one. How does it feel to take the lead on a project?
Very rewarding. It was a ton of work, but it was cool to take on more responsibilities during the development process. For example, the Detective Kate universe was already established when we started working on Vanishing Act, so most of the legwork for story and character development was already done. As the primary designer on this project, it was on me to come up with an entirely new story from whole cloth. This was a challenge for sure, but as a result, I have a much greater sense of ownership over Death Dodgers, and I’m really proud of how it turned out!

Death Dodgers starts because the main character downloads a phone game, which feels pretty self-referential. Does that mean there will be other video game elements in Death Dodgers?
The video game aspects of Death Dodgers certainly play a big part in the story and gameplay. There’s a chapter set in an arcade where we have puzzles based on classic video games like Burger Time and Street Fighter. These were some of my favorite puzzles to design, so I hope you enjoy them!

What was your favorite part to work on in Death Dodgers?
I had fun coming up with the story concept. It’s pretty “out there,” but we were able to explore it thoroughly, especially with the extra context provided by the bonus VIP chapter. I don’t want to say too much, because I think the story works best when you are as unspoiled as possible. Let’s just say that there are some real unexpected turns. I think players are going to have fun uncovering the mystery!

The art style is different than usual, and all the characters have very unique designs! What inspired you to take this direction?
The setting of Death Dodgers is largely based off of New York City, so I wanted the art to feel like something out of that urban environment. Gong Studios took that idea and ran with it. They developed a unique, pseudo-graffiti art style that looks super cool, and totally nails that urban vibe. For me, New York has always been a place full of diverse people and experiences, and I think that really comes through in our character designs. Gong totally knocked it out of the park!

This game is Advanced, which is our hardest level. Do you have any advice for our clever players?
We didn’t set out with the specific goal of making this game harder than usual, but that is where the design ended up taking us. The stakes in this story are rather high, and I think that tension naturally bleeds over into the more challenging gameplay. Here is a bit of general advice for the puzzles in Death Dodgers: most locks require multiple clues to solve. If you think you know the solution after looking at only one clue, chances are you’re missing something. Be vigilant, and study your surroundings carefully!

Any words of wisdom for future game designers?
Make games! There’s no better way to learn how to design games than to just do it! If you’re not a strong programmer, make card games or board games. If you’re not a strong artist, draw stick figures. Every bit of experience is valuable!

Play Death Dodgers in Adventure Escape Mysteries. Purchase the Death Dodgers VIP Bundle to get access to an exclusive bonus chapter, 30 stars, and enough keys to unlock the whole game!

Updated December 2024
We're often asked by our players what soundtracks are in our games. Here is a list of all the soundtracks of mysteries in Adventure Escape Mysteries.

Allied Spies
We Need A Hero by jeremyrwiebe
Suspenseful Mystery by jeremyrwiebe
Slow Tension by jeremyrwiebe

Canine Cases
Background Noire Piano by _Blacksmith_
Sunny Morning Jazz by Purpleplanet
Jazz Piano by Korolkov
Winter Piano Blues by SyncHits
Gentle Noire Nights by SCOREWIZARDS
Cool Mystery Jazz by SCOREWIZARDS
Sniffing Around by Purpleplanet
Lonesome Town by SCOREWIZARDS

Clue: The Murder of Mr. Black
Something Dark by SCOREWIZARDS

Christmas Killer
Christmas Jazz by pinkzebra
Mysterious by pinkzebra
Emotional Piano by cleanmindsounds
Scientific Inquiry by PantheonMusic
Night Club by VensAdams
Christmas Snowfall Loop by Purpleplanet
Mysterious Suspenseful Investigative Documentary by lucafrancini

The Covenant
Mellow Wood by SCOREWIZARDS
Mystery in the Forest by PhilLarson
Hitchcock Suspense by JBlanks
Dark Lullaby by JBlanks
Ambient Horror Music by AGsoundtrax
Abandoned by JBlanks
Killer on Campus by JBlanks
Hitchcock Thriller by JBlanks

Cursed Crown
Elven Forest by WizardBoy
Epic Fantasy Cinematic by LuLu_Production

Dark Ruins
The Mystical Sacred River by FlinTwin
Adventure by NeonRecords
In the Dark Jungle by SGAndersson
Epic Adventure by OctoberOrchestra

Day 0: Beneath the Mask
Hip Hop Jazz by EightBallAudio
Fly Forward by Diego Martinez
Lofi Hip Hop by LumenMedia
Gimme Beat by soundroll

Death Dodgers
Hip Hop Container by soundroll
Gimme Beat by soundroll
Vlog Hip-Hop by SERGMARU
At Hip Hop by Oasis_Music
Start Game by SnowMusicStudio
Breakdancing Moves by PantheonMusic
Urban Summer Hip Hop by alexshulgin
Fashion Hip Hop Trap by Sound_Forces
Dark Hip-Hop by Enrize
Noir Desires by marcobellonimusic
Sports Hip Hop Rock by cinematic_alex
Dark Ambient by StudioKolomna
Abstract Dark Stylish Hip Hop Electronica by Antracto
Hip Hop Glitch by NikiNPhaser
Hip Hop Dark by NikiNPhaser
Don’t Stop by syncincio
Sentimental Hip Hop by Enrize
Indie Emotional Hip Hop by AlexanderRufire
​
The Echo Bay Murders
Cyber Trance by JBlanks
Be Suspense by ArtHaiz
Dark Suspense by PhilLarson
The Strange Thing by PetrenjMusic
Investigative News Documentary by pinkzebra
Science and Medical Research by MusicDog
Post Apocalyptic by TexasBrother
Ambient Wild West Guitar by OlexandrIgnatov
In These Woods by Crypt-of-Insomnia
Synthwave Outrun by lucafrancini
Story by MrRevant

Framed
Investigation by 99Instrumentals
That Documentaries Is by SersalStudio
Documentary Background Music by SersalStudio
Atmospheric by MusicService
Suspenseful Piano by SilverHoof
Cinematic Night Hunt by lucafrancini
Danger by MusicService
Crime Drama Detective Series by VICTORMUSIC
Learning by original_soundtrack

Haunted Hunt
Dark Night by WizardBoy
Period Drama Chase by simonstevens

Hidden Ruins
Epic Adventure by OctoberOrchestra
Lake of Mystery by SCOREWIZARDS
Discovery by FlorewsMusic
Africa by lucafrancini
Gateway To The Fjords by Crypt-of-Insomnia
Ancient Stone by Crypt-of-Insomnia
​
Homecoming
Positive Rock by plastic3
Uplifting Teen Rock by GalaxyAudio
8 Bit Game by BearStockMusic
Rock Teen by 331
Uplifting Pop Rock by GalaxyAudio

Legend of the Sacred Stones
Enchanted by Orchestralis
Ambient Piano by AllenGrey
Epic Mysterious Theme by AudiophileTrax
Epic Choir & the Temple of Doom by AllenGrey
Mystery by Orchestralis
Temple of Doom by AllenGrey
Haunting Winter Snow by BlueSkyAudio
On A Cold Winter Day by Adigold
Female Choir by Orchestralis
Stars by -MARiAN-
Dark Choir and Orchestra by Orchestralis
Gothic Choir by AllenGrey

Legend of the Time Stones
Epic Fantasy by kornevmusic
Middle East Cinematic Atmosphere by AllenGrey
Epic Battle by mr_B_Music_Studio
Daydreaming by AllenGrey
Fantasy by _Blacksmith_
Heavenly Inspiration by gilv
Fantasy World by _Blacksmith_
This is War by Lowtone
Dreamy Cinematic Choir by Orchestralis
Epic & Dramatic Choir Theme by AGsoundtrax
Emotional Dramatic by DmitriySimf
Hollywood Trailer by PraskMusic
Positive Inspiring Singing Girl by RedOctopus

Lost Ruins
Egyptian Adventures by MatthewPablo
Arabian Nights by iCENTURY
Enchanting Ritual Dance by MusicDog
Hot Sand by StudioEtude
Cinematic Adventure by MalirecStudio
Under Water by SilverHoof
Underwater Paradise by TheStoryShop
History by fatbunny
Hope of Salvation by tunestogo
Pantheon by SCOREWIZARDS
Epic Battle by Anuch

Midnight Carnival
For Halloween by TexasBrother
Sad Emotion by dimadjdocent
Mystery by Stereo_Color

Mirror Man
Calm Ominous Orchestral Horror Intro by lucafrancini
Horror Suspense by lucafrancini
Eerie by SilverHoof
Dark Synths and Retro Horror by JBlanks
On The Dark Side by Crypt-of-Insomnia
Trailer Cabal by Synthezx
Haunted Mansion by lucafrancini
The House of Fear by Adigold
As The Crow Flies by scottwills
Mysterious Clues by SCOREWIZARDS
Mysterious Things by SnowMusicStudio
Mysterious Artifact by Crypt-of-Insomnia
Something’s Wrong by Adigold

Murder Inn
Mistery by melodylabs
Orchestral Tension by Emanuel-Abrudean

On Thin Ice
Atmospheric Ambient Piano with clock by AllenGrey
Mysterious by 8thModeMusic
Inspiring Romance by MusicDog
Countdown to Blast by Alex_Greets
Investigate by boomopera
Mystery by KonstantinMark
Mystery and Magic by Cinematique
Danger by StudioKolomna

Painted Worlds
Whimsical by bdProductions
Wish Song by AllenGrey
Peaceful Village by MatthewPablo
Super Cute Game Music by MatthewPablo
Emotional Dream by Adigold
French Cafe Bossa Nova by NikiNPhaser
Kitchen Jazz by LoopsLab
Creepy Music Box by 8thModeMusic
Dark Lullaby by JBlanks
Hopes and Dreams by AGsoundtrax

Paradise Mystery
Documentary Ambient by bdProductions
Relaxing Beach Guitars by trackscube
Relax by Alex_Greets
A Beautiful Land by TortoiseTree

Picture Perfect
Cool Orchestral Hip Hop by pinkzebra
Summer Dreams by pinkzebra
Wedding by M-S-STUDIO
Sadness Piano by Korolkov
A Sentimental Background by alexbird
Gentle & Flowing Piano with Light Orchestra by pinkzebra
Club Corporate Music by HimProduction
Cinematic Classic by alexbird

Pirates Treasure
Pirates Secret by JaToPra
Calypso Cool by JBlanks
Epic Pirate Battle Theme by MatthewPablo
Ghost Ship Loop by AllenGrey

Psychic Squad
Calmness by cleanmindsounds
Farewell by lucafrancini
Danger by StudioKolomna
Lonely Mourning by PhilLarson
Atmospheric Cinematic Ambient by _Blacksmith_
A Haunting Tale by AudiophileTrax
Fashion Love by lucafrancini
Lonely Nights by Adigold
Ambient Suspense Background Loop by AllenGrey
Suspenseful Dark Cinematic Mystery by SunChannelMusic
Inspiring Dreams by AudiophileTrax

Puzzle Lovers
Light And Happy Cinematic Orchestra by pinkzebra
Romantic Moments by MarbleSpace
Singles Awareness Day by CrazyTunes
Love Adventure by StereoNuts
First Date by GentleJammers
Romantic Date by Deodo
Lost In Nowhere by AGsoundtrax
Epic Percussion by cleanmindsounds

Reunion
Light And Happy Cinematic Orchestra by pinkzebra
Romantic Moments by MarbleSpace
Singles Awareness Day by CrazyTunes

Squire's Tale
Medieval Background Loop by lucafrancini
Epic Fantasy Orchestral Action Adventure by 8thModeMusic
Adventure by AllenGrey
Fantasy Adventure mr_B_Music_Studio
Mysterious by GentleJammers
Eastern Desert Adventure by KabbalisticVillage
Middle Eastern by iCentury
Winter and Snowman by VictoryAudio
Mysteries of the Forest by Purpleplanet
Nightfall Of The Magical Forest by CineMedia
Castle Vampire by SCOREWIZARDS
Mountain Adventure by SCOREWIZARDS
Fanfare by pinkzebra
Whistling Tune by SeaportSound​

Stardust
Quirky Fantasy by Orchestralis

Starstruck
Mysterious Clues by SCOREWIZARDS
Curiosity by soundroll
Sneaking Around by TheStoryShop
Sneaky Mischief by lucafrancini
Pizzicato Latino Background Loop by Praded

Sultan’s Inventor
Arabian Legend by CineMedia
Anxious Middle-East by tunestogo
Savage Desert by simonleng
Mid-Eastern Charms by tunestogo
Flower Of The East by SnowMusicStudio
Desert Caravan by SCOREWIZARDS
Arabia by bdProductions
Heart of the Sahara by simonleng

Sweet Dreams
Fairy Tale by Gold-Tiger
Super Cute Game Music by MatthewPablo
In the Land of Make Believe by Purpleplanet
Positive Puzzler by SCOREWIZARDS
Wonderful Tale by Purpleplanet
The Magic Tree by Purpleplanet
More Fun and Games by Purpleplanet
Excuse Me Cat by Purpleplanet
Magical Journey by Purpleplanet
Mischief Maker by Purpleplanet
The Quirky by Gold-Tiger
The Spooky by MikeStown
Mysteries of the Forest by Purpleplanet
Riddle of the Old Library by Purpleplanet
Baby’s Discovery by Purpleplanet

Trapmaker
Mysterious Trailer by J_A_Garcia
Countdown to Blast by Alex_Greets
Orchestral Tension and Suspense by Cinematique

Trapmaker 2
Mysterious by 8thModeMusic
The Mystery by LMNT_media
A Mystery by boomopera

Trapmaker 3
Suspense 2 by Cinematique
Mystery and Magic by Cinematique
Secret Station by cleanmindsounds

Vanishing Act
Jazzy by Korolkov
Sneaky by AllenGrey
Noir by MojoProductions
Jazz Saxophone Solo by GreenRocketAudio
Jazz Lounge by EliansProductions
Sweet & Sentimental Acoustic by pinkzebra
Hopeful Marimba & Piano Background by pinkzebra
The Swing by guitarsstate
Clocks by Adigold
8 Bit Game Music by EliansProductions
Latin Summer by Korolkov
Jazzy Suspense by Crypt-of-Insomnia
Femme Fatale by PantheonMusic
Bad Man by SCOREWIZARDS
Horror Chase by Positive_Sound
Deep and Emotional Noire Jazz by MatthewPablo