As Sir Charles Foxworth, and with the help of his manservant Regis Phelps, you are to solve a murder that took place during your current riverboat cruise aboard the Delta Princess. The trip will last three more days so the murderer must be apprehended before the destination is reached providing them the opportunity to escape. There are eight suspects in all, from a rich widow to the riverboat captain himself.
The Delta Princess has a number of cabins that can be investigated. Some cabins contain a suspect, some are empty, and others are booby trapped. Search the entire ship for clues and interview the suspects. Interviewing suspects is done using a menu system that contains partial phrases that can be pieced together to form sentences.
At the same time you are searching for the killer, the killer will be attempting to put an end to your investigation. Walking into a trap can take the life of Sir Charles Foxworth, that being the only life you are given. While your death will end the game instantly, Murder on the Mississippi can be saved at any time.