Once Upon a Crime in the West

Once Upon a Crime in the West is set in a mountain inn called the Mount Inn and takes place on the twelve days of Christmas. The game opens with the player walking through the woods and mountains towards the inn on the twelfth day. As the player reaches the inn, several gun shots are heard and flashes are seen in the windows. On entering the inn, the player is greeted by Elijah, the inn's proprietor and a murder scene.

The player must then use a camera to take pictures of each body and link the pictures with string to help Elijah remember what occurred. This is accomplished via a time travel mechanic where the player views and interacts with short vignettes for each of the other eleven days. Each vignette adds a little bit to the overall story and context for the scene on the twelfth day. Each day is color coded and can be viewed in any order.

When the photographs have been correctly linked, the player must exit the door to finish the game.