[2] The game presents a classic whodunit scenario where one of the 16 passengers has been killed, and the player's objective is to identify the murderer, the victim, and the motive.

[2] At the beginning of each game, the victim and murderer are randomly selected, ensuring a unique mystery with every playthrough.

The Zinderneuf is depicted as a large vessel with various locations, including passenger cabins, lounges, and dining areas.

Players can enter cabins to search for physical clues and encounter other passengers who move independently throughout the ship.

[2] Once they are satisfied that they have a culprit, the detective has the option of accusing them directly, or waiting until enough clues are found to prove their hunch.

[8] The magazine's David and Diana Stone were impressed with Murder on the Zinderneuf's 1930s characters, each with colorful, easily distinguished graphics.

In addition to the game being fair and winnable, the reviewers reported playing it 20 times and only seeing two repeat "confessions".

[3] Computer & Video Games review offered a positive assessment of Murder on the Zinderneuf for the Commodore 64, praising the colorful cast of passengers, whose intricate relationships provide ample motives and enhance the mystery, and the game's variability, likening it to Cluedo.

[10] PC Magazine gave the game 15 points out of 18, noting the importance of acting in accordance with the chosen detective character's personality when questioning suspects.