“Blockbuster Release” is the third case of Chapter 2 in Rise of the Golden Idol. It takes place right after “Behind Bars.”
As with all of our Rise of the Golden Idol case guides, our goal here is to provide a hint-based experience that will lead you to the solution without automatically showing you how to solve it. We’ll start out with small hints for the puzzle, escalate to bigger ones, and eventually just spell out the answer if it’s still not clicking for you. We’ve separated our tiered hints and answers with in-game art, but be wary of scrolling farther than you intend.
In this Rise of the Golden Idol guide, we’ll walk you through the “Blockbuster Release” case, including hints and the full solution for the names, conference, victim, and events puzzles.
Blockbuster Release Names
There are 11 names to discover in “Blockbuster Release.”
First hint
- The projectionist vignette is filling in for the regular projectionist.
- Several characters refer to themselves by their own names, or to others by their names.
- The costume competition winners have their full names displayed.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Second hint
- You can find the name of the projectionist by looking in the office and the fuse box.
- The man arguing with the woman has a piece of paper with their first names on it, and the woman has one with their last names.
- The get-away driver for the alien has his name on a vanity plate.
- Consider solving the costumes before solving all of the names, as knowing who is dressed as what can help.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Listed left to right, top to bottom, here are the names of the “Blockbuster Release” characters:
- Andy Lemmons
- Doug Baxter
- Beck Mason
- Mike Lendl
- Jenny Chen
- Champ Vincent
- Augie Tamine
- Annie Kishimoto
- Laura Parker
- Tom Powers
- Sarah Cunningham
Blockbuster Release Equipment
The duffle bag contains a strange message about the tools a character will need to commit a crime. You’ll need to fill in four objects.
First hint
- These are all solvable with basic logical leaps, and don’t necessarily require much sleuthing. Try some solutions out based on what makes sense to you first.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Second hint
- For the first entry, consider what the person in the car by the duffle bag is wearing.
- For two of the entries, look in the back of the flaming car.
- Consider what you need to bring with you to get into the movies.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Disguise my identity — need a costume.
Get in and out of the drive-in — bring enough money.
Get the staff out of the way with a distraction — pack wire cutters.
They may search people’s bags, so I’ll hide my spoils in plain sight — bring paint.
Blockbuster Release Costumes
The costume puzzle requires you to name the four heroes on the movie poster.
First hint
- There are multiple characters dressed as each hero, and at least one of them says something about their character.
- The costume contest sheet can help you identify characters.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Second hint
- The woman in the car with all the popcorn reveals the names of the male and female lead.
- The newest character in the movie is the alien.
- The man with the singed costume is dressed as the robot companion.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Male hero: Transom.
Woman hero: Marini.
Robot companion: Bertrand.
Green Alien: Porbo.
Blockbuster Release Dispute
The argument between Mike and Jenny is about a piece of paper in Mike’s pocket.
First hint
- Look to see what character everyone is worried about in the movie.
- Look for the various props characters have brought to the premiere.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Second hint
- Mike and Jenny are arguing about a wager.
- Look what happened to Doug.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
The bet between Mike and Jenny.
Tonight, we will see Bertrand lose his head.
Blockbuster Release Events 1
The first Events puzzle has two paragraphs and 19 words to solve.
First hint
- Consider who the person driving the truck is and what motivated them to crash.
- Look to the projector room to see the importance of the technology they use in this theater.
- The office scene can tell you who is sneaking around and why.
- Look carefully at each Porbo to discover something strange.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Second hint
- The first paragraph discusses the owner of the theater and the theater’s name.
- The first paragraph names what item is being used to make this theater special.
- Somebody wants the theater’s technology, and sent a shady character to get it.
- The first attempt failed, requiring the shady character to come up with a new solution.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Sarah Cunning, owner of the Neptune cinema, had been using a red crystal to enhance the projector. A weird lady sent Augie Tamine to buy it, but he was banned from the cinema.
Augie Tamine arrived in costume and stole the crystal, disguising it as a tooth.
Blockbuster Release Events 2
The second event puzzle also has 19 words to solve.
First hint
- Consider why the fire started in the complex and who started it.
- What caused the theater owner to spill coffee on herself.
- Why did the car accident happen.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
Second hint
- The first paragraph deals exclusively with the starting of the car fire. It names two characters but involves two groups.
- Think about what could’ve caused the movie screen to change, and use that to fill in the first half of the second paragraph.
- Think about what the last thing to happen in this scene is, and use it to fill out the bottom half of the second paragraph.
Image: Color Gray Games/Playstack via Polygon
In order to win a bet, Jenny Chen pulled the head off Doug Baxter’s costume. This started a fire, so patrons tried to escape.
Hearing the commotion, Sarah Cunningham looked out, saw the screen, and realized somebody must have taken the crystal. She then caused a car crash while attempting to block the exit.
After “Blockbuster Release,” you’ll be able to tackle the “Going Once!” case.