Suspect Game (2021) Board Game

The Suspect Game, released in 2021, is a deduction and murder mystery board game designed by Dongjun Hwang. It is a game that challenges players to use their deduction skills to solve a murder mystery by identifying the suspect, weapon, and location of the crime.

Game Components of Suspects

Card Deck: Each case includes a deck of 50+ cards containing clues, locations, and suspect information.

Documents: Additional materials like family trees and maps to help direct the investigation.

Introduction Cards: Provide the background for each case and the questions players need to answer.

Oversized Cards: High-quality, easy-to-read cards for investigating locations and suspects.

How To Setup Suspects

To set up the game, players start by reading the introduction card for the selected case, which outlines the background and the questions to be answered. Players then flip over the first card from the deck and use the provided documents (such as family trees and maps) to guide their investigation. The cards will indicate which other cards can be examined next, allowing players to choose the order of their investigation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Investigation: Players visit locations, speak to suspects, and examine items to gather clues.

Card Management: Players can choose which cards to examine and in what order, based on the information provided by previous cards.

Matching Mechanism: Use lines on the cards to match clues to suspects or items, such as matching fingerprints to suspects.

Scoring System: Players make guesses at three stages of the investigation (after 30, 45, and all cards are revealed). Points are awarded based on the speed and accuracy of their answers, with earlier correct answers worth more points.

Player Experience

Playing **Suspects** is an immersive experience, especially for fans of mystery and detective fiction. The game requires careful attention to detail and strategic thinking to solve the cases efficiently. While the game supports solo play, it is often more enjoyable and challenging with 2-3 players, as multiple perspectives can help in piecing together the clues. Each case takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and features well-developed, Agatha Christie-style mysteries.

Pros

Engaging Mysteries: Fully formed and well-fleshed-out cases with compelling motives and subtle clues.

Flexible Investigation: Players can choose the order of their investigation, allowing for creative problem-solving.

High-Quality Components: Oversized cards and excellent production quality.

Good Replay Value for Others: Although the cases are not replayable once solved, the game can be passed on to others without any damage.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Once a case is solved, it cannot be replayed.

Information Overload: The abundance of information can be overwhelming, making it challenging to focus on the right clues.

Some Mechanisms Feels Arbitrary: Certain mechanisms, like the symbol revelation system, can feel arbitrary and less engaging.

Personal Thoughts on Suspects

**Suspects** is ideal for fans of detective fiction and puzzle enthusiasts. It offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, particularly for those who enjoy meticulous investigation and logical deduction. While it is suitable for solo play, the game shines with multiple players who can collaborate and bounce ideas off each other. The game’s design ensures that it remains engaging and immersive, making it a great addition to any mystery game collection.

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