The Detective Society: The Disappearance of Claire Makova (2020) Board Game

The Detective Society: The Disappearance of Claire Makova is a murder mystery board game released in in 2020. Designed by Joe Mills and Tristan Rogers, this game challenges players to solve the case of a missing person, Claire Makova, by using deduction and storytelling mechanics.

Game Components of The Detective Society: The Disappearance of Claire Makova

Case Files: Beautifully presented case files delivered via mail.

Envelopes: Three small envelopes marked X, Y, and Z, and a locked zipper pouch.

Instruction Envelope: Contains the password for the online hint system.

Business Card: With QR codes for easy access to clues and rules via a cell phone.

Pin: A cute pin included in the package.

Online Resources: Access to a hint system, Facebook group, and Reddit community for assistance.

How To Setup The Detective Society: The Disappearance of Claire Makova

Setup begins with an email from Dolosus Global providing a backstory and the first puzzle. Upon receiving the package, players find the instruction envelope with the password for the online hint system and a business card with QR codes. The game is structured into two parts: the initial training missions and the main mission. Players can work on the training missions in any order, but the main mission follows a more linear narrative-driven approach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Episodic Structure: Six episodes, each around 90-120 minutes long.

Training Missions: Initial puzzles unrelated to the main mission but integrated into the narrative.

Main Mission: Involves searching for clues on the internet, making calls to suspects, and looking up evidence.

Hint System: Granular hints presented as another detective’s case notes.

Community Support: Facebook group and Reddit community for help.

Objective: Find the missing daughter of a diplomat, Claire Makova, by solving puzzles and gathering clues.

Player Experience

Players are immersed in a narrative-driven world where they transition from solving training missions to a more immersive hunt for Claire Makova. The game requires the use of real-world tasks and various media platforms, enhancing the immersion level. Players can work simultaneously on different parts of the game, especially during the initial training missions.

Pros

Immersive Narrative: Delivers an engaging, narrative-driven experience.

Variety of Puzzles: Mix of logic and “search and find” puzzles.

Community Support: Active Facebook and Reddit communities for help.

Real-World Tasks: Incorporates internet searches and phone calls for a realistic detective experience.

Value for Money: Well worth the price, especially with the subscription model.

Cons

Packaging Issues: The game box can be flimsy, particularly for international shipping.

Linear Structure in Main Mission: While the initial part is open, the main mission follows a more linear structure.

Personal Thoughts on The Detective Society: The Disappearance of Claire Makova

This game is perfect for fans of detective and mystery genres, especially those who enjoy games like “The Network,” “Hunting a Killer,” and “Missing.” It is ideal for players looking for an immersive, narrative-driven experience that combines traditional puzzle-solving with real-world tasks. The game’s episodic structure and subscription model make it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a prolonged and engaging mystery to solve over several sessions.

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