Pocket Detective: Die Bombe tickt (2020) Board Game

Pocket Detective: Die Bombe tickt is a cooperative deduction game designed by Yury Yamshchikov and published by Lavka Games in in 2020. The game is set in a thrilling scenario where players must work together to defuse a bomb before it detonates. With a runtime of 45-60 minutes and suitable for players aged 12 and up, this game is perfect for those who enjoy suspenseful storytelling and challenging puzzles.

Game Components of Pocket Detective: Die Bombe tickt

Cards: The game includes various card stacks representing different areas (Lagerhalle, Berghütte, Pier, Stadt) and objects, as well as a Timer-Stapel (Timer stack) for the ticking bomb.

Roles: Players can choose from three roles: Ingenieur (Engineer), Polizist (Police Officer), or Journalist, each with unique abilities and difficulty levels.

Other Components: The game includes character cards, location cards, and item cards.

How To Setup Pocket Detective: Die Bombe tickt

To set up the game, players first select their roles, which determines the starting cards and abilities. The game area is divided into various locations, each represented by a stack of cards. The Timer-Stapel is set aside, and the starting card provides initial options and hints for the investigation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Role Selection: Players choose a role at the beginning, affecting their abilities and access to information.

Card Drawing: Players draw cards from the location stacks to gather information and follow leads.

Timer Mechanic: Time passes when specific cards are drawn, requiring players to draw from the Timer-Stapel, which represents the ticking bomb.

Investigation: Players discuss and decide their actions based on the information gathered from the cards.

Objective: The main goal is to defuse the bomb, evacuate parts of the town, or solve the mystery before time runs out.

Player Experience

In **Pocket Detective: Die Bombe tickt**, players embark on a thrilling investigation to defuse a bomb and save the town. The game offers a dynamic experience with each role providing a different perspective and challenge level. The cooperative nature encourages teamwork and discussion among players. However, some roles, like the Journalist, offer a higher level of difficulty and complexity, while roles like the Engineer are more straightforward and suitable for beginners.

Pros

Variety in Roles: Each role has unique abilities, making the game replayable with different experiences.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and discussion.

Compact Design: The game fits in a small box, making it portable.

Replayability: Can be played multiple times with different outcomes.

Cons

Balancing Issues: Some roles can lead to predictable or unwinnable situations if certain leads are not followed.

Limited Information Access: Players may only see half of the cards, depending on their chosen role.

Sometimes Unbelievable Story: Certain aspects of the story feel unrealistic or far-fetched.

Personal Thoughts on Pocket Detective: Die Bombe tickt

**Pocket Detective: Die Bombe tickt** is ideal for players who enjoy detective and mystery games, especially those looking for a cooperative experience. It is recommended for players aged 12 and above, and it is particularly suited for younger players or those new to detective games. For experienced players, starting with a higher difficulty role can add more challenge and excitement. While the game has some balancing issues and predictable elements, it remains an engaging and fun addition to any board game collection.

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