Cluedo: Super Sleuth (1995) Board Game

Cluedo: Super Sleuth is an updated version of the classic murder mystery board game Cluedo, originally released in in 1995. Designed by Hasbro and Waddingtons, this version adds a new twist to the original gameplay while still keeping the core deduction elements intact.

Game Components of Cluedo: Super Sleuth

12 characters: Including the six usual suspects plus Inspector Grey, the Black Dog, and Hogarth the Butler, each represented by pewter pieces.

12 rooms: Additional rooms to explore, increasing the game’s complexity.

Item cards: Such as a refreshing cup of tea, hypnotist’s crystal pendant, and a poker.

Clue cards: Used for deductions and ruling out possibilities.

Dice: For determining movement.

Room tiles: New tiles are drawn and placed as players move through the house.

How To Setup Cluedo: Super Sleuth

Players start on the patio of the main entrance tile with no initial clue cards, except in two- or three-player games where they begin with two clues each. As players roll the dice and move, they draw new room tiles and place them to continue their journey. Each new room has spaces for items and clues, which players can collect by landing on these spaces.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players roll a dice to move a certain number of spaces orthogonally.

Item Collection: Landing next to items allows players to draw item cards, which can be useful or hindrances.

Clue Gathering: Players collect clue cards by landing on clue spaces.

Deduction: The primary goal is to make suggestions and rule out possibilities to determine the suspect, weapon, and location of the murder.

Accusation: When a player thinks they have the correct combination, they make an accusation to win the game.

Player Experience

The game starts with a chaotic and somewhat luck-dependent phase where players rush to explore rooms and gather as many clues as possible. This initial phase can feel like a race, with players using items to hinder each other. Once all rooms are explored and all clues are in play, the game settles into a more methodical pattern of making suggestions and deductions. However, the use of items continues to add a layer of unpredictability.

Pros

Increased Complexity: More characters, rooms, and items make the game more challenging.

Dynamic Gameplay: The use of items and clue gathering adds a dynamic element.

Traditional Cluedo Core: The game retains the core deduction mechanics that make Cluedo popular.

Cons

Luck-Dependent Start: The initial phase is heavily influenced by luck, which can be frustrating.

Item Imbalance: Some items can significantly advantage or disadvantage players.

Chaotic Early Game: The early game can feel more like a scramble than a strategic game.

Personal Thoughts on Cluedo: Super Sleuth

Cluedo: Super Sleuth is for fans of the original Cluedo who are looking for a more complex and challenging experience. It is ideal for those who enjoy strategic deduction but also appreciate a bit of unpredictability introduced by the items. However, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer a more methodical and less luck-dependent game from the start.

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