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Deception: Murder in Hong Kong (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

Deception: Murder in Hong Kong is a social deduction game that was created by Tobey Ho and published by Jolly Thinkers in in 2014. The game is set in Hong Kong, where players take on the roles of investigators trying to solve a murder case. One player is secretly the murderer, while another player is the forensic scientist giving clues to help the investigators crack the case.

Game Components of Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

  • Role cards: Forensic Scientist, Witness, Investigator, Murderer, and Accomplice.
  • Weapon cards: Each player has 4 unique weapon cards.
  • Evidence cards: Each player has 4 unique evidence cards.
  • Clue tiles: Representing details of the crime such as location, features of the victim, and things nearby people noticed.
  • Badge tokens: Used by investigators to make accusations.
  • Scene tiles: Used by the Forensic Scientist to provide clues.

    How To Setup Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

    To set up the game, one player is secretly chosen as the Murderer, while another is chosen as the Forensic Scientist. The Murderer secretly informs the Forensic Scientist of their chosen murder weapon and evidence cards. Each player has their own set of weapon and evidence cards face-up in front of them. The Forensic Scientist places markers on clue tiles to provide hints about the crime without giving verbal cues.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Social Deduction: Players must deduce the identity of the Murderer.
  • Hindered Communication: The Forensic Scientist provides clues through scene tiles without verbal hints.
  • Bluffing: The Murderer and Accomplice mislead the investigators.

    Game Objective

  • Investigators: Guess the correct combination of the Murderer, weapon, and evidence to win.
  • Murderer: Avoid being correctly accused to win.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • The Forensic Scientist communicates through clue tiles, marking details like the cause, location, and motive of the killing.
  • Investigators discuss and make accusations using their badge tokens.
  • The game consists of multiple rounds where the Forensic Scientist can replace and add new clue tiles to guide or mislead the investigators.
  • If an investigator correctly guesses the combination, the investigators win. Otherwise, the Murderer wins if no one correctly accuses them.

    Player Experience

    **Deception: Murder in Hong Kong** is known for its engaging table chatter and storytelling elements, particularly when playing as the Forensic Scientist. The game encourages role-playing and strategic thinking. It is suitable for a broad range of player counts, from 4 to 12 players, making it a great fit for large groups or parties. However, it may feel less engaging with lower player counts.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.
  • High Replayability: numerous cards ensure a unique experience each game.
  • Broad Player Count: Supports 4-12 players.
  • Engaging Storytelling: Great table chatter and role-playing opportunities.
  • Fast-Paced: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor: Some players find the game outcome too dependent on luck.
  • Basic Theme: The modern crime theme might be too generic for some.
  • Complex Setup: Initial setup involves a lot of card examination, which can be time-consuming.
  • Limited Information: Clue tiles can be frustratingly vague, and the Forensic Scientist must be careful not to reveal too much.

    Personal Thoughts on Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

    **Deception: Murder in Hong Kong** is an excellent choice for groups looking for a social deduction game that excels at higher player counts. It’s particularly suited for work gatherings, parties, or family game nights due to its easy learning curve and fast-paced gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly strategic game with minimal luck involved. For those who enjoy hindered communication and social deduction, this game remains a top choice even years after its release.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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