MicroMacro: Crime City (2020) Board Game

MicroMacro: Crime City is a unique board game that was released in in 2020. It was designed by Johannes Sich and published by Edition Spielwiese. The game has garnered attention for its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging murder mystery theme. With its cooperative and deduction elements, MicroMacro: Crime City offers a fresh take on the traditional board game experience.

Game Components of MicroMacro: Crime City

Game Board: A large, poster-sized map (45 by 30 inches or 114 cm × 76 cm) of an urban area.

Case Cards: 16 cases with 5-12 cards each, containing clues and tasks.

Magnifying Glass: Included to help players find details on the map.

Icons and Symbols: Unique icons for each case to help track clues.

Player Tokens: Not included; players need to source their own (e.g., tiddly-winks).

How To Setup MicroMacro: Crime City

To set up the game, players unfold the large map of Crime City, which depicts various characters engaged in daily activities and some involved in criminal acts. The team chooses a case to solve and selects one player to be the Lead Investigator, who reads the case cards aloud. The players then explore the map together to answer the questions and tasks described on the case cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Game: Players work together to solve crimes.

Deduction: Players must use deductive skills to find clues and solve cases.

Hidden Object: Players search for specific details on the large map.

Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game: Each case is a separate mission with its own storyline.

Objective: Determine motives, find evidence, and convict the perpetrators of 16 tricky criminal cases.

Player Experience

In **MicroMacro: Crime City**, players take on the roles of detectives or private investigators, navigating a detailed and immersive urban environment. The game requires an attentive eye and creative deduction skills to unravel the mysteries. Players interact with a variety of characters and explore different neighborhoods and districts, each with unique challenges. The game is praised for its collaborative nature, making it a great way to spend quality time with friends or family.

Pros

Immersive Gameplay: Detailed and richly realized game world.

Collaborative: Encourages teamwork and social interaction.

High Replay Value: Multiple cases and detailed map offer extensive replayability.

Awards and Recognition: Won the 2021 Spiel des Jahres award and other notable awards.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+ with adjustable case difficulty.

Cons

Space Requirements: The large map requires significant table space.

No Included Tokens: Players must source their own tokens for marking sites on the map.

Complexity: Some cases can be very challenging, requiring a “deductive leap.”

Personal Thoughts on MicroMacro: Crime City

**MicroMacro: Crime City** is ideal for those who enjoy detective mysteries, hidden object games, and cooperative gameplay. It is suitable for families with older children, as well as for adults looking for a challenging and engaging game night experience. The game’s unique blend of puzzle-solving and detective work makes it a standout in the board game genre, offering something for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.

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