Chronicles of Crime: 1900 (2021) Board Game

Chronicles of Crime: 1900 is a standalone expansion for the popular board game Chronicles of Crime. It is set in Paris at the turn of the 20th century and features new scenarios, characters, and puzzles for players to solve. The game is designed by David Cicurel and Wojciech Grajkowski and published by Lucky Duck Games, known for their innovative and immersive board games.

Game Components of Chronicles of Crime: 1900

Evidence Board: To display all findings.

Character Deck: Includes potential characters involved in the cases.

Evidence Cards: Contain clues and information.

Location Cards: Oversized cards representing different locations in Paris.

Puzzle Cards: New feature introducing escape-room-style puzzles.

Mobile App: Essential for navigating the game, scanning QR codes, and interacting with the game world.

Cards and Location Boards: Minimal components with a soft feel, designed to keep the game’s price down.

How To Setup Chronicles of Crime: 1900

Setup involves preparing the evidence board, shuffling and placing the character, evidence, location, and puzzle decks within reach. Players use the mobile app to initiate the game, scanning QR codes to enter locations and interact with characters. The app guides players through the initial tutorial and subsequent cases, ensuring a smooth transition into the game world.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

QR Code Scanning: Use the app to scan QR codes on cards and boards to navigate locations, interview people, and gather clues.

Investigation: Move around Paris, interview suspects or witnesses, and search for clues in 3D crime scenes.

Puzzle Solving: Combine cards and clues to solve escape-room-style puzzles to advance the cases.

Time Management: Work under the pressure of a deadline, receiving prompts from the editor to hurry up.

Objective: Collect evidence, interrogate suspects, and crack cases efficiently before the time runs out.

Player Experience

Playing **Chronicles of Crime: 1900** is an engaging and challenging experience. Players take on the role of Victor Lavel, a young journalist in 1900s Paris, tasked with solving crimes with the help of his newspaper and police contacts. The game requires active deduction skills, as players must analyze evidence, ask the right questions, and solve puzzles to uncover the truth. The historical setting and detailed artwork immerse players in the era, making each case a unique and thrilling adventure.

Pros

Immersive Historical Setting: Detailed artwork and realistic location images bring the Belle Epoque era to life.

Dynamic Puzzles: Escape-room-style puzzles add a new layer of fun and challenge.

App Integration: The mobile app enhances gameplay with 3D crime scenes and interactive elements.

Replayability: Randomized elements and multiple cases ensure a fresh experience each time.

Accessible Mechanics: The game is more approachable for non-gamers, thanks to the puzzle editor and clearer clues.

Cons

Single-Use Puzzle Cards: Unlike previous games, puzzle cards are not reusable.

Dependency on App: The game is unplayable without the mobile app, which may not appeal to all players.

Time Pressure: The constant reminders from the editor can add stress to the gameplay experience.

Personal Thoughts on Chronicles of Crime: 1900

**Chronicles of Crime: 1900** is an excellent choice for fans of detective mysteries and cooperative games. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy historical settings and are comfortable with the integration of technology in board games. The game’s refined mechanics and engaging puzzles make it a great addition to the Chronicles of Crime series. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your deduction skills and offers a unique blend of physical and digital elements, **Chronicles of Crime: 1900** is definitely worth considering. However, it may not be ideal for players who prefer traditional board game mechanics or those who are averse to app-driven gameplay.

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