5-Minute Mystery (2020) Board Game

5-Minute Mystery is a murder/mystery party game designed by Connor Reid and published by Wiggles 3D in in 2020. It is a real-time cooperative game that challenges players to work together to solve a mystery in just five minutes. With its quick gameplay and engaging theme, it has quickly become a popular choice for game nights and social gatherings.

Game Components of 5-Minute Mystery

1 Codex

40 scene cards

36 suspect cards

36 culprit tiles

19 case file cards

16 clue tiles

6 reference cards

Mobile app for timer and commentary.

How To Setup 5-Minute Mystery

To set up the game, players start by selecting a scenario and distributing the suspect cards among themselves. Each player chooses a suspect token with colored barcodes on its back. The game begins with a brief introduction by the museum curator, a walrus, who explains that the priceless MacGuffin has been stolen. Players then set up the scene cards, which represent different rooms in the museum, and start the timer using the mobile app or a phone timer. The Codex, a tool for recording symbols, is also prepared for use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Find Hidden Symbols: Cooperatively search scene cards for hidden symbols (star, cross, circle, square, and triangle) using the Codex to record them.

Earn Clues: If the symbols on the Codex match the back of the scene card, players earn a clue token, which has a colored barcode. This barcode is compared to the suspect tokens to determine if the clue is correct or not.

Eliminate Suspects: Use the clues to eliminate suspects from the hand of cards.

Time Pressure: The game is played against a time limit (typically 5-10 minutes), adding pressure and urgency to the gameplay.

Make an Accusation: Before the time runs out, players must decide which suspect to accuse based on the gathered clues. If correct, they win the game.

Player Experience

Playing **5-Minute Mystery** is a frantic yet fun experience. The game demands cooperation and quick decision-making as players scramble to find hidden symbols and match clues to suspects. The time pressure, enhanced by the curator’s countdown, creates a palpable sense of urgency. Players work together, assigning roles and making collective decisions to solve the mystery before time runs out. The game is suitable for families and game groups, offering a light-hearted and engaging experience[4’.

Pros

Fast-Paced and Engaging: The game provides a quick, exciting experience that is perfect for busy families or as an ice-breaker.

Cooperative Teamwork: Encourages collaboration and teamwork among players.

Easy to Learn: Simple to pick up, making it accessible to new gamers.

Variety and Replay: Different case files and scenarios offer varying degrees of difficulty and replay value.

Fun Artwork and App: The game features cute artwork and a useful mobile app that adds to the enjoyment.

Cons

Stressful: The time pressure can make the game stressful, especially when missing obvious clues.

Limited Player Count: Best played with 1-3 players; more players can make the game chaotic and less engaging.

Mechanic Fatigue: Playing multiple games in a row can wear out the mechanics of the game.

Personal Thoughts on 5-Minute Mystery

**5-Minute Mystery** is an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for those who enjoy real-time cooperative games. It is perfect for families with children aged 8 and above, as well as for game groups looking for a quick and fun filler game. However, it is best played in moderation to avoid fatigue from the repetitive mechanics. The game’s ability to foster teamwork and its fast-paced nature make it a great choice for occasional gaming sessions or as a quick break between longer games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.