13 Clues (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

13 Clues is a deduction and memory board game released in 2016 by DV Games. Designed by Andrés J. Voicu and illustrated by Giacomo Tappainer, the game challenges players to solve a murder mystery by gathering clues and deducing the culprit among a set of characters.

Game Components of 13 Clues

Player Boards: Each player has a unique mystery to solve.

Mystery Cards: Representing persons, locations, and weapons.

Hidden Cards: Two cards per player, visible only to themselves.

Secret Informants: Cards that can be examined for additional clues.

Magnifying Glasses: Tokens used for actions.

Action Cards: For inquisitions, accusations, and examinations.

How To Setup 13 Clues

To set up the game, each player receives a player board with their unique mystery and two hidden cards. The remaining cards are distributed among the players, ensuring each player can see the mysteries of others but not their own. Secret Informants are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Identify your own mystery by deducing the person, location, and weapon.

Actions:

Inquisition: Ask another player how many cards of a specific type they see.

Accusation: Declare your solution to your mystery.

Examination: Look at a Secret Informant to gain additional clues.

Game Progression: Players take turns asking questions, making accusations, or examining Secret Informants to gather information.

Player Experience

Players engage in a delightful game of deduction, where they must strategically ask questions and analyze the answers to piece together their own mystery. The unique twist of seeing other players’ mysteries but not your own adds a layer of complexity and excitement.

Pros

Engaging Deduction Mechanics: Encourages strategic thinking and logical reasoning.

High Replayability: Each game offers a different set of mysteries and hidden cards.

Interactive: Players must interact with each other, making it a social and engaging experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be confusing for new players due to the multiple layers of information.

Length: Games can be lengthy as players gather and analyze clues.

Personal Thoughts on 13 Clues

**13 Clues** is ideal for fans of mystery and detective games, particularly those who enjoy deduction and strategic thinking. It is a great addition to any game collection for those who appreciate complex, interactive gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game experience.

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