Deadline (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Deadline is a murder/mystery board game released in 2017 by WizKids. Designed by Tom Babbey, Peter Gifford, and Glen Orbik, the game is set in the 1930s noir era, where players take on the roles of detectives trying to solve a murder case before the deadline.

Game Components of Deadline

12 Cases

Case book

Question book

Solution book

8 Detective cards with unique abilities

65 Lead and Plot Twist cards

4 Hot Tip tokens

3 Bullet tokens

Starting Player Badge

Rules.

How To Setup Deadline

To set up Deadline, players start by choosing one of the 12 available cases and reading the corresponding case file in the Case Book. This provides initial clues and sets the stage for the investigation. Each player selects a Detective card, which has a unique ability that can be used once per case. The clue deck for the chosen case is then prepared, and players draw up to their hand limit of Lead cards. The first clue card is selected, and the investigation begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players must manage their Lead cards to match symbols on clue cards.

Set Collection: Collecting and matching symbols on clue cards to unlock new information.

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve cases.

Plot Twists: Plot Twist cards can complicate the investigation.

Hot Tips: Hot Tip tokens can be used to gain new Lead cards or remove Plot Twists.

Objective: Match symbols on Lead cards to unlock clue cards, gather information, and solve the case by answering questions from the Case Questions book.

Player Experience

Playing Deadline encourages strong teamwork and communication. Each player feels vital to the team as they contribute to unlocking clues and solving the case. The game’s artwork and setting in 1930s New York add to the immersive experience. Players must strategize about which clues to pursue and when to use their unique detective abilities and Hot Tips. The game’s shorter playtime compared to other detective games makes it more accessible and engaging.

Pros

Engaging Teamwork: Promotes communication and teamwork among players.

Immersive Setting: The 1930s New York setting and artwork enhance the gameplay experience.

Quick Playtime: Cases can be solved within 45-60 minutes, making it more manageable than other detective games.

Variety of Cases: 12 unique cases provide diverse challenges and replayability.

Interesting Mechanics: The combination of hand management and set collection adds depth to the game.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Once a case is solved, the solution is known, limiting replayability without expansions.

Plot Twists Can Be Challenging: Plot Twist cards can significantly complicate the investigation, potentially frustrating some players.

Personal Thoughts on Deadline

Deadline is ideal for fans of detective games and cooperative gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy hand management and set collection mechanics. The game’s shorter playtime and engaging team dynamics make it a great addition to any board game collection. For those new to detective games, Deadline’s accessible gameplay and immersive setting make it an excellent introduction to the genre. However, players seeking a game with high replayability beyond the initial 12 cases may find it somewhat limited without future expansions.

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