The Key: Murder at the Oakdale Club (2020) Board Game

“The Key: Murder at the Oakdale Club” is a deduction board game that was released in 2020 by HABA. Designed by Thomas Sing and illustrated by Timo Grubing, this game challenges players to solve a murder mystery at the prestigious Oakdale Club.

Game Components of The Key: Murder at the Oakdale Club

Deck of clue cards

Deck of location cards

Deck of suspect cards

Deck of time cards

4 player screens

4 pencils

1 sand timer

Rulebook

How To Setup The Key: Murder at the Oakdale Club

Shuffle the clue cards, location cards, suspect cards, and time cards separately.

Deal out a set number of cards to each player based on the number of players.

Each player takes a player screen and pencil.

Set the sand timer aside within reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players must work together to solve the murder mystery by deducing the correct combination of suspect, location, and time. Players take turns sharing clues with each other in real-time, trying to piece together the correct solution before time runs out. The objective is to correctly identify the suspect, location, and time of the murder.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging cooperative gameplay

Quick playtime

Real-time deduction adds excitement

Suitable for solo play

Cons:

Limited replayability

Lack of depth in strategy

Components may feel cheap compared to other games

Personal Thoughts on The Key: Murder at the Oakdale Club

“The Key: Murder at the Oakdale Club” offers a fun and challenging experience for players looking for a quick deduction game. While the components may not be as high-quality as other games, the gameplay itself is enjoyable and can be a good option for families or casual gamers. The pricing for the game is reasonable, and it is widely available both new and used. Alternatives to this game include “Chronicles of Crime” and “Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective.” Overall, if you enjoy deduction games and are looking for a quick and easy-to-learn option, “The Key: Murder at the Oakdale Club” is worth your time. It is suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great option for families or small groups. However, those looking for deeper strategy or more complex gameplay may want to skip this game in favor of more in-depth options.

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