Sherlock 13 (2013) Board Game

Sherlock 13 is a deduction card game based on the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. It was designed by Hope S. Hwang and released in 2013 by BoardM Factory. The game is set in the world of mystery novels, specifically those involving Sherlock Holmes, and challenges players to use their deductive skills to solve the case.

Game Components of Sherlock 13

13 Character Cards, each with 2 to 3 characteristics

4 Player Screens

1 Cluesheet Pad

1 Rulebook.

How To Setup Sherlock 13

To set up the game, the 13 character cards are shuffled, and one card is drawn and put aside to represent Arsene Lupin’s disguise. The remaining cards are distributed evenly among the players. Each player then tallies the total number of characteristics they have on their cards, noting them for later use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Identify which character card Arsene Lupin has chosen as his disguise.

Mechanics:
– Players take turns asking questions to gather evidence.
– Questions can be directed to all players: “Who has (at least one) of (this characteristic)?”
– Or to one player: “How many of (this characteristic) do you have?”
– Instead of asking a question, a player can announce their suspicion about which character is Arsene Lupin.
– If the suspicion is correct, the player wins; otherwise, they are eliminated, and the game continues with the remaining players.

Player Experience

In **Sherlock 13**, players engage in a fast-paced, deductive game where strategic questioning and keen observation are crucial. The game encourages social interaction and logical thinking as players try to piece together the evidence to unmask Arsene Lupin. The gameplay is straightforward yet challenging, making it appealing to fans of mystery and deduction games.

Pros

Engaging Deduction Mechanics: Encourages logical thinking and strategic questioning.

Social Interaction: Players must interact with each other to gather clues.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand rules make it accessible to new players.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, making it a great addition to a game night.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s mechanics, while engaging, might become repetitive after multiple plays.

Dependent on Player Count: Best with a specific number of players; fewer players might reduce the game’s complexity and enjoyment.

Personal Thoughts on Sherlock 13

**Sherlock 13** is ideal for fans of social deduction and mystery games who enjoy a challenge that requires logical thinking and strategic questioning. It is a great game for smaller gatherings, as it promotes interaction and teamwork among players. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a game with high replayability or complex, long-term strategies.

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