Sherlock: 13 Hostages (2018) Board Game
Sherlock: 13 Hostages is a deduction and murder/mystery card game designed by Martí Lucas Feliu and Josep Izquierdo Sánchez. It was released in 2018 by GDM Games and has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and challenging puzzles. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above and can be played by 1 to 8 players.
## Game Components of Sherlock: 13 Hostages
– **13 Suspect Cards**
– **Clue sheets**
– **Player screens**
– **Rulebook**
## How To Setup Sherlock: 13 Hostages
To set up the game, each player receives a player screen and a clue sheet. The thirteen Suspect Cards are shuffled, and one is placed face-down in the center. The remaining cards are distributed evenly among the players. In a two-player game, three cards are placed face-down in the center, and each player receives five cards.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Objective:** Players aim to deduce who the face-down culprit is.
– **Actions:**
– **Investigate:** Choose an icon and ask other players who have that icon to raise their hand.
– **Interrogate:** Ask another player how many of a specific icon they have.
– **Accuse:** Declare which character you think is the criminal. If correct, you win; if not, you are eliminated.
– **Two-player variation:** Instead of investigating other players, you choose a face-down card from the center and replace it with a card from your hand.
## Player Experience
**Sherlock: 13 Hostages** offers a engaging deduction experience where players must use the cards in their hand and the information gathered from other players to figure out the identity of the culprit. The game is designed for 1 to 8 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. The clue sheets help players keep track of the symbols they’ve seen, which is crucial for deducing the correct suspect.
### Pros
– **Deduction gameplay:** Encourages strategic thinking and observation.
– **Versatile player count:** Can be played with 1 to 8 players.
– **Easy setup:** Relatively simple to set up and start playing.
– **Advanced rules:** Adds complexity and variety to the game.
### Cons
– **Complexity:** May be overwhelming for new players due to the need to track multiple symbols.
– **Player elimination:** Incorrect accusations can lead to player elimination, which might make the game less enjoyable for those who are eliminated early.
## Personal Thoughts on Sherlock: 13 Hostages
**Sherlock: 13 Hostages** is ideal for fans of deduction games and those who enjoy the Sherlock Holmes theme. It provides a challenging yet entertaining experience, especially with the advanced rules that add an extra layer of complexity. The game is suitable for groups looking for a cooperative or competitive deduction challenge. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer simpler, more straightforward games.
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