echoes: The Cocktail (2021) Board Game

echoes: The Cocktail’ is a board game released in 2021 by Ravensburger. Designed by Matthew Dunstan and Dave Neale, this game falls under the deduction category and is suitable for players aged 14 and above. With a playing time of around 60 minutes, ‘echoes: The Cocktail’ is a cooperative game that challenges players to work together to solve mysteries.

Game Components of echoes: The Cocktail

6 chapter heading tiles

18 cards (split into 2 sets of 9)

Free Ravensburger echoes app

Physical game boards and cards

Audio clips accessible through the app

How To Setup echoes: The Cocktail

To set up the game, players place the 6 chapter heading tiles and the first set of 9 cards face up on the table, reserving the second set of cards for later. In the more difficult version, all components are placed face up at the start. Players need a device with the Ravensburger echoes app, requiring at least an iPhone 6s with iOS 12.0 or an Android device with Android 7.0 and compatible with Google Play services for AR.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to solve the mystery.

Audio Clues: Players use the app to scan cards and tiles, listening to associated audio clips to gather clues.

Story Assembly: The goal is to assemble the 24 parts of the story in the correct order, with each chapter represented by a game board and three associated cards.

Chapter Completion: Players solve each chapter by arranging the cards in the correct order, using the app to verify their solution.

Final Objective: After completing all six chapters, players must place the chapters in the correct overall order to solve the case and reveal the identity of “Cruel Steve.”

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of investigators with a special skill to hear echoes of the past from objects. The game is a unique blend of audio mystery and puzzle-solving, where players listen to conversations and noises to piece together the story. The gameplay involves discussing and analyzing the audio clips, using visual clues from the cards, and working together to solve each chapter. The use of a Bluetooth speaker can enhance the experience by ensuring all players can clearly hear the audio.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: Combines audio clues with physical components for a unique gaming experience.

Engaging Story: The story is well-constructed with good audio acting and Foley sounds.

Collaborative Fun: Encourages teamwork and discussion among players.

Replay Value: Although the game can only be played once with full impact, it provides a fun and challenging hour of entertainment.

High-Quality Components: The art style and color scheme on the cards and tiles are visually appealing.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Once the story is solved, it cannot be replayed with the same level of challenge.

Player Count Issues: The game is best suited for 1-2 players due to the need for close attention to audio cues and potential distractions with more players.

Audio Retention: Players may find it challenging to retain the audio information between listens.

Personal Thoughts on echoes: The Cocktail

**echoes: The Cocktail** is ideal for those who enjoy interactive fiction, audio puzzles, and cooperative gameplay. It’s a great choice for fans of mystery and detective stories, offering a unique and engaging way to solve a crime. While it may not be suitable for large groups due to the intimate nature of the audio clues, it provides a fun and challenging experience for smaller groups or solo players. If you’re looking for a novel and entertaining way to spend an hour, **echoes: The Cocktail** is definitely worth a try.

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