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Almost Innocent (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Almost Innocent is a deduction and memory board game designed by Philippe Attali and published by Kolossal Games. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with the best experience being for 2 to 3 players. The game is designed for players aged 12 and above and features cooperative gameplay with variable set-up scenarios.

Game Components of Almost Innocent

  • Scenario book** with different stories and crimes
  • Cards** divided into categories: Victims (blue), Crimes (yellow), Evidence (green), Scenes (orange), and Offenders (black) in later scenarios
  • Game board** – a 6×6 grid with images and barred spaces
  • Investigation tokens** for making inquiries
  • Shields and tracking sheets** for each player
  • Mischievous Mouse token** in Scenario #3

    How To Setup Almost Innocent

    To set up the game, players start by marking barred coordinates on the board and noting the solution on their neighbor’s cards. Each player is dealt a card privately, which contains the solution sought by the player to their left. The cards are shuffled and categorized, and players gain access to Investigation tokens based on the chosen difficulty level.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative Deduction: Players work together to deduce their individual mysteries.
  • Questioning Mechanism: Players take turns asking two types of questions: “How many of my cards are located in column/row ____?” or “Is my [category] in column/row ____?”
  • Shared Answers: All players receive the answer to the active player’s question.
  • Investigation Tokens: Limited tokens available for inquiries, with restrictions increasing in later scenarios.
  • Error Tolerance: Easy, Standard, and Master difficulties allow for different numbers of errors (three, two, and one, respectively).
  • Objective: Identify Victim, Crime, Evidence, and Scene correctly to achieve collective victory.

    Player Experience

    In Almost Innocent, teamwork is paramount as each player is responsible for solving another player’s mystery. The game encourages strategic questioning and collective problem-solving. Players must be attentive and participate actively, as the game’s success relies on every player’s contribution. The addition of new elements like the Offender category and the Mischievous Mouse in later scenarios adds complexity and challenge.

    Pros

  • Engaging Cooperative Mechanics: Encourages active participation from all players.
  • Progressive Difficulty: Scenarios become increasingly challenging with new elements.
  • Replayability: Multiple scenarios and different setups ensure varied gameplay experiences.
  • Interactive Questioning System: Players must think strategically about the questions they ask.

    Cons

  • Limited Error Margin: High pressure to avoid errors, especially in higher difficulty levels.
  • Potential for Confusion: New elements like images spanning two squares can add complexity.
  • Dependence on Teamwork: Can be challenging if some players are not as engaged or skilled.

    Personal Thoughts on Almost Innocent

    Almost Innocent is an excellent choice for those who enjoy cooperative games and deduction puzzles. It is ideal for families and groups of friends who appreciate strategic thinking and collaborative effort. The game’s progressive story and increasing difficulty make it appealing for players looking for a challenge that grows as they progress. However, it may not be the best fit for groups with significantly varying skill levels or for those who prefer more straightforward, individual gameplay experiences.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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