Sherlock (1999) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sherlock is a card game designed by Reinhard Staupe and published in 1999 by Staupe Spiele. It is a deduction and memory based game that is suitable for children aged 5 and above. The game is based on the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Players must use their deduction skills to solve the mystery and uncover the culprit.

Game Components of Sherlock

Casebooks: Containing detailed scenarios and clues

Newspapers: Mock London newspapers with relevant information

Maps: Maps of London to help navigate locations

Character Cards: Cards representing various informants and suspects

Rulebook: Instructions on how to play the game

Note-taking Materials: Players are encouraged to take notes during the game

How To Setup Sherlock

To set up the game, players first choose a case to solve from the casebooks. Each case includes a brief introduction and initial clues. Players then use the maps and newspapers to gather more information. The rulebook provides specific instructions on note-taking and how to proceed with the investigation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Investigation: Players visit various locations, interview characters, and gather clues.

Deduction: Using the gathered information, players must deduce the solution to the case.

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve the case, discussing and sharing findings.

Game Objective: The objective is to solve the case by answering questions posed by the judge, ideally in the fewest number of visits possible.

Player Experience

Playing Sherlock involves a deep dive into detective work, where players must meticulously gather and analyze clues. The game is highly immersive, with detailed writing and a rich narrative that simulates the experience of being a detective. It is best played with two players, as this allows for effective collaboration and discussion of theories.

Pros

Immersive Storytelling: The game offers a highly detailed and engaging narrative.

Challenging Cases: Each case is complex and requires careful deduction.

Cooperative Fun: Ideal for two players who enjoy working together to solve mysteries.

Simple Rules: Despite the complexity of the cases, the rules are straightforward and easy to learn.

Cons

Time-Consuming: Each case can take several hours to complete, especially if players are thorough.

Non-Replayable: Once a case is solved, the game loses its replay value since the solution is known.

Tedious Note-Taking: Players need to take extensive notes, which can be tedious for some.

High Dependence on Reading: The game requires a lot of reading, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Sherlock

Sherlock is ideal for fans of murder-mystery games and those who enjoy deductive reasoning. It is a great choice for players who appreciate detailed storytelling and are willing to invest time in solving complex cases. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quick or highly replayable game. If you enjoy the theme but are unsure, you might also consider games like “Chronicles of Crime” for a similar yet more dynamic experience.

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