Arkham Investigator (2013) Board Game

Arkham Investigator is a self-published board game released in in 2013. It falls into the categories of deduction, horror, murder/mystery, and novel-based games. The game is designed for 1 to 10 players, with the best experience being for 2 to 4 players. Players take on the role of investigators in the dark and eerie town of Arkham, where they must work together to solve mysteries and uncover the truth behind sinister events.

Game Components of Arkham Investigator

Map of Arkham: A detailed, colorful map of the town.

Arkham Directory: A list of residents and businesses.

Newspaper: A two-page issue of the Arkham Advertiser containing clues.

Case Book: Booklets with encounter descriptions for each location.

Rulebook: Contains the core rules and setup instructions.

Standard Resources: Predefined resources for help during investigations.

How To Setup Arkham Investigator

To set up the game, players start by reading the initial description of the mystery, which includes names and places worth investigating. They then use the Arkham Directory to locate these places on the map. The newspaper provides additional clues, and the case book is used to resolve encounters at each location. No dice or luck mechanisms are involved, making setup straightforward and focused on the investigative process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative/Competitive Play: Can be played either cooperatively or competitively.

Location Visits: Players visit locations on the map, reading encounter descriptions from the case book.

Clue Gathering: Players gather clues by visiting locations and interacting with witnesses or suspects.

Resource Use: Players can use standard resources for help during investigations.

Objective: The goal is to solve the mystery by finding the correct answers to the questions posed at the end of the game.

Scoring: Score depends on the number of clue points needed, risks taken to sanity, and the ability to find correct answers.

Player Experience

In **Arkham Investigator**, players immerse themselves in a Lovecraftian mystery, navigating the town of Arkham to unravel a complex plot. The game challenges mental abilities rather than relying on luck, making it engaging and intellectually stimulating. The absence of dice rolls and the focus on clue gathering and deduction create a unique and immersive experience.

Pros

Intellectual Challenge: Encourages critical thinking and deduction.

Free Resources: The core rules and first case are available for free download.

Immersive Setting: Set in the rich, eerie world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Arkham.

Replayability: Multiple cases and investigations available, with more planned for release.

Cons

Complex Setup: While setup is straightforward, the game requires careful reading and preparation.

Text-Heavy: The game relies heavily on reading descriptions and clues, which can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Arkham Investigator

**Arkham Investigator** is ideal for fans of mystery and detective games, particularly those who enjoy the works of H.P. Lovecraft. It is a great choice for players seeking a game that challenges their mental abilities rather than relying on luck. The game’s cooperative or competitive play options also make it versatile for different types of player groups. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for quick, action-packed gameplay or those who prefer games with less reading involved.

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