Batman: Everybody Lies (2022) Board Game

Batman: Everybody Lies is a board game released in 2022 by Portal Games. Designed by Weronika Spyra and Ignacy Trzewiczek, the game is set in the world of the iconic DC Comics character, Batman. Players take on the roles of Batman and his allies as they work together to solve mysteries and uncover the truth in Gotham City.

Game Components of Batman: Everybody Lies

Character Tokens: Representing Vicki Vale, Warren Spacey, Harvey Bullock, and Catwoman.

Game Board: Featuring a map of Gotham City with various locations like the Batcave, Arkham Asylum, and the Gotham City Gazette.

Lead Deck: Cards with essential clues and plot twists.

Physical Handouts: Including newspaper clippings, audio transcripts, and case files.

Dedicated Website: Access to in-world resources from the Gotham City Gazette archives.

Personal Goal Deck: Cards for each character’s secret goals and unique win conditions.

Scene Deck: Comic book-style art panels enhancing the game’s immersion.

Evidence Tokens: Required to visit certain locations and progress in the game.

Character Sheets: Detailing each character’s abilities and motivations.

How To Setup Batman: Everybody Lies

To set up the game, players start by familiarizing themselves with the game’s rules and the introductory prologue. Each player selects a character and receives the corresponding character sheet and tokens. The game board is laid out, and the Lead deck is shuffled and prepared. Players begin by reading the intro and initial leads, then start investigating by following the clues and leads across the board. The game includes a detailed rulebook to guide players through the setup and initial steps.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Investigation: Players work together to solve cases by visiting various locations in Gotham City and gathering clues.

Lead Cards: Players follow leads which may prompt them to visit the online database for additional information.

Character Goals: Each character has secret goals and unique win conditions.

Evidence Tokens: Used to enter certain locations and progress in the investigation.

Final Report: Players submit their findings online and answer multiple-choice questions to evaluate their success.

Master Narrative: Solving all four cases unravels a master narrative with an epic climax.

Player Experience

Playing **Batman: Everybody Lies** is an immersive experience that deeply engages players in the Batman universe. The game encourages cooperation and discussion among players as they analyze clues, theorize about suspects, and make decisions to progress the investigation. The high-quality artwork and writing style, along with the inclusion of familiar Batman characters and locations, enhance the overall experience. Players can choose to play openly or keep their personal goals secret, adding a layer of strategy and depth to the game. While the game is designed for 2-4 players, it is also feasible to play solo by controlling all characters.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game is deeply rooted in Batman lore, making it highly engaging for fans.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and discussion among players.

High-Quality Artwork: The illustrations and writing style are impeccable and in line with the comics.

In-Depth Cases: The cases are well-written and challenging to solve.

Flexibility: Can be played with 2-4 players or solo.

Cons

Text-Heavy: The game involves a lot of reading, which can be cumbersome for some players.

Predetermined Paths: The game’s structure can make choices feel somewhat predetermined.

No Batman as a Playable Character: Some players might be disappointed that they cannot play as Batman himself.

Personal Thoughts on Batman: Everybody Lies

**Batman: Everybody Lies** is ideal for fans of the Batman comics and those who enjoy cooperative deduction games. While it may not be perfect, it offers a unique and engaging experience that immerses players in the world of Gotham City. The game is suitable for players aged 14 and above and is a great addition to the Detective line of games. For those who enjoy story-driven games with deep character motivations, this game is certainly worth a try. However, players who prefer games with less text or more variable paths might find it less appealing.

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