Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere (2022) Board Game

Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere is a cooperative deduction game set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. Players take on the roles of investigators working for a mysterious government agency tasked with solving supernatural mysteries in Arkham and beyond. The game is designed by Grégory Privat and published by Space Cowboys, known for their immersive and thematic board games.

Game Components of Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere

Game Board

Investigator Figures

Clue Tokens

Encounter Cards

Story Book

Dice

Rulebook

How To Setup Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Place the clue tokens and encounter cards within reach of all players.

Assign each player an investigator figure.

Shuffle the encounter cards and place them face down.

Read the introductory passage from the story book to set the scene.

Follow the setup instructions provided in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Bureau of Investigation, players work together to solve mysteries by exploring locations, gathering clues, and making narrative choices. The game is driven by a story book that presents branching paths and consequences based on player decisions. The objective is to uncover the truth behind the supernatural occurrences and solve the mystery before time runs out.

Player Experience

Pros:

Immersive storytelling experience

Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork

Replayability due to branching narratives

Thematic artwork and components

Cons:

Long playtime may not be suitable for casual gamers

Complex rules may require multiple playthroughs to fully grasp

Limited player interaction outside of decision-making

Personal Thoughts on Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere

Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere offers a deep and engaging narrative experience for fans of deduction and horror games. The game’s thematic elements, from the Lovecraftian setting to the ominous artwork, create an immersive atmosphere that draws players into the world of supernatural investigation. However, the game’s lengthy playtime and complex rules may be a barrier for more casual players. Overall, for those who enjoy delving into dark mysteries and making difficult choices, Bureau of Investigation is definitely worth a try. It may not be suitable for everyone, but for those who appreciate a deep and immersive gaming experience, this game is a hidden gem in the world of cooperative board games.

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