Clue: Discover the Secrets (2008) Board Game

Clue: Discover the Secrets is a modern take on the classic board game Clue, originally released in in 2008. This updated version was released in 2008 and introduced new characters, rooms, and weapons to the game. Designed by Rob Daviau and Anthony E. Pratt, this version aimed to appeal to a new generation of players while still maintaining the core deduction and mystery-solving elements of the original game.

Game Components of Clue: Discover the Secrets

Game board featuring updated room names (e.g., Ball Room is now Patio)

Six character cards with modernized names and special abilities:
– Kasandra Scarlet (actress)
– Jack Mustard (former football player)
– Diane White (ex-child star)
– Jacob Green (go-to guy “with all the ins”)
– Eleanor Peacock (manners freak from a political family)
– Victor Plum (billionaire video game designer)

Nine weapon cards:
– Baseball bat
– Dumbbell
– Pistol
– Axe
– Trophy
– Poison
– Knife
– Rope
– Candlestick

Intrigue cards: Keepers and Clocks

Rumor cards

Entry cards

Dice

Confidential suspicion envelope

Player markers

How To Setup Clue: Discover the Secrets

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a character and places their marker on the corresponding starting space. The Intrigue cards, rumor cards, and entry cards are shuffled and distributed according to the game instructions. The confidential suspicion envelope is prepared with the solution cards (the killer, the weapon, and the room). The game is ready to start once all components are in place and each player understands their role and the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Character Abilities: Each character has a unique special ability that can be used once during the game.

Intrigue Cards: Include Keepers (special abilities) and Clocks (time mechanism where the eighth clock drawn eliminates a player).

Movement: Players roll dice to move around the board and enter rooms to gather clues.

Accusations: Players must move to the swimming pool in the center of the board to make an accusation.

Secret Passages: Connect opposite corners of the gameboard.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the first player to correctly identify the killer, the weapon used, and the room where the murder took place.

Player Experience

Clue: Discover the Secrets offers a fresh twist on the classic Cluedo game with updated characters, new weapons, and additional game mechanics like Intrigue cards. Players must use deductive reasoning and strategy to gather clues and solve the mystery. The game adds an element of time pressure with the Clock cards, which can abruptly end a player’s game if they draw the eighth clock.

Pros

Modernized Characters: More relatable and contemporary character profiles.

New Weapons: Adds variety and interest with modern weapons.

Intrigue Cards: Introduces new strategies and challenges.

Time Pressure: The Clock mechanism adds an exciting element of urgency.

Cons

Additional Complexity: Some players may find the new rules and cards confusing.

Changes to Classic Rules: The requirement to move to the swimming pool to make an accusation can be seen as an unnecessary complication.

Potential for Early Elimination: Drawing the eighth clock can eliminate a player abruptly, which might be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Clue: Discover the Secrets

Clue: Discover the Secrets is for fans of the original Cluedo who are looking for a fresh and modern take on the classic game. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy detective games and are eager for new challenges and strategies. However, traditionalists may prefer to stick with the classic version due to the changes in rules and components. This game is a good choice for families or groups of friends who enjoy mystery and deduction games.

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