Clue Master Detective (1988) Board Game

Clue Master Detective is an expanded version of the classic murder mystery board game Clue. Released in 1988 by Hasbro, this version allows for up to 10 players to join in on the sleuthing fun. With more suspects, weapons, and rooms to choose from, Clue Master Detective offers a more challenging and engaging experience for fans of the original game.

Game Components of Clue Master Detective

Characters: Includes original characters like Colonel Algernon Mustard, Mrs. Henrietta Peacock, and Professor Edgar Plum, along with new additions such as Madame Rhoda Rose, Miss Georgia Peach, and Monsieur Alphonse Brunette.

Weapons: Features a broader range of weapons including a candlestick, horseshoe, knife, lead pipe, poison, revolver, rope, and wrench.

Rooms: The game includes more rooms than the original, such as the Billiard Room, Carriage House, Cloak Room, Conservatory, Courtyard, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Fountain, Gazebo, Kitchen, Library, Studio, and Trophy Room.

Game Board: A foldable board with doorways and secret passages that allow for quicker movement around the mansion.

Cards and Tokens: Cards representing characters, weapons, and rooms, along with tokens for player movement.

Dice: Two dice are used for movement, which is a departure from the single die in the original game.

How To Setup Clue Master Detective

To set up the game, start by shuffling the character, weapon, and room cards. Randomly select one card from each category and place them in the “confidential file folder.” Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting space on the board. Players receive a set of cards and a tally sheet to keep track of their deductions. The game is ready to begin once all players have their materials and the secret cards are secured.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Determine who killed Mr. Boddy, with what weapon, and in which room through the process of elimination.

Movement: Players roll two dice to move around the board, utilizing doorways and secret passages to navigate the mansion more efficiently.

Suggestions and Evidence: Players make suggestions by naming a character, weapon, and room. Other players must then present any evidence they have to disprove the suggestion. Unlike the original game, all players must show their evidence if they have any.

Accusation: When a player believes they know the correct combination, they make an accusation. If correct, they win; otherwise, they are out of the game.

Player Experience

Clue Master Detective offers an engaging and faster-paced experience compared to the original Clue. The addition of more characters, weapons, and rooms increases the complexity and excitement of solving the mystery. The use of two dice and the new evidence rule speeds up gameplay, making it more dynamic and interactive. The game is suitable for 3 to 10 players aged 10 and up, making it an excellent choice for murder mystery parties and family gatherings.

Pros

Increased Complexity: More characters, weapons, and rooms add depth to the game.

Faster Gameplay: The use of two dice and the new evidence rule speeds up the game.

Interactive: All players must present evidence, making the game more engaging.

Suitable for Large Groups: Can be played with up to 10 players.

Cons

Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it harder to find.

Collectible: Being out of print, it can be more expensive to purchase.

Personal Thoughts on Clue Master Detective

Clue Master Detective is perfect for those who enjoy a challenge and are fans of the original Clue game. It offers a more complex and engaging experience with its additional characters, weapons, and rooms. This game is ideal for murder mystery enthusiasts and large groups looking for a fun and interactive game night. However, its collectible status may make it harder to find and more expensive to purchase. Despite this, the game’s unique mechanics and faster-paced gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection.

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