Deadline (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Deadline is a murder/mystery board game released in 2017 by WizKids. Designed by Tom Babbey, Peter Gifford, and Glen Orbik, the game is set in the 1930s noir era, where players take on the roles of detectives trying to solve a murder case before the deadline.

Game Components of Deadline

Game board

Player tokens

Case cards

Clue cards

Lead cards

Evidence tokens

Deadline track

Player aid cards

How To Setup Deadline

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a detective token and places it on the starting space.

Shuffle the case cards and place them face down on the board.

Shuffle the clue cards and place them face down on the board.

Place the evidence tokens and lead cards within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players work cooperatively to solve the murder case by collecting clues, analyzing evidence, and following leads. Each player has special abilities that they can use to gather information and progress in the investigation. The game objective is to solve the case before the deadline track reaches zero.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging murder/mystery theme

Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork

Variable player powers add replay value

Strategic hand management and set collection mechanics

Cons:

Limited player interaction

Some cases may feel repetitive after multiple plays

Learning curve for new players

Personal Thoughts on Deadline

Overall, Deadline is a solid deduction game with an immersive theme and engaging gameplay. The build quality of the components is good, and the artwork captures the noir atmosphere effectively. The game is priced reasonably and is widely available both new and used.

For fans of murder/mystery games and cooperative gameplay, Deadline is definitely worth your time. However, players who prefer more competitive or interactive games may find it lacking. Alternatives to Deadline include Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective and Chronicles of Crime, which offer similar deduction experiences. Ultimately, Deadline is a game that is best enjoyed by those who appreciate a good challenge and love solving mysteries.

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