Deadly Dowagers (2023) Board Game

Deadly Dowagers is a card game designed by Sarah Shipp and published by Sparkworks. It was released in 2023 and quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of humor, murder/mystery theme, and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Deadly Dowagers

Deck of cards

Player tokens

Rulebook

Score tracker

How To Setup Deadly Dowagers

Shuffle the deck of cards.

Each player receives a set number of cards.

Place the score tracker in the center of the table.

Decide on the first player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Deadly Dowagers, players take on the roles of eccentric dowagers trying to outwit each other in a race to gather clues and solve a murder mystery. The game involves closed drafting, hand management, and racing mechanics as players try to piece together the clues to uncover the culprit.

The objective of the game is to be the first player to correctly identify the murderer, the weapon used, and the location of the crime.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging and humorous theme

Strategic gameplay with a mix of luck

Quick and easy to learn

Replayability with different combinations of clues

Cons:

Limited player count (2-6 players)

Some luck involved in drawing cards

Personal Thoughts on Deadly Dowagers

Deadly Dowagers is a fun and entertaining game that is perfect for game nights with friends or family. The build quality of the components is excellent, and the artwork by Mercedes Palacios adds to the overall theme of the game.

While the game may not be for everyone, fans of murder/mystery games or those looking for a light-hearted and humorous gaming experience will surely enjoy Deadly Dowagers. The pricing is reasonable for the quality of the game, and it is readily available both new and used.

Overall, I believe Deadly Dowagers is worth your time if you enjoy card games with a twist of mystery and humor. It is suitable for players aged 14 and up, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and engaging game to add to their collection.

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