Evidence (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Evidence is a board game released in 2019, designed by Marek Bláha. It falls under the categories of Bluffing, Card Game, Deduction, and Fantasy. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with the best experience being with 4 players. It has a runtime of 20-30 minutes and is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Game Components of Evidence

Cards: Each mystery has 6 rumours, each with a unique color and symbol, and values ranging from -1 to 4.

Locations: 6 different locations around the world corresponding to the mysteries.

Special Cards: Guard cards that can be used once per game for special actions.

News Cards: Cards that represent the articles written based on the evidence found.

How To Setup Evidence

To set up Evidence, each player starts with a hand of six random cards. During setup, a hidden card is placed under each location, representing the actual evidence for that mystery. Depending on the number of players, some cards are displayed openly to provide initial information to all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deduction Mechanic: Players must deduce the value of the hidden evidence cards through the cards in their hand and the open information.

Take-That Element: Players can use guard cards to disrupt their opponents’ strategies.

Resource Management: Players manage their hand of cards to gather the most valuable evidence.

Time Pressure: The game is timed, with the objective of finding the highest-value evidence before other players do.

Variant Mode: An expert mode with special abilities on the cards for experienced players.

Player Experience

Evidence is designed for 2 to 5 players and typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Players navigate through a fast-paced, strategic environment where timing and deduction skills are crucial. The game involves traveling to different locations, gathering rumours, and converting these into news articles that score points based on the hidden evidence.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: The game is relatively short, making it a great addition to game nights.

Deductive Challenge: Encourages strategic thinking and deduction.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for playing with kids due to its simple yet engaging mechanics.

Replayability: The random setup and various strategies ensure multiple playthroughs are unique.

Cons

Luck Factor: The initial hand and open cards can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking more complex gameplay mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Evidence

Evidence is perfect for those who enjoy quick, deductive games with a touch of strategy. It’s an excellent choice for families or casual game nights, providing an engaging and competitive experience without overwhelming complexity. The game’s theme of investigative journalism adds a fun and immersive layer, making it appealing to a wide range of players. However, players seeking deeper strategic games might find it lacks the complexity they crave.

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