Holmes and Moriarty (2018) Board Game

Holmes and Moriarty is a two-player card game released in 2018, designed by Heiko Günther and illustrated by Escape Velocity Games. The game is based on the classic rivalry between Sherlock Holmes and his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty.

Game Components of Holmes and Moriarty

Cards: Players draft crime and clue cards from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.

Scenario Board: Used to mark winning positions and track progress.

Tokens: For scoring and placing on the board.

Box with Magnetic Close: Includes a top flap repurposed for the spatial map.

How To Setup Holmes and Moriarty

To set up the game, players prepare the scenario board and shuffle the card deck. Each player starts by drawing a set of cards, with the Holmes player aiming to foil Moriarty’s plans and Moriarty aiming to enact his nefarious plan. The cards are played out in two rows, each resolved differently, adding a layer of complexity to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Gameplay: Players take on the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty with different strategies.

Card Drafting: Players draft cards to win “cases” and score points.

Two-Row Card Play: Cards are played in two rows, each row resolved differently.

Bonus Placements: Players gain bonus placements for fulfilling certain conditions.

Game Objective: Moriarty aims to score three in a row to activate his master plan, while Holmes must foil Moriarty’s plans to win.

Player Experience

The game offers a dynamic and intense battle of wits between the two players. Initially, Moriarty may seem powerful, but as the game progresses, the advantage shifts to the Holmes player, making the game highly competitive and engaging. The asymmetry in gameplay mechanics adds a rich layer of strategy, requiring players to make thoughtful decisions about card placement and resource management.

Pros

Asymmetric Design: Encourages different strategies for each player, enhancing gameplay variety.

Engaging Mechanics: The two-row card play system introduces interesting decisions and strategic depth.

Balanced Gameplay: Despite initial imbalances, the game becomes increasingly competitive as it progresses.

Compact and Well-Designed Box: The magnetic close and repurposed top flap add a nice touch to the game’s packaging.

Cons

Initial Imbalance: Moriarty tends to dominate early rounds, which can be frustrating for the Holmes player.

Learning Curve: The unique mechanics may require a few rounds to fully understand and appreciate.

Personal Thoughts on Holmes and Moriarty

**Holmes and Moriarty** is an excellent choice for fans of strategy and detective-themed games, particularly those who enjoy asymmetric gameplay. It is ideal for players looking for a challenging and engaging two-player experience that requires strategic thinking and tactical card play. This game serves as a great introduction to modern board games for traditional gamers and is highly recommended for its clever design and competitive gameplay.

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