I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) (2014) Board Game

I Say, Holmes! is a deduction card game that puts players in the shoes of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they try to solve a series of mysterious cases. The second edition of the game was released in 2014, designed by Clark Miller and featuring artwork by Victory Point Games. The game is suitable for 3-8 players, with an optimal player count of 4 or 6. With a runtime of 30-45 minutes and an age recommendation of 13+, I Say, Holmes! offers a fun and engaging experience for fans of deduction and mystery games.

Game Components of I Say, Holmes!

Card deck: Featuring various cards that represent clues, actions, and story elements

Player cards: For each detective to manage their progress and contributions

Story cards: To advance the narrative of the case

Rulebook: For setup and gameplay instructions

How To Setup I Say, Holmes!

To set up the game, players need to shuffle the card deck and distribute the appropriate number of player cards to each detective. The story cards are organized in a specific order to ensure the narrative flows correctly. The rulebook provides detailed steps for preparing the game environment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Draw and Play: Players draw cards and play them to progress the story and solve the case.

Cooperative Play: Players work together to help Holmes and Watson solve the mystery.

Story Advancement: Cards played influence the direction and outcome of the story.

Objective: The primary goal is to successfully solve the case by making the right decisions and playing the correct cards.

Player Experience

In **I Say, Holmes**, players are immersed in the investigative world of Sherlock Holmes, making decisions that impact the story’s progression. The game encourages teamwork and strategic thinking as players collaborate to unravel the mystery.

Pros

Immersive Theme: Deeply rooted in the Sherlock Holmes universe, offering a unique and engaging experience.

Cooperative Gameplay: Fosters teamwork and collaboration among players.

Dynamic Story: The card game mechanics ensure a different story each time, adding replay value.

Short Playing Time: Suitable for a quick gaming session.

Cons

Complexity: Some players might find the rules and card interactions somewhat complex to learn.

Limited Designer Information: The designer of the game is not specified, which might be of interest to some players.

Personal Thoughts on I Say, Holmes!

**I Say, Holmes** is an excellent choice for fans of Sherlock Holmes and cooperative card games. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a fun, interactive, and thematic experience that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. However, it may not be ideal for those seeking highly competitive games or those who prefer simpler rulesets.

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