Inspector Higgins (1988) Board Game

Inspector Higgins is a board game released in 1988, designed by Manfred Ludwig and Doris Plümacher. It is a deduction-based murder/mystery game suitable for children aged 6 and above. The game is set in a detective theme where players take on the role of Inspector Higgins, trying to solve a murder mystery.

Game Components of Inspector Higgins

Game board featuring nine houses

Five thief figures

One Inspector Higgins figure

Dice for movement

Treasure token

Player tokens and markers

How To Setup Inspector Higgins

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a thief figure and places it on the board according to the starting rules. The Inspector Higgins figure is placed on its designated starting position. The treasure token is randomly placed in one of the nine houses. Players determine who will play as Inspector Higgins and who will play as the thieves.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Cooperative/Deductive

Number of Players: 2-6

Age: 6+

Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Game Objective:
– For the Inspector: Capture the thief carrying the treasure and as many other thieves as possible.
– For the Thieves: Discover which house contains the treasure and return it to the thieves’ hideout.

Movement Mechanics: Movement is based on die rolls, with the type and number of dice used dependent on the total number of players.

Player Experience

In **Inspector Higgins**, one player takes on the role of the determined Inspector, while the others cooperate as sneaky thieves. The game is a fun blend of strategy and luck, as the Inspector must use their wits to track down the thieves and the treasure, while the thieves need to work together to evade capture and find the treasure. The game’s short duration and simple rules make it accessible and enjoyable for families and younger players.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children as young as 6 years old.

Interactive: Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork among the thieves.

Quick Games: Each game lasts only about 20 minutes.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game mechanics are straightforward and may lack complexity for older players.

Luck-Based: Movement and success heavily depend on die rolls.

Personal Thoughts on Inspector Higgins

**Inspector Higgins** is an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a light, enjoyable game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s perfect for younger players due to its easy-to-understand rules and cooperative gameplay. However, older players might find the game too simplistic and reliant on luck. Overall, it’s a fun, casual game that promotes teamwork and strategic thinking in a fun and engaging way.

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