Intent to Kill (2024) Board Game

Intent to Kill is a board game released in 2024 by Hobby World. Designed by Artur Khodzhikov, this game falls under the deduction and murder/mystery category. With a runtime of 60 minutes and suitable for players aged 16 and above, Intent to Kill offers a thrilling experience of solving a murder mystery through deduction and induction.

Game Components of Intent to Kill

Game board

8 Building markers

9 Marker stands

24 Motive cards

54 Civilian cards

5 Crime Scene cards

24 Evidence tokens

1 Surveillance token

9 Social Group tokens

Notebook

2 pencils

14 Murderer cards

14 Detective cards

4 Memo cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Intent to Kill

To set up the game, start by placing the game board on the table and distributing a page from the notebook and a pencil to each player. Place the building markers on the board according to the selected scenario or the basic starting locations. Position the five crime scene markers in sequential order on the right side of the board. Shuffle and draw 20 civilian cards, from which the murderer randomly selects one to be their character, noting it in their notes. The murderer then chooses one motive card from six shuffled cards. The detective receives six identical motive cards and lays them out in the same order. The murderer selects three social group tokens, keeps one, and discards the others. The remaining social groups are placed face down at the bottom of the board. Finally, give the detective the surveillance token and have them place their marker on any block on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics:

Deduction: Players must gather and analyze information.

Strategy: Efficient use of actions and abilities is crucial.

Intimidation and Investigation: The murderer intimidates civilians, while the detective questions them.

Evidence Collection: The detective gathers evidence to decipher the murderer’s identity and motive.

Game Objective:

The game spans five rounds, with a new murder occurring each round.

The murderer must plan and execute murders while hiding their motive.

The detective must move around the board, question civilians, gather evidence, and determine the murderer’s identity and motive.

If the detective correctly identifies both the murderer and their motive by the end of the fifth round, they win; otherwise, the murderer wins.

Player Experience

Playing Intent to Kill is an immersive experience that combines suspense and strategy. The game’s dynamic roles ensure that each player has a unique perspective and set of challenges. The murderer must balance the need to intimidate and kill without revealing their identity, while the detective must efficiently gather evidence and question witnesses, some of whom may not be truthful. As players become more experienced, the game offers additional complexity through new motives, components, and scenarios, enhancing the replayability and depth of the game.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple motives, components, and scenarios add depth and variety.

Engaging Roles: Distinct roles for the murderer and detective provide unique gameplay experiences.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and efficient use of actions.

Immersive Theme: The 1960s noir setting adds to the game’s atmosphere and intrigue.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming and intricate.

Limited Availability: Currently out of stock and available only through specific channels.

Learning Curve: Mastering both roles and understanding the full rules can take time.

Personal Thoughts on Intent to Kill

Intent to Kill is ideal for players who enjoy strategic deduction games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate asymmetrical gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the nuances of each role. The game’s complexity and replayability make it a great addition to any collection for fans of detective and strategy games. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game to play.

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