Interpol (1978) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Interpol is a deduction board game that was released in 1978 by Jumbo, a Dutch game company known for producing various board games. The game is centered around solving a murder mystery by gathering clues and eliminating suspects in order to identify the culprit. It is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 9 and up.

Game Components of Interpol

Game board

1 die

The Tower with the Crown Jewels

4 tourists (Irma from Germany, Mario from Italy, Claude from France, and Peter from England)

4 Interpol agents

The bodyguard

Ladder, pickaxe, key, and handcuffs

Interpol Archive

Playing cards

Game rules

How To Setup Interpol

To set up the game, each player chooses an Interpol agent. The game board is placed in the middle, and the tourists are positioned according to the game’s scenario. Each player receives a set of playing cards and other components like the die, tools (ladder, pickaxe, key, handcuffs), and the bodyguard. The objective is clear from the start: identify and apprehend the thief before they can steal the Crown Jewels.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Deduction, Murder/Mystery

Number of Players: 2 to 4

Age Range: 9 years old and up

Playtime: Approximately 30 minutes

Objective: Each player must use their Interpol agent to unmask the tourist who is the thief and be the first to arrest them, or allow the thief to steal the Crown Jewels if they fail.

Mechanics:
– Deduction: Players must gather clues to identify the thief.
– Strategic Movement: Players use the die to move their agents and tools around the board.
– Card Play: Players use playing cards to gain information or hinder opponents.

Player Experience

Playing Interpol involves a mix of strategy and luck, as players navigate the board, gather clues, and try to catch the thief. The game encourages social interaction and deductive thinking, making it engaging for players who enjoy mystery and detective-themed games. The relatively short playtime ensures that games are quick and exciting, with each round offering a new challenge.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The scenario of catching a thief in a historical setting adds a unique flavor to the game.

Social Interaction: Players must communicate and strategize, making it a great game for families or small groups.

Short Playtime: Games are quick, making it easy to fit in a session.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to younger players.

Cons

Luck Factor: The use of a die and cards introduces an element of luck, which might not appeal to players seeking purely strategic games.

Limited Complexity: The game mechanics are not overly complex, which might make it less appealing to experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy.

Components: Some components, like the tools and playing cards, can be easily lost or damaged.

Personal Thoughts on Interpol

Interpol is a great game for families or casual gamers who enjoy light-hearted mystery and deduction games. It is particularly suited for children aged 9 and above, as it introduces basic strategic thinking and social interaction. For those who enjoy quick, fun games with a historical twist, Interpol is an excellent addition to their game collection. However, it may not be as appealing to serious gamers looking for more complex and strategic gameplay.

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