Promotional poster for "Jewel Heist," featuring two animated characters, one male and one female, in a dramatic scene where they are stealing gems. The background is dark with mist and a spotlight focused on the characters.
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Jewel Heist (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Jewel Heist is a board game released in 2020 by Mattel, Inc. It is a fun and fast-paced game that combines elements of action/dexterity and deduction. Players take on the roles of thieves trying to steal precious jewels while avoiding detection.

Game Components of Jewel Heist

  • Role cards** to determine player roles (Robbers and Detectives)
  • Jewel case** with an inner white platform and a clear outer cover
  • 13 jewels** (9 jewels for 5-player games)
  • Marbles** placed on the outer cover
  • Warrant tokens**
  • Police Station tile**
  • Hideout marker**
  • Action cards** (included in the Deluxe edition).

    How To Setup Jewel Heist

    To set up Jewel Heist, players are randomly assigned roles using secret role cards. The jewel case is prepared by placing the jewels on the inner white platform and covering it with the clear outer piece, ensuring the marbles are on the bottom platforms. The number of jewels varies depending on the player count, with 13 jewels for 7 or 8 players and 9 jewels for 5 players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Roles: Players are divided into Robbers and Detectives, with roles kept secret until the end of the game.
  • Night Phase: Robbers open their eyes during a countdown and attempt to steal jewels without dislodging marbles. They hide the jewels on their bodies.
  • Day Phase: Players discuss what they heard, with Detectives trying to identify Robbers and Robbers making misleading statements. Players then accuse each other, and the accused receive warrants.
  • Game End: The game ends when a player receives two warrants. The team with the most jewels on their base tile wins.
  • Action Cards (Deluxe Edition): Action cards can be used in the Day Phase to influence gameplay, but each card can only be used once.

    Player Experience

    Jewel Heist offers a dynamic and interactive experience, combining physical stealth with social deduction. Players must balance their actions carefully, as Robbers need to avoid detection while Detectives must use their wits to uncover the thieves. The game encourages creative lying, clever accusations, and strategic teamwork.

    Pros

  • Engaging Social Interaction: Encourages lively discussions and accusations among players.
  • Physical Elements: The use of marbles and hiding jewels adds a fun, tactile aspect.
  • Replayability: Random role assignments and action cards ensure different experiences each time.
  • Family and Party Friendly: Suitable for adults and teens, making it a great option for social gatherings.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: Setting up the jewel case and understanding the rules can be somewhat complicated.
  • Time-Consuming: Games can be lengthy, especially with larger player counts.
  • Luck Factor: The success of Robbers can depend on their ability to avoid detection, which includes an element of luck.

    Personal Thoughts on Jewel Heist

    Jewel Heist is ideal for those who enjoy social deduction games and are looking for a unique blend of physical and mental challenges. It’s a great addition to any game night, especially for groups who appreciate interactive and strategic gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a quick, simple game due to its complex setup and potential for lengthy gameplay sessions.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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