Mr. Jack in New York (2009) Board Game

Mr. Jack in New York is a board game released in 2009 as a sequel to the original Mr. Jack game. It is designed by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc, with artwork by Pierô. The game is published by Hurrican and falls under the deduction and murder/mystery category.

Game Components of Mr. Jack in New York

Board: A 4-panel, linen-textured board depicting the New York alleys and showing the 8 turns of the game.

Cardboard Chits: Include 7 metro stops, 6 gaslights, 4 building sites (each with a park on the back), 2 investigation tiles, 2 Steamers, and 1 informant.

Characters: Eight suspects with unique powers, along with a turn marker.

How To Setup Mr. Jack in New York

The setup involves placing the eight suspects, the informant, two investigation tiles, a few gas lamps, and a few metro stops on the board in a specified arrangement. The Jack character selects an alibi card, looks at it, and sets it aside, knowing who the actual Jack the Ripper is. This initial setup is crucial for the analytical strategy of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Structure: The game is played over 8 turns, each turn consisting of two steps: Choose & Use Characters and Call for Witnesses.

Choose & Use Characters: Each turn, 4 of the 8 character cards are revealed. Players take turns moving and using the characters’ special powers. On odd-numbered turns, the Jack player goes first, followed by the investigator using two characters, and then the Jack player again. This order reverses on even-numbered turns.

Call for Witnesses: After character movements, the Jack player determines if Jack is visible. Visibility is based on adjacency to gaslights or other characters, and not being in a park. Visible suspects are eliminated from contention.

Winning Conditions:

Investigator Wins: By accusing and moving a character onto Jack the Ripper.

Jack Wins: By moving off the board on a turn after Jack was not visible, lasting through all 8 turns without being caught, or if the investigator makes a false accusation.

Player Experience

*Mr. Jack in New York* offers a fast-paced and analytical gameplay experience. Players must strategically use character movements and powers to either evade capture or narrow down the suspects. The dynamic board, with its changing character availability and mobile exits for Jack, adds a layer of complexity and excitement to the game.

Pros

Dynamic Board: The board changes significantly each turn, keeping the game fresh and challenging.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and strategic thinking from both players.

Short Playtime: Games typically last around 30 minutes, making it a great fit for a quick yet engaging session.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Complexity: The game’s analytical nature and dynamic setup might be overwhelming for casual players.

Personal Thoughts on Mr. Jack in New York

*Mr. Jack in New York* is ideal for players who enjoy deduction games and strategic thinking. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a challenging, yet relatively short, gaming experience. The game’s abstract and analytical nature makes it more suited to experienced board game enthusiasts rather than newcomers. However, for those who enjoy a good puzzle and strategic gameplay, this game offers a highly engaging and rewarding experience.

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