Murder City (2007) Board Game

Murder City is a board game released in 2007, designed by Christopher Shy and published by White Wolf Entertainment AB. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, deduction, murder/mystery, and science fiction. With a runtime of 120 minutes, it is recommended for players aged 12 and above, with 2-5 players.

Game Components of Murder City

5 different detectives to play

25 Murder Cards, representing the cases to investigate

50 Legwork Cards, used to advance your own cases or interfere with others

25 Hardship Cards, which introduce troubles when delving deep into investigations

All necessary dice for gameplay

How To Setup Murder City

To set up the game, each player selects a detective and receives the corresponding character cards and starting resources. The Murder Cards, Legwork Cards, and Hardship Cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Players determine who goes first, typically the player with the detective having the highest starting credits. The game board, if included, is placed in the center and any initial setup specific to the board is completed according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players manage credits and other resources to investigate cases.

Card Play: Use Legwork Cards to progress cases or hinder opponents.

Dice Rolling: Utilize dice to resolve investigations and challenges.

Objective: The goal is to track down killers, prosecute them, and earn the most credits. The player who survives “the life” best and accumulates the most credits wins, becoming the foremost investigator in the city.

Player Experience

**Murder City** offers a blend of strategic planning and storytelling, appealing to roleplayers and fans of investigative games. Players must balance their own cases with the need to disrupt their opponents’ progress, adding a competitive edge to the game. The futuristic setting and varied detective roles add a layer of diversity and immersion.

Pros

Thematic Depth: Richly themed with a strong focus on storytelling and investigation.

Variety in Roles: Multiple detective roles offer different playstyles.

Competitive Interaction: Players can interfere with each other’s investigations, enhancing the competitive aspect.

Cons

Component Quality: Criticized for poorly designed components which can detract from the overall experience.

Complexity: May require a significant amount of time to learn and set up.

Personal Thoughts on Murder City

**Murder City** is ideal for fans of investigative and strategic games, particularly those who enjoy resource management and competitive gameplay. While it may appeal to roleplayers due to its thematic depth, the game’s complexity and component issues need to be considered. It is best suited for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and storytelling in a futuristic setting.

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