Murder of Crows (2012) Board Game

Murder of Crows is a card game released in 2012, designed by Thomas Denmark and published by Atlas Games. It falls under the category of Murder/Mystery and Word Game, with gameplay mechanics centered around hand management, set collection, spelling, and take that.

Game Components of Murder of Crows

1 game box containing letter cards

Each letter card represents a letter in the word “MURDER” (M, U, R, D, E)

Special power cards associated with each letter

Wild Crow card

Rulebook

How To Setup Murder of Crows

To set up the game, each player starts with five letter cards in their hand. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The objective is to spell out the word “MURDER” using these letter cards, but the setup is straightforward and quick, making it easy to dive into the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Be the first player to spell out the word “MURDER” using letter cards.

Turn Structure: On each turn, a player can either draw two cards or draw one card and play one card.

Special Powers:
– M (Misplace): Take one card from another player’s collection.
– U (Uncover): Reveal all players’ hands and take any one card.
– R (Reap): Draw an additional card.
– D (Drain): Force all players to discard a specific letter.
– E (Expel): Everyone discards their hand and draws three new cards.
– Wild Crow: Can be used as any letter.

Protection: Players can discard a card with a matching crow power to be immune from an opponent’s action.

Player Experience

**Murder of Crows** offers a unique blend of card game mechanics, strategy, and a touch of storytelling. Players find it fun and engaging, especially with its illustrated and varied card artwork. The game is suitable for teens and adults aged 14+, and it is enjoyable even with just two players. It becomes increasingly strategic and potentially cut-throat with more players, making it a great addition to game nights.

Pros

Unique Gameplay: Combines card drawing, strategy, and special powers.

Illustrated Artwork: No two cards are alike, adding a visually appealing element.

Adaptable: Fun with 2-5 players.

Quick Games: Typical gameplay lasts about 20 minutes.

Storytelling Element: Completing the word “MURDER” reveals a murder story.

Cons

Limited Depth: Some players may find the gameplay too light or simplistic.

Luck of the Draw: The game can be influenced significantly by the cards drawn.

Personal Thoughts on Murder of Crows

**Murder of Crows** is an excellent choice for those looking for a light-hearted, yet strategically engaging card game. It is ideal for game nights with friends or family, offering a fun and interactive experience that is easy to learn but still challenging to master. The game’s unique mechanics and storytelling element make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who enjoy clever card games with a touch of whimsy.

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