Mystery Date (1965) Board Game

Mystery Date is a classic board game that was first released in in 1965. Designed by Marvin Glass, the game has been a favorite among children and families for decades. The game features a fun and lighthearted theme, with players trying to assemble the perfect outfit for their mystery date.

Game Components of Mystery Date

Game Board: Features original artwork from the 1965 edition.

Playing Pieces: Includes four girl playing pieces.

Die: A standard die for determining player movement.

Outfit Cards: 48 cards representing different outfits for four types of dates (ski, bowling, beach, and prom).

Mystery Date Door: A plastic door with photos of five different dates, including a ‘dud’ date.

Rules: Detailed instructions on how to play the game.

Collectible Tin: The game is stored in a decorative, nostalgic tin case.

How To Setup Mystery Date

To set up the game, players place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a girl playing piece and places it on the “Start” space. The outfit cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The Mystery Date door is set up with the five different dates. The goal is to ensure all components are easily accessible for a smooth gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Players roll the die to determine how many spaces they can move on their turn.

Collecting Outfit Cards: Players aim to collect three outfit cards that match one of the four date types (ski, bowling, beach, or prom).

Opening the Door: When a player lands on the “Open the Door” space, they turn the knob on the Mystery Date door to reveal one of the five dates.

Matching Outfits: If the player’s outfit matches the date behind the door, they win. If not, or if they get the ‘dud’ date, they must discard their outfit cards and draw new ones.

Game Objective: Be the first player to open the door and match their outfit with the corresponding date.

Player Experience

Mystery Date is a game that evokes nostalgia and provides a fun, light-hearted experience. Players appreciate its easy-to-learn rules and the retro aesthetic of the game components. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up, making it a great family game or a trip down memory lane for those who played it in their childhood.

Pros

Nostalgic Value: Brings back memories for those who played it in the 1960s.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Family Fun: Encourages laughter and interaction among family members.

Retro Aesthetic: The game’s original artwork and components add to its charm.

Cons

Boring Gameplay: Some players find the gameplay repetitive and boring.

Cheap Quality: Some modern versions are perceived to have cheaper quality compared to the original.

Limited Replay Value: The game can become predictable after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on Mystery Date

Mystery Date is ideal for families looking for a light-hearted, nostalgic gaming experience. It is particularly appealing to those who grew up with the game and are looking to share that nostalgia with their children or grandchildren. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking complex gameplay or high replay value. Despite its simplicity, it remains a charming and fun game that can bring lots of laughs and memories to family game nights.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.