Mystery Express (2010) Board Game

Mystery Express is a deduction and murder/mystery board game released in 2010 by designers Cyrille Daujean and Julien Delval. The game is published by Days of Wonder and is designed for 3 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 12 and up. Mystery Express has a runtime of 60 to 90 minutes and features gameplay mechanics such as action points, hand management, memory, trading, and variable player powers.

Game Components of Mystery Express

Game board

5 Character pawns

5 Destination pawns

5 Player screens

50 Suspect cards

50 Destination cards

50 Time cards

50 Clue cards

5 Character sheets

5 Destination sheets

Notepad

Rulebook

How To Setup Mystery Express

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the Suspect, Destination, Time, and Clue cards separately and place them face down on their designated spaces on the board.

Each player chooses a character and takes the corresponding character sheet and pawn.

Players receive a destination sheet and pawn.

Players receive 3 Action Points.

The game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Mystery Express, players take on the role of detectives trying to solve a murder mystery on the luxurious Orient Express. Players must deduce the suspect, destination, and time of the crime by collecting and trading clue cards. The first player to correctly deduce all three elements wins the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging deduction gameplay.

Beautifully designed components.

Variable player powers add strategic depth.

Encourages player interaction and negotiation.

Cons:

Gameplay can feel repetitive after multiple plays.

Limited player count may not accommodate larger groups.

Clue card distribution can sometimes feel unbalanced.

Personal Thoughts on Mystery Express

Mystery Express is a solid deduction game with a unique theme and immersive gameplay. The components are well-crafted and add to the overall experience of unraveling the mystery. While the game may not offer high replayability due to its repetitive nature, it is still a fun and engaging game for fans of deduction and mystery genres.

In terms of pricing and availability, Mystery Express can be found in both new and used condition online and in select board game stores. The game falls within the mid-range pricing category for board games.

For those who enjoy deduction and murder/mystery games, Mystery Express is definitely worth your time. It is suitable for players aged 12 and up, making it a great option for families and casual gamers. However, if you are looking for a more complex or strategic gaming experience, you may want to explore other options.

Overall, Mystery Express offers a unique take on the deduction genre and provides an enjoyable gaming experience for those who appreciate unraveling a good mystery.

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.