Mystery Rummy: Escape from Alcatraz (2009) Board Game

Mystery Rummy: Escape from Alcatraz is a card game that was released in in 2009. It is part of the Mystery Rummy series designed by Mike Fitzgerald and Andrew Korson. The game is set in the infamous Alcatraz prison and players take on the roles of inmates trying to escape the island prison.

Game Components of Mystery Rummy: Escape from Alcatraz

Plans Deck: Contains 84 cards, each representing different escape plans and escapees.

Escapees: 14 cards of actual prisoners who attempted to escape from Alcatraz, some colored to match specific escape plans, and others gray as generic escapees.

Suits: Each suit represents a specific type of escape, such as “Attack the Guards” and “Tunnel through Walls”.

How To Setup Mystery Rummy: Escape from Alcatraz

To set up the game, players start with a hand of cards. The draw deck is referred to as the “Cell Block,” and the discard pile is called “Solitary.” Each player draws a set of cards, and the remaining cards are placed in the Cell Block. The game begins with each player taking turns drawing a card from the Cell Block or the discard pile and then discarding one card from their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing and Discarding: Players draw a card from the Cell Block or the discard pile and discard one card at the end of their turn.

Melding Cards: Players meld three cards of the same suit to the table, provided there is an available escapee.

Foiling Plans: If eight cards of a suit are on the table, a player can foil the plan by associating an escapee with the plan. This ends the player’s turn and allows other players to score their played cards of that suit.

Scoring: Points are earned for foiled plans and escapees in the score pile. The game ends when a player scores 100 points or when a predetermined number of rounds are completed.

Shooting the Moon: A special mechanism where a player can earn a lot of points if they go out before any plans are foiled.

Player Experience

Mystery Rummy: Escape from Alcatraz combines the classic Rummy mechanics with unique thematic elements. Players must strategically decide when to play cards and when to try to score them, taking into account the interrelation between escapee cards and plan cards. The game requires careful planning and timing to foil the inmates’ escape plans effectively.

Pros

Thematic Integration: The game does a good job of adapting its theme, making the gameplay feel connected to the real-life events of Alcatraz escapes.

Strategic Depth: The interplay between escapee and plan cards adds a layer of strategy, making the game engaging and challenging.

Family-Friendly: Recommended for ages 10 and up, making it a great option for families and casual gamers.

Cons

Abstract Feel: Some players may find the theming to feel abstract, particularly in the initial plays.

Average Production Quality: The game’s production, including the look and feel of the cards, is described as fairly average.

Personal Thoughts on Mystery Rummy: Escape from Alcatraz

This game is ideal for fans of Rummy and those who enjoy strategic card games with a unique theme. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the blend of classic card game mechanics with thematic elements. While it may not stand out in terms of production quality, the gameplay offers enough complexity and strategy to keep players engaged. It’s a great addition to the Mystery Rummy series and a solid choice for anyone looking for a thoughtful and thematic card game.

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