A worn board game box titled "Orient Express, Mystery Detective Game" by Just Games, featuring stylized train imagery and an inset picture of vintage characters.
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Orient Express (1985)

ByMichail

Orient Express

“Orient Express” is a crime fiction board game published by Jumbo and Just Games, released in 1985. The game is based on the 1934 novel “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie. The game was designed by Jeff Smets and is suitable for 1 to 6 players, with a playing time of approximately 2 hours. The game has been translated into numerous languages, including English, German, Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish, Swedish, Finnish, and Danish.

Why is Orient Express Popular?

The game is popular due to its connection to the famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie and the iconic Orient Express train. The novel and the game have been adapted into various films and TV series, making the game more recognizable and appealing to fans of the story. Additionally, the game offers a unique murder mystery experience, where players must collect clues from different rooms on the train before time runs out.

Game Components of Orient Express

  • 10 different murder cases**, each playable only once, with an additional 5 new plots released in 1987.
  • 8 suspects: an actress, a baroness, a count, a diplomat, an entrepreneur, a fortuneteller, a gambler, and an heiress.
  • Text cards** representing the staff, suspects, and rooms on the train.
  • Dice** for movement and special actions.
  • Train wagon boards** and an **engine pawn** to track progress.

    How To Setup Orient Express

    Setup involves placing the train wagon boards in the middle, distributing the text cards representing the staff, suspects, and rooms, and giving each player a set of investigation tools. The engine pawn is placed at the starting station, and players begin in the middle of the train. The setup is relatively quick, taking about 5 minutes.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Dice Rolling: Players move through the train based on dice rolls.
  • Deduction: Players gather clues by talking to the crew, examining rooms, and interrogating suspects.
  • Movement: The engine pawn moves one station when the specialized die shows a green figure, triggering telegrams about suspects or the victim.
  • Game Objective: Players aim to solve the murder mystery by identifying the suspect(s), motive, and other key details before the train reaches Istanbul. The player with the correct solution wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing Orient Express involves a mix of luck, deduction, and strategic thinking. Players navigate the train, gathering clues and piecing together the events of the murder. The game encourages players to set aside prejudices and focus on the evidence, making it an engaging and challenging experience. The varied motives and potential multiple suspects add complexity to the game, keeping players engaged until the very end.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mystery: Each case offers a unique mystery to solve, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
  • Awards and Recognition: Winner of the 1987 “Beautiful Game” by “Spiel des Jahres” and “Best Family Game” by “Årets Spel”.
  • Replayability: With 10 initial cases and 5 additional ones, the game offers high replay value.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Some players might find the game rules and setup slightly complex, though the gameplay itself is relatively straightforward.
  • Length: The game can take up to 2 hours to complete, which may not be suitable for all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Orient Express

    Orient Express is ideal for fans of detective fiction and those who enjoy deduction games. It is a great choice for families and groups of friends looking for a challenging yet entertaining experience. The game’s ability to accommodate 1 to 6 players makes it versatile for various social settings. However, due to its length and complexity, it may not be the best fit for younger children or those looking for a quick, casual game.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl