Orient Express (1985) Board Game

Orient Express is a deduction and murder/mystery board game released in in 1985. Designed by R. Wayne Schmittberger and Jeff Smets, the game is set on the famous Orient Express train, where players must solve a murder mystery by deducing the culprit before reaching their final destination. With a runtime of 60 minutes, Orient Express is suitable for 1-6 players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Orient Express

Game Board: Representing the Orient Express train from Paris to Istanbul

10 Murder Cases: Each case can be played only once, with five additional plots released in 1987

8 Suspects: Named to form the first eight letters of the alphabet (actress, baroness, count, diplomat, entrepreneur, fortuneteller, gambler, heiress)

Clue Cards: Representing staff, suspects, and rooms

Dice: For movement and resolving actions

Telegram Cards: Providing updates on suspects or the victim at certain train stations

Player Tokens: For tracking player movement

Engine Pawn: To mark the train’s progress

How To Setup Orient Express

To set up the game, players choose one of the 10 available murder cases. The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and each player selects a token to represent their detective. The clue cards, suspect cards, and telegram cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The engine pawn is positioned at the starting station, and the dice are ready for use. Setup typically takes around 5 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Category: Deduction, Dice Rolling

Player Count: 1 to 6 players

Age Range: 10 and up

Objective: Solve the murder mystery before the train reaches Istanbul.

Movement: Players move through the train based on dice rolls.

Clue Gathering: Players gather clues by talking to the crew, examining rooms, and interrogating suspects.

Telegrams: Players receive updates on suspects or the victim at certain train stations.

Solution: Each player must announce their solution when the train reaches Istanbul; the correct solution wins.

Player Experience

Playing Orient Express is an immersive and engaging experience, requiring a mix of deduction and strategic thinking. Players must navigate the train, gather clues, and piece together the motives and identities of the suspects. The game’s setting, inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel, adds a layer of intrigue and mystery. With a playing time of around 2 hours, it’s a game that keeps players engaged and guessing until the very end.

Pros

Engaging Theme: Based on a classic Agatha Christie novel, offering a rich and intriguing setting.

High Replayability: With 10 different murder cases and additional plots, the game offers multiple unique experiences.

Awards and Recognition: Winner of the 1987 “Beautiful Game” by “Spiel des Jahres” and “Best Family Game” by “Årets Spel”.

Deductive Gameplay: Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for some players due to the number of clues and suspects.

Long Playing Time: The game can take up to 2 hours to complete.

Limited Action Per Turn: Movement and actions are determined by dice rolls, which can be restrictive.

Personal Thoughts on Orient Express

Orient Express is ideal for fans of mystery and detective fiction, particularly those who enjoy Agatha Christie’s works. It’s a great game for families and groups who appreciate deductive gameplay and are willing to invest the time required to solve the complex mysteries. While it may not be the best fit for those looking for quick, light-hearted games, Orient Express offers a rich and satisfying experience for those who enjoy a challenge.

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