Sherlock: 13 Hostages (2018) Board Game

Sherlock: 13 Hostages is a deduction and murder/mystery card game designed by Martí Lucas Feliu and Josep Izquierdo Sánchez. It was released in 2018 by GDM Games and has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and challenging puzzles. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above and can be played by 1 to 8 players.

Game Components of Sherlock: 13 Hostages

Number of Players: 1 to 8

Playing Time: 60 minutes

Age Range: 8 and above

Category: Card Game, Deduction, Murder/Mystery

Mechanics: Communication Limits, Cooperative Game, Hand Management, Memory

Components: Includes a set of cards and possibly other materials for tracking and managing the game state.

How To Setup Sherlock: 13 Hostages

To set up the game, players first need to understand the basic premise: rescuing hostages from a kidnapper. The exact setup process is not detailed in the available sources, but it generally involves distributing cards among the players and setting up a central pool of cards that represent the hostages and the kidnapper’s plans. Players need to coordinate and manage their hand of cards to deduce and rescue the hostages.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Work together to rescue hostages by deducing the kidnapper’s plans.

Mechanics:

Communication Limits: Players have restricted ways of sharing information.

Cooperative Game: Players work together to achieve the goal.

Hand Management: Players need to manage their cards carefully.

Memory: Players must remember information from previous turns.

Gameplay: Players take turns using their cards to gather clues and coordinate actions. The game involves deducing the kidnapper’s identity and plans to rescue the hostages successfully.

Player Experience

Playing **Sherlock: 13 Hostages** can be an engaging and challenging experience, especially for fans of cooperative and deduction games. The game requires strategic communication and memory to succeed, making it a mentally stimulating activity. However, the game’s complexity and the need for careful cooperation can sometimes lead to frustration if players are not well-coordinated.

Pros

Cooperative Challenge: Encourages teamwork and strategic thinking.

Variety of Players: Supports a wide range of player counts, from 1 to 8.

Deduction Mechanics: Provides a deep and engaging deduction experience.

Thematic Engagement: The hostage rescue theme adds a layer of urgency and excitement.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the communication limits and memory requirements.

Length: The 60-minute playing time might be too long for some players.

User Rating: Has a mixed user rating, with some players finding it less enjoyable than others.

Personal Thoughts on Sherlock: 13 Hostages

**Sherlock: 13 Hostages** is best suited for experienced board game players who enjoy cooperative games and deduction mechanics. It is ideal for game groups looking for a challenging and immersive experience that requires careful planning and teamwork. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward games. The game’s complexity and length make it a niche product that will appeal to a specific audience within the board gaming community.

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