Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures (2016) Board Game

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures is an expansion to the popular Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective series. It was released in 2016 by Asmodee and designed by Suzanne Goldberg, Gary Grady, and Jérôme Ropert. The game allows players to step into the shoes of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and solve mysteries in the dark streets of Victorian London.

Game Components

Casebooks: 10 unique casebooks, including 4 linked Jack the Ripper cases and 6 independent West End Adventures.

Map: A detailed map of Whitechapel and London.

Newspapers: Authentic newspapers for each case, divided into two sets for the Jack the Ripper and West End cases.

Directory: A directory of London locations.

Scripts and Clues: Scripts for various locations, case questions, and corresponding answers.

How To Setup

To set up the game, players gather the casebook for the chosen case, along with the relevant newspapers, the map of London or Whitechapel, and the London directory. One player reads the introductory text aloud, and the game begins. Players decide which leads to investigate, using the casebook, map, directory, and newspapers to guide their investigation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together as the Baker Street Irregulars to solve cases.

Investigation Mechanics: Players follow leads by visiting locations, consulting the map, directory, and newspapers.

Scoring System: Players answer questions at the end of each case and score points based on their answers. They lose points for excessive leads followed beyond what Sherlock Holmes used.

Objective: Solve the mysteries by gathering clues and answering questions, with the goal of matching or surpassing Sherlock Holmes’s score.

Player Experience

Playing **Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures** is an immersive experience that transports players to Victorian London. Each case, lasting about 60-120 minutes, involves cooperative discussion and analytical thinking. Players take on the roles of investigators, navigating the richly detailed world through casebooks, newspapers, and a map of London. The game encourages note-taking and revisiting leads, making it a engaging and interactive storytelling experience.

Pros

Unique Gameplay: Encourages cooperative discussion and analytical thinking.

Immersive Atmosphere: Richly detailed world with authentic newspapers and Victorian-style prose.

High Quality Components: Well-made map, casebooks, and newspapers.

Variety of Cases: Includes both linked and standalone cases, offering diverse challenges.

Cons

Scoring System Issues: The scoring system against Sherlock Holmes can be frustrating; many players recommend ignoring it for a better experience.

Limited Replayability: Cases are not replayable once solved.

Complex Solutions: Some solutions may seem obvious only in hindsight, which can be disappointing.

Personal Thoughts on Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures

This game is ideal for those who love cooperative games that require analytical and critical thinking skills. It is particularly enjoyable for fans of Sherlock Holmes and mystery enthusiasts who appreciate the Victorian era’s atmosphere. While the game’s scoring system can be a drawback, the experience itself is highly engaging and perfect for group evenings or solo play. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in an interactive mystery-solving adventure.

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