Sherlock in Time (2023) Board Game

Sherlock in Time is a deduction card game designed by Joaquín Rodríguez and published by an undisclosed publisher in in 2023. The game involves players taking on the role of various characters from different time periods, working together to solve mysterious cases alongside the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.

Game Components of Sherlock in Time

Deck of cards: Each card features three attributes – a room (theater, bedroom, outside), a person (ninja, samurai, geisha, advisor), and an item (mask, sword, jade dragon, with an optional shield).

Player cards: Each player has a hand of seven cards, six facing towards them and one facing away.

Expansion: Includes special power cards for each player.

How To Setup Sherlock in Time

To set up the game, each player receives a hand of seven cards, with one card facing away from them. The remaining cards are set aside. Players are ready to begin deducing the contents of their outward-facing card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players take turns playing one of their visible cards to gather information.

Information Gathering: Other players provide feedback on the number of matching attributes (0, 1, or 2).

Deduction: Players use this feedback to deduce the contents of their outward-facing card.

Guessing: Players can optionally guess the contents of their card after each round.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the order in which players correctly guess their card.

Dishonorable Shortcut: An optional mechanic allowing a player to ask about a specific attribute, but at a penalty in tiebreakers.

Player Experience

Sherlock in Time is designed for 2-5 players, although it includes personal cards for six players. The game is remarkably easy to learn and play, making it an excellent introductory deduction game. Each game lasts about 10 minutes, and the gameplay is straightforward and engaging. Players enjoy the challenge of deducing their card’s contents using the minimal information provided by others.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both kids and adults.

Quick Playtime: Games last only about 10 minutes.

Special Powers: The expansion adds unique abilities to each player.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s simplicity means it can become repetitive.

Dependence on Deduction: Players must enjoy deductive reasoning to fully appreciate the game.

Visual Clarity: Some players might find it slightly challenging to distinguish between certain characters.

Personal Thoughts on Sherlock in Time

Sherlock in Time is ideal for those who enjoy light, quick deduction games. It is a great choice for families or casual game nights due to its easy-to-understand mechanics and short playtime. However, players seeking complex or deeply strategic games might find it too simplistic. For those new to deduction games, Sherlock in Time serves as an excellent introduction, teaching the basics of deductive reasoning in a fun and interactive way.

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