A vintage board game box with the title "STOP THIEF" in bold gradient letters, subtitled "ELECTRONIC COPS AND ROBBERS" with an image of a hand holding a device labeled as "ELECTRONIC CRIME SCANNER" and text at the bottom that says "Featuring the ELECTRONIC CRIME SCANNER" and "FOR THE INSIDE STORY, LIFT HERE" with an arrow pointing downwards.
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Stop Thief! (2017)

ByMichail

Stop Thief

“Stop Thief” is an American-originated electronic board game published by Parker Brothers and released in 1979. The game was designed by Robert Doyle and was a groundbreaking innovation in tabletop gaming at the time. In 2016, Restoration Games announced a reboot of the game, updating the original dedicated device with a smartphone app.

Why is Stop Thief Popular?

“Stop Thief” is a popular game because it combines elements of strategy, skill, and electronic components to create a unique and engaging experience for players. The game’s popularity has persisted over the years, with a dedicated fan base and numerous online communities.

Game Components of Stop Thief!

  • Game Board: Features four businesses, city streets, and subway locations.
  • App: Replaces the original “Crime Scanner” to provide audio clues, secret tips, and facilitate arrests.
  • Character Cards: Each detective has unique perks and movement abilities.
  • Wanted Posters: Contain reward values for capturing thieves.
  • Play Money: Denominations of $500, $100, and $50.
  • Sleuth Cards: Used for various advantages during the game.
  • Detective Tokens: Represent player positions on the board.
  • Subway Squares: Allow for quick travel across the board.

    How To Setup Stop Thief!

    To set up the game, players first choose their detective tokens and licenses, placing their tokens in front of the Acme Detective Agency. Each player receives $300 and three Sleuth Cards. The Banker is selected to manage the play money, Sleuth Cards, and Wanted Posters. The top Wanted Poster is drawn, and the reward money is set. Players then download and configure the app, which replaces the Crime Scanner and is essential for receiving clues and making arrests.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Hidden Movement: The thief moves invisibly around the board, with players using audio clues from the app to track.
  • Character Abilities: Each detective has unique movement and action cards.
  • Clue System: Players receive audio clues each turn to narrow down the thief’s location.
  • Arrest Mechanic: Players enter coordinates into the app to attempt an arrest.
  • Reward System: Capturing thieves earns players money; the first player to accumulate $2,500 wins.
  • Subway Travel: Allows players to move quickly across the board.

    Player Experience

    Players take on the roles of detectives, engaged in a thrilling chase to capture elusive thieves. The game requires focus and strategic use of clues and character abilities. The elimination of dice rolling from the original version adds a more predictable and engaging movement mechanic, using character cards instead. This ensures that players’ successes are more based on strategy and attention to clues rather than luck.

    Pros

  • Engaging Clue System: Audio clues keep players engaged and active throughout the game.
  • Improved Movement Mechanics: Character cards offer more strategic movement options compared to dice rolling.
  • Thematic Immersion: The game feels like a true detective experience with its sound effects and app integration.
  • Beautiful Design: The board includes easter eggs referencing the original game, showing a clear passion in the remake.

    Cons

  • Focus Required: Players need to stay focused on the clues, which may not be suitable for those looking for a casual or quick game.
  • Random Elements: The random nature of the thief’s starting location can sometimes lead to lucky wins rather than strategic ones.

    Personal Thoughts on Stop Thief!

    Stop Thief is ideal for fans of hidden movement games and those who enjoy a blend of strategy and deduction. It’s not for players who can’t stay focused for extended periods or those who prefer games with less complexity. The passion and care put into the remake by Restoration Games are evident, making this a great choice for anyone looking to experience a classic game with modern twists. If you’re ready to put on your detective hat and engage in a thrilling chase, Stop Thief is definitely worth a try.

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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