Stop Thief! (2017) Board Game

Stop Thief! is a classic board game that was originally released in in 2017. The game was designed by Roland MacDonald and Jason Taylor and has been brought back to life by Restoration Games in 2017. The game is all about deduction, hidden movement, and cooperative gameplay, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Stop Thief!

Board: Represents the urban landscape with buildings and streets.

Detective Tokens: Plastic figures to mark players’ positions.

Crime Scanner: A handheld electronic device with sound effects.

Dice: Two six-sided dice for movement.

Detective Licenses: Eight licenses for each player.

Wanted Posters: Ten posters with reward amounts.

Play Money: Denominations of $500, $100, and $50.

Sleuth Cards: A deck of cards for additional clues and actions.

Subway Squares: Allow players to move to any other subway square on the board.

How To Setup Stop Thief!

To set up the game, players choose a detective token and license, placing their tokens on the street space in front of the Acme Detective Agency. Each player receives $300 and three Sleuth Cards. A Banker is selected to manage the game’s financial aspects, handle Sleuth Cards, and deal with Wanted Posters. The top Wanted Poster is drawn, and the reward money is set aside.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Determines player movement and turn order.

Crime Scanner: Provides clues about the thief’s location and actions.

Tip: Gives the exact location of the thief.

Arrest: Allows players to attempt an arrest by entering the thief’s location.

Clue: Updates the thief’s next action.

Movement: Players can move vertically, diagonally, or horizontally.

Subway: Players can use subway squares to move to other subway locations.

Arrest Attempt: Players can arrest the thief by entering the correct location code.

Reward System: Each crime committed by the thief increases the reward.

Game Objective: The first player to accumulate $2,500 wins.

Player Experience

In Stop Thief!, players immerse themselves in a detective role, tracking down an invisible thief using clues from the Crime Scanner. The game is engaging and fast-paced, with the sound effects and electronic device adding a unique twist. Players need to strategize their movements and use their Sleuth Cards wisely to stay ahead.

Pros

Interactive Electronic Component: The Crime Scanner adds a fun and modern element.

Strategic Depth: Players need to interpret clues and make strategic moves.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families and detective game enthusiasts.

Dynamic Gameplay: The thief’s movements and additional crimes keep the game exciting.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be somewhat lengthy.

Dependence on Electronic Device: The game relies heavily on the Crime Scanner, which could be a drawback if it malfunctions.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls and clue interpretations involve a degree of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Stop Thief!

Stop Thief is ideal for those who enjoy detective games and family-friendly activities. It combines traditional board game elements with modern electronic features, making it a unique and engaging experience. The game is particularly suited for families with children who can enjoy the detective theme and the interactive nature of the game. However, it may not appeal to players seeking highly complex or competitive gameplay.

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