Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage (2021) Board Game

Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage’ is a board game released in 2021 by Studio H. It falls under the deduction and murder/mystery category and is designed by Sebastien Duverger Nedellec, Paul Halter, and Guillaume Montiage, with art by Émile Denis.

Game Components of Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage

Card Deck: Contains cards representing locations, suspects, and clues.

Large Artifacts: Includes maps, family trees, and other visual aids to help in the investigation.

Envelopes: Contain the solutions to the mysteries.

Oversized Cards: High-quality cards for easy handling and visibility.

How To Setup Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage

To set up the game, players start by reading the backstory to the crime, which is well-written and engaging. A checklist of questions that need to be answered is provided, such as identifying the culprit, their motivation, and the location of the crime. Players then begin working through the large artifacts and the deck of cards, hunting for clues and inconsistencies in the stories. The game is easy to learn with simple rules and quick setup.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Investigation Mechanic: Players visit locations, speak to suspects, and examine items to unravel the mystery.

Evidence Links: Lines on cards line up if related, helping players connect clues.

Symbol Mechanic: Certain cards are only available if a set number of identical symbols has been revealed, though this can sometimes feel arbitrary.

Scoring System: Points are awarded based on the number of cards seen before answering questions correctly.

Objective: Solve the mystery by answering all the required questions accurately, such as who committed the crime, their motivation, and where it took place.

Player Experience

Playing **Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage** is a challenging yet engaging experience. The game requires careful reading and attention to detail, as the cases are fully formed and well-fleshed out with numerous suspects and compelling motives. While the game can be played solo, it is highly recommended to play with 2 or 3 people to benefit from multiple perspectives and discussions. The subtle clues and deductions make the game exciting, though the overabundance of information can sometimes be overwhelming.

Pros

Immersive Stories: Detailed and engaging mysteries with well-developed characters and settings.

High Production Quality: Oversized cards and large artifacts enhance the gameplay experience.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and discussion among players.

Non-Destructible Campaign: The game is fully resettable and can be passed on to others after completion.

Cons

Information Overload: The abundance of clues and suspects can make the investigation challenging to manage.

Arbitrary Symbol Mechanic: The mechanism for revealing certain cards based on symbols can feel arbitrary at times.

Limited Replayability: Once the mysteries are solved, the game loses its replay value, though it can be passed on to others.

Personal Thoughts on Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage

**Suspects: Claire Harper Takes the Stage** is ideal for fans of mystery games and those who enjoy a good detective story. The game is perfect for game nights with friends or family, especially those who appreciate cooperative gameplay and detailed investigations. While it may not offer much replayability, the three cases provided are challenging and engaging enough to keep players hooked until the very end. Claire Harper, as a character, adds a personal touch to the game, making the investigation feel more authentic and immersive.

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