The Animals of Baker Street (2022) Board Game

The Animals of Baker Street is a cooperative deduction board game designed by Clémentine Beauvais and Dave Neale. Published by IELLO, the game was released in 2022 and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. In this game, players take on the roles of animals living in London, working together to solve mysteries and catch a criminal mastermind.

Game Components of The Animals of Baker Street

Game board featuring 19th-century London

Four animal character cards

Investigation cards

Clue tokens

Narrative storybook

Various game tokens and markers

How To Setup The Animals of Baker Street

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses an animal character card and places it on the starting location on the board. The investigation cards and clue tokens are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The narrative storybook is opened to the first chapter, and players begin their investigation by following the story and resolving the first scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve mysteries.

Narrative-Driven: The game is guided by a narrative storybook that sets the scenes and challenges.

Deduction: Players use deduction to solve puzzles and uncover clues.

Investigation: Players gather and analyze clues to progress through the story.

Objective: Solve the mysteries presented in the narrative storybook by working together and using deduction skills.

Player Experience

Playing The Animals of Baker Street offers a unique blend of mystery, deduction, and cooperative gameplay. Players immerse themselves in 19th-century London, solving intriguing cases with the help of their clever animal characters. The game’s narrative-driven design ensures each playthrough is engaging and full of surprises.

Pros

Engaging Narrative: The storybook provides a compelling narrative that keeps players engaged.

Cooperative Fun: Players work together, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Cute and Captivating Art: The game features charming artwork that adds to its appeal.

Variety in Scenarios: Each playthrough can be different due to the random distribution of investigation cards.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be a bit time-consuming due to the many components.

Dependent on Teamwork: Success relies heavily on effective teamwork, which can be challenging if players are not well-coordinated.

Personal Thoughts on The Animals of Baker Street

The Animals of Baker Street is perfect for fans of mystery and detective games, such as those who enjoy Chronicles of Crime or Detective. It is ideal for families and groups of friends who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a fun, narrative-driven experience. The game’s cute and captivating design makes it accessible to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to more experienced enthusiasts. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer competitive games or those who are easily frustrated by complex setups.

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