The Lost Code (2022) Board Game

The Lost Code is a deduction board game released in 2022 by Mojito Studios. Designed by Leo Colovini and beautifully illustrated by Miguel Coimbra, this game challenges players to unravel the mysteries of a hidden code within a limited amount of time. With a runtime of 60 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, The Lost Code offers a thrilling and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of The Lost Code

Tiles: 6 colors, each with numbers ranging from 0 to 7 (or 0 to 8 with optional rules).

Tile Racks: To hold the tiles, initially made of cardboard but can be upgraded to plastic.

Guessing Wheels: Double-layered discs with different display ranges for guessing sums.

Dice: 3 dice corresponding to the 6 colors.

Score Board: With a unique, feathered serpent-shaped scoring track.

Player Sheets: For recording deductions.

How To Setup The Lost Code

To set up the game, each player takes a random tile of each color and places them in their rack, facing away so only other players can see the values. Players then receive a sheet for recording their deductions. In games with fewer than four players, dummy displays are set up for the missing participants. The central board is set up with score markers and slots for the guessing wheels. Players cross off all the numbers they can see around the table on their sheet to narrow down their possibilities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Deduction.

Player Count: 2-4 players.

Game Length: Approximately 60 minutes.

Objective: Deduce your own numerical code by making guesses about subsets of numbers.

Turn Sequence: The last-place player rolls 3 dice, which can be adjusted, and players guess the sum of their numbers in the colors shown on the dice using guessing wheels.

Scoring: Points earned based on the accuracy of guesses and the range of the guessing wheel used.

Incorrect Guesses: Players discard a tile and replace it with a new one, gaining new information but also introducing new unknowns.

Player Experience

The Lost Code offers a challenging and analytical experience, perfect for logicians and fans of deduction games. Players must strategically decide which guessing wheels to use, balancing the risk of a wider or narrower range. The game’s design encourages strategic thinking, including making intentional wrong guesses to gain more information. However, some players may find the game dry and less socially interactive compared to other deduction games.

Pros

Engaging Deduction Mechanics: Offers a unique guessing range system that adds depth to the game.

Strategic Depth: Players can strategically make wrong guesses to gather more information.

Improvement Over Predecessor: Enhances the core ideas of *Code 777*.

Cons

Production Quality Concerns: Cardboard tiles and racks can wear out, but an upgrade kit is available.

Limited Social Interaction: The game is less socially engaging and can feel repetitive after the first play.

Personal Thoughts on The Lost Code

The Lost Code is ideal for fans of deduction games and those who enjoy logical puzzles. It offers a pure, no-frills deduction experience with a unique guessing mechanism. While it may not stand out as a highly social game, it is a solid choice for anyone looking to challenge their analytical skills. For players seeking more dynamic or social deduction games, alternatives like *The Search for Planet X* or *Paint the Roses* might be more appealing.

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