The Secret Door (1991) Board Game

The Secret Door board game was released in 1991 by designer Jim Deacove and published by Egmont Polska. It is a children’s game that combines elements of deduction, memory, and murder/mystery themes. The game is designed for 1-8 players, with a recommended age of 5 and up.

Game Components of The Secret Door

12 x 12″ game board featuring a mansion setting

24 VALUABLES cards

12 TIME cards

Clock area on the board

Safety Deposit Box

Secret Door mechanic

How To Setup The Secret Door

Setting up The Secret Door is straightforward. First, shuffle the VALUABLES cards and set aside three of them face down in the Secret Passage. Then, shuffle the remaining VALUABLES cards with the 12 TIME cards, and place them face down throughout the mansion on the board. It is recommended to store the VALUABLES and TIME cards separately in the box to aid in setup.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together as a team.

Memory and Deduction: Players turn over two cards at a time to find pairs of VALUABLES.

Time Mechanic: TIME cards indicate the passage of time; when all TIME cards are found, it is midnight.

Objective: Deduce which three VALUABLES are hidden before midnight to save them from the thieves.

Player Experience

Playing The Secret Door is an engaging and simple experience that combines memory, deduction, and teamwork. Players take turns turning over cards, discussing strategies, and sharing ideas to find the hidden valuables. The game promotes important skills such as memory, logic, and cooperative play, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

Pros

Cooperative Nature: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Develops Skills: Enhances memory, logic, and deductive reasoning.

Fun and Simple: Quick to play and easy to understand.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, including young children.

Award-Winning: Winner of the 1992 Parents’ Choice Award.

Cons

Component Quality: Some users report issues with the durability and quality of the cards and game board.

Setup Care: Requires careful storage of cards to prevent damage and ensure the game remains intact.

Personal Thoughts on The Secret Door

The Secret Door is an excellent choice for families and young children looking to engage in cooperative gameplay. It is a great precursor to more complex detective games like Clue and fosters important social and cognitive skills. Despite some concerns about component quality, the game’s simplicity, cooperative nature, and fun atmosphere make it a worthwhile addition to any family game collection. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy memory and deduction games with a cooperative twist.

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