Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft (2020) Board Game

Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft is a board game that falls under the category of deduction and murder/mystery. It was released in 2020 by Pressman Toy Corp. and Unsolved Case Files. The game is designed for 1-8 players, with the best experience being for 1-2 players. It has a runtime of 30-120 minutes and is suitable for players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft

Over 50 investigation documents and photos

Newspaper clippings

Crime scene photographs

Evidence reports

Phone records

Coroner’s report

Fingerprint cards

Maps of the crime scene

Legal documents

Suspect interrogations

Witness statements

Character photographs

Online answer keys

How To Setup Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft

To set up the game, players need to review and study the evidence provided in the case file. The game starts with the introduction of the case: Harmony Ashcroft, a bride-to-be, was murdered on May 8th, 1998, in the parking lot behind a restaurant during her wedding rehearsal dinner. Players must then organize the various documents and photos to begin their investigation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Prove that Bones McBride, a local vagrant, is innocent and convict the real killer.

Three Objectives to Solve: Find clues and evidence to prove Bones McBride’s innocence, disprove a key suspect’s alibi, and identify the clue that will put the real killer behind bars.

Online Answer Key: Use online answer keys to check if the correct evidence has been found to solve each objective.

Extra Envelopes: Open envelopes with extra evidence and the next objective after completing each previous one.

Close the Case: Solve the third objective to close the case and win the game.

Player Experience

Playing Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft offers an immersive and engaging detective experience. Players can play solo or in groups, making it suitable for family game nights or gatherings with friends. The game requires careful review and analysis of the provided evidence, encouraging players to think critically and deduce clues. The gameplay can vary from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the number of players and their deductive abilities.

Pros

Immersive Experience: Offers a realistic and engaging cold case mystery to solve.

Detailed Evidence: Includes over 50 investigation documents and photos.

Flexible Play: Suitable for solo play or group play with no limit on the number of players.

Family-Friendly: Appropriate for mature teens and adults with a “PG-13” level of language and content.

Challenging but Rewarding: Encourages critical thinking and deduction.

Cons

Typos and Grammatical Errors: Some players have noted typos and grammatical errors in the documents.

Formal Witness Statements: Witness statements are written in a very formal style, which can feel unnatural.

Personal Thoughts on Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft

Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft is ideal for those who enjoy mystery and detective work. It is a great game for families, game nights, or solo players looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game’s attention to detail and realistic themed elements make it feel like a real cold-case investigation. However, it requires patience and careful analysis, so it’s best to take your time and thoroughly review all the evidence provided. Overall, it’s a well-designed game that delivers on its promise of an engaging detective experience.

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