Whodunit (1972) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Whodunit is a classic deduction board game that was first released in 1972 by Selchow & Righter. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with the ideal player count being 3-4 players. It falls under the murder/mystery category and is suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Game Components of Whodunit

18″ x 18″ game board

9 character cards

2 dice

17 adjective cards

Clue cards

Detective sheets

6 character pieces

How To Setup Whodunit

To set up Whodunit, each player picks a pawn and places it on the main entrance space. Each player receives a detective sheet to keep track of clues. The ten suspect cards are separated from the rest of the deck, and the remaining cards are shuffled and placed in the center of the game board. Three discs from each category (suspects, weapons, scenes, and motives) are selected at random to be the clues for the game and placed on corresponding spaces on the board. The other discs not chosen are shuffled, with one disc given to each player, and the rest placed in a pile next to the main entrance. The player with the highest dice roll goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Determine the suspect, weapon, scene, and motive of the murder.

Movement: Players roll dice to move around the board, collecting clues by landing on “Clue” spaces or drawing cards from the deck.

Clues: Players can gather clues by looking at cards on the board or by asking other players about their cards.

Accusation: When a player believes they know the solution, they must move to the main entrance and make a guess. If correct, they win; if incorrect, they are eliminated.

Player Experience

In Whodunit, players navigate through a mansion, gathering clues and piecing together the mystery of Lord Edward Peter Percival Pembrook’s murder. The game requires strategic thinking and deduction, as players must use their detective sheets to keep track of the clues and alibis. The interactive element of questioning other players adds a social layer, making the game engaging and challenging.

Pros

Engaging Mystery: The game offers a complex and intriguing mystery to solve.

Interactive: Players can question each other, adding a social and strategic layer.

Deductive Thinking: Encourages players to use critical thinking and deduction.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has several mechanics and rules that can be overwhelming for new players.

Lengthy Gameplay: Solving the mystery can take a significant amount of time.

Player Elimination: Players who make incorrect accusations are eliminated, which can be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Whodunit

Whodunit is perfect for fans of detective and mystery games, particularly those who enjoy games like Clue. It is ideal for game nights with friends who appreciate a challenging and engaging puzzle. However, due to its complexity and potential length, it may not be the best fit for younger players or those looking for a quick game. For those who love mystery and deduction, Whodunit offers a rich and rewarding experience.

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