Why (1958) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Why’ is a classic board game that was first released in in 1958. It is designed for 2-4 players and has a runtime of about 45 minutes. The game falls under the categories of Memory, Movies/TV/Radio theme, and Murder/Mystery.

Game Components of Why

Game pieces: Four characters – Sergeant Monday (Sergeant Friday), Dick Crazy (Dick Tracy), Charlie Clam (Charlie Chan), and Shylock Bones (Sherlock Holmes).

Ghosts: Six historical figures – Daniel Boone, Pocahontas, Napoleon, Nero, Cleopatra, and Henry the Eighth.

Weapons: Rope, gun, poison, and ax.

Motive cards: Include “Jealousy,” “Lover’s Quarrel,” “Self Defense.”

Alfred Hitchcock cards: “It’s A Mystery To Me” card and six other Hitchcock-themed cards.

Rooms and lawn: Components for the game board.

How To Setup Why

To set up the game, players start in the Living Room. Each player is dealt seven cards, and the remaining cards are evenly distributed into six rooms. The game board features various rooms and a lawn, which are crucial for gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-move mechanics: Players roll dice to move around the board, needing specific rolls (7, 11, doubles) to access certain areas.

Card collection: Players aim to collect one ghost, one weapon, and one motive card.

Alternative win: Capturing the six Alfred Hitchcock cards and the “It’s A Mystery To Me” card.

Card exchange: Players can obtain cards from the lawn, other players, or other rooms by following specific rules and challenges.

Player Experience

The game offers a mix of strategy and luck, as players navigate the board and engage in card challenges. The humorous allusions to famous detectives and historical figures add a layer of entertainment. Players must balance their card collections and strategic moves to solve the mystery.

Pros

Engaging theme: Ties in with the popular TV show *Alfred Hitchcock Presents*.

Humorous characters: Adds a light-hearted and entertaining element.

Strategic gameplay: Requires players to think strategically about card collection and moves.

Cons

Luck-based: Heavy reliance on dice rolls can make the game less predictable.

Complex rules: The various ways to obtain cards can be confusing for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Why

“Why” is a classic board game that appeals to fans of mystery and detective fiction. It is suited for those who enjoy a blend of strategy and luck, and the nostalgic value for those familiar with Alfred Hitchcock’s work is a significant draw. However, the game’s complexity may deter some newer players, making it more suitable for those with some experience in board games.

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