Witness (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Witness is a deduction and memory-based board game that was released in in 2014. Designed by Edgar P. Jacobs, this game has players working together to solve a murder mystery by sharing information and clues. With a comic book theme and cooperative gameplay, Witness offers a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Witness

64 case files

7 booklets used at specific times in each game

Explanatory scenes or images

Logic grids and deduction tools

Various player tokens and markers.

How To Setup Witness

To set up Witness, players gather around the table and select a case file. One player reads or shows the explanatory scene or image to the group, which sets the stage for the mystery to be solved. Each player then receives their booklet, which contains specific information relevant to the case. The game components, including logic grids and deduction tools, are distributed accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve mysteries.

Deduction: Players share bits of information and use logic to piece together the clues.

Case Files: Each case starts with an explanatory scene or image.

Booklets: Players use the booklets at specific times to reveal more information.

Objective: Solve the mystery by combining information and logical reasoning.

Player Experience

Playing Witness is an intense and engaging experience, often described as a game of “swearing, sweating and whispering.” Players must communicate effectively and use their logical skills to solve the complex mysteries. The game requires careful attention to detail and strategic thinking, making it challenging yet rewarding.

Pros

High Replayability: With 64 cases, the game offers a lot of replay value.

Inventive Mechanics: The use of booklets and logic grids makes the game unique and engaging.

Cooperative Fun: Players work together, fostering teamwork and communication.

Challenging but Rewarding: The puzzles are complex, making the solutions very satisfying.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires careful setup and distribution of materials.

Time-Consuming: Solving cases can take a significant amount of time.

Information Overload: Managing the extensive amount of information can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Witness

Witness is ideal for fans of detective games and cooperative puzzles. It’s a great choice for groups who enjoy challenging logical problems and are willing to invest the time and effort required to solve them. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick or light-hearted gaming experience. If you’re ready for a game that will test your detective skills and provide hours of engaging gameplay, Witness is an excellent addition to your game collection.

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