221B Baker St.: Sherlock Holmes & the Time Machine

Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, John N. Hansen Co., Inc., ToyCo · Board game · 1996
2–6 · best 4 45 min Weight 2.0/5
100.0 rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Buy
100.0 rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Perfect for those who love real-life mysteries and want a light yet tense deduction game. The time travel twist is the star here.

Highlights
  • Cases based on real events
  • Simple and fast rules
  • Deluxe miniatures are gorgeous
  • High tension during the final guess
Keep in mind
  • Heavy reliance on dice luck
  • Early elimination can be frustrating
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever wondered what would happen if Sherlock Holmes tackled 20th-century crimes? In 221B Baker Street, that's exactly the plan! The world's most celebrated detective and Dr. Watson borrow H.G. Wells' Time Machine to leap into the future and solve infamous cases that history left unsolved. Forget the fog of London; the setting is now American cities and real-life mysteries, including the JFK assassination, Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance, and the mysterious death of Elvis Presley.

The game plays as a deduction race. Each case provides the story of the crime, a list of potential suspects, and locations where clues can be found. You and your friends all step into Holmes' shoes, competing to see who possesses the sharpest deductive skills. Movement is straightforward: roll the dice and visit locations like pharmacies, hotels, and airports to gather evidence. Every visit grants a numbered clue that you record on your checklist.

The real challenge lies in filtering the information and piecing the puzzle together. Once you feel confident that you've identified the culprit and the details of the crime, you must race back to the Time Machine and announce your solution. If you're correct, you win! However, be careful: a wrong guess means immediate elimination, leaving you to watch as others attempt to match the great detective's intellect. The game comes in two versions: Standard, with regular movers, and Deluxe, featuring collectible pewter miniatures like the iconic pipe and magnifying glass. It's a perfect blend of real history, fiction, and Sherlock's relentless logic.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Books: Mystery Novels Books: Sherlock Holmes Country: USA Game: 221B Baker Street Theme: Police Theme: Time Travel
Publisher Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, John N. Hansen Co., Inc., ToyCo, University Games
Designer Antler Productions, Jay Moriarty

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is the game hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple, based on rolling dice and noting clues, making it accessible for almost any group.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 6 players, making it a great choice for game nights.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the chosen case.
What is the difference between the Standard and Deluxe versions?
The Standard version uses regular movers, while the Deluxe version includes collectible pewter pieces like the pipe and magnifying glass.
Is it a cooperative game?
No, it's competitive. Everyone plays as Sherlock, and the first to solve the crime wins.
Do I need to know the history of the crimes to play?
No, the game provides the story and necessary clues, though knowing the real facts can add an extra layer of fun.

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