Arkham Investigator

(Self-Published) · Board game · 2013
1–10 · best 2 Solo 120 min Weight 2.5/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy unraveling mysteries with a good dose of Lovecraftian horror and a luck-free brain challenge, this game is for you! Get ready for plenty of reading and teamwork.

Highlights
  • Deep thematic immersion
  • Luck-free deductive challenge
  • Tense cooperative experience
  • Engaging and rich narrative
Keep in mind
  • Requires extensive English reading
  • Can be slow for some
  • Pure deduction focus
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Attention, aspiring investigators! Prepare yourselves to dive into 1920s Arkham, a cauldron of Lovecraftian mysteries that will test your sanity and deductive skills. In Arkham Investigator, you won't be rolling dice or relying on luck; the challenge here is purely mental! Using a period newspaper, a list of suspicious allies, a resident directory, and a map of the sinister city, your mission is to follow clues from location to location, interrogate characters, and ultimately unravel the dark secrets of each scenario. Your final score will depend on how efficient your investigations were, how many risks you took with your sanity, and whether you managed to answer the crucial questions correctly. Compare your performance with the legendary score of Armitage, who has seen too much about the ancient evil plaguing the city. This is a cooperative role-playing and storytelling game where you and your friends work together to unravel the mystery. It's one of those games that requires a good amount of reading and a solid grasp of English to be fully enjoyed, but the immersion into cosmic horror is worth it. Ideal for those who enjoy an intellectual challenge and aren't afraid to face the unknown.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–10 players
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
7 OK
8 OK
9 OK
10 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Theme: Cthulhu Mythos
Publisher (Self-Published)
Designer Hal Eccles

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can join?
Arkham Investigator is super flexible, playable solo or with up to 10 players. It's a cooperative game, so the more people, the more minds working on the mystery!
How long does a game session last?
Prepare for a long session! Each scenario takes about 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete. It's good to set aside an entire afternoon to unravel Arkham's secrets.
Does the game involve luck? Are there dice?
Not at all! Arkham Investigator is a game of pure deduction and reasoning. Forget dice and luck; what counts here is your ability to connect clues and think logically.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, unfortunately. The game has a very high language dependency, with lots of text on cards, newspapers, and directories. A good level of English is essential to fully enjoy the experience.
Is this a traditional board game?
It's distributed as 'Print & Play,' meaning you need to print the components at home. The experience is that of a board game, but with the convenience (and effort) of assembling everything yourself.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's perfect for lovers of the Cthulhu Mythos, fans of deduction and mystery games, and those who don't mind a good amount of reading in English. If you enjoy a cerebral challenge without relying on luck, you'll love it.

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