Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game

Portal Games, GaGa Games, Galápagos Jogos · Board game · 2018
1–5 · best 2 Solo 120–180 min Weight 2.7/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 32.99
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for crime series fans who want to feel like a real detective using the internet. The immersion is incredible!

Highlights
  • Innovative use of online database
  • Dense and engaging narrative
  • Genuine feeling of discovery and deduction
  • Excellent for cooperative group play
Keep in mind
  • Requires constant computer/phone usage
  • Limited replayability once cases are solved
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
Ever wondered what it's like to be a real detective, the kind who doesn't just look at clues but actually dives deep into the case? In Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game, you and your partners (up to 5 players) are agents of the Antares National Investigation Agency. Your goal is to solve five intriguing cases that, while seemingly unrelated at first, unveil a larger and denser meta-plot as you progress.

The game's biggest twist is that it breaks the 'fourth wall'. You aren't just simulating an investigation; you ARE investigating. The game grants access to a real online Antares database where you research suspects, analyze arrest records, and scour documentation. But the fun doesn't stop there: you are encouraged to use the actual internet, search for facts, cross-reference information, and use any digital tool that helps crack the case. It's the perfect blend of classic board gaming and the digital era.

The experience is cooperative and narrative-driven. You'll need to discuss theories, connect clues, and make decisions that shape the story's direction. If you love that 'eureka!' feeling of connecting two dots that no one else noticed, this is the game for you. The 'Game of the Year' edition added a great upgrade: character portraits so you can build a classic detective mind map, with strings connecting suspects and evidence, further enhancing the immersion. Fire up your laptop, gather your team, and try to solve the mystery before the next crime occurs!
Expansions
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 OK
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Game details

Families

Components: Digital Hybrid – App/Website Required Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Detective – A Modern Crime Board Game (Portal Games) Mechanism: Campaign Games Misc: Limited Replayability Misc: LongPack Games Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Mystery / Crime Theme: Police
Publisher Portal Games, GaGa Games, Galápagos Jogos, Game Harbor, Geekach LLC, IELLO, Korea Boardgames, Maldito Games, Pegasus Spiele, Pendragon Game Studio, Rexhry, White Goblin Games
Designer Ignacy Trzewiczek, Jakub Łapot, Przemysław Rymer
Artist Aga Jakimiec, Ewa Kostorz, Rafał Szyma
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need internet to play?
Yes! The game is a hybrid, and the Antares online database is essential for finding clues and solving the cases.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely. The game has solo rules, allowing you to be the lead detective of the agency.
Is it very hard? What's the complexity level?
It's considered an 'expert' game, not because of complex rules, but because of the difficulty of the puzzles and the depth of the investigation.
How long does each case take?
Each case typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how meticulous you and your team are.
Can I play it again after finishing?
Since it's a mystery game, once you've found the solution, the surprise is gone. Replayability is limited, but the journey is unforgettable.
Is it recommended for people who don't like reading much?
Probably not. The game is focused on narrative, reading documents, and research, so be prepared to read a lot.