Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A breathtaking noir immersion for fans of bluffing and investigation.
Highlights
- Ultra-immersive interrogations
- Tense traitor dynamics
- Cinematic storytelling
- Great cooperative mode
Keep in mind
- Limited case replayability
- Requires highly attentive players
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you're a fan of film noir, investigating crimes in dark alleys, or just love messing with your friends' heads, grab your detective hat! Detective: City of Angels drops you straight into 1940s Los Angeles, a place filled with tension and secrets. The gameplay is uniquely asymmetric: most players step into the shoes of LAPD homicide detectives striving to close cases, but watch out—not everyone is on the same side. While the detectives hunt for the truth, one player takes on the role of 'The Chisel,' a master manipulator whose sole mission is to stall, lie, and mislead the investigation.
The standout feature is the ARC (Adaptive Response Card) system. Forget those standard adventure books where you just pick an option; here, interrogations feel alive! The Chisel carefully selects how suspects respond, offering either genuine leads or blatant lies. Detectives can challenge a response they suspect is false, but it's a high-stakes gamble: if you're wrong, The Chisel gains leverage over you, making the case significantly harder to solve.
The game provides a rich narrative experience with detailed casebooks tailored for both detectives and the antagonist. It's a dance of bluffing, deduction, and constant risk. And if you're playing solo or prefer a less cutthroat vibe, the 'Sleuth' mode allows for a fully cooperative experience. It's pure L.A. Noire-style immersion, packed with strategy and the constant feeling that anyone could be a culprit or a traitorous ally.
The standout feature is the ARC (Adaptive Response Card) system. Forget those standard adventure books where you just pick an option; here, interrogations feel alive! The Chisel carefully selects how suspects respond, offering either genuine leads or blatant lies. Detectives can challenge a response they suspect is false, but it's a high-stakes gamble: if you're wrong, The Chisel gains leverage over you, making the case significantly harder to solve.
The game provides a rich narrative experience with detailed casebooks tailored for both detectives and the antagonist. It's a dance of bluffing, deduction, and constant risk. And if you're playing solo or prefer a less cutthroat vibe, the 'Sleuth' mode allows for a fully cooperative experience. It's pure L.A. Noire-style immersion, packed with strategy and the constant feeling that anyone could be a culprit or a traitorous ally.
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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How to Play Detective: City of Angels (Rules School) with the Game Boy Geek
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A Preview of Detective - City of Angels and Other Van Ryder Games News
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Detective City of Angels Setup and Rules (Spoiler Free)
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Detective City of Angels | Rules Overview & Solo Playthrough | Part 1 of 3
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Detective City of Angels | Rules Overview & Solo Playthrough | Part 2 of 3
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Detective City of Angels | Rules Overview & Solo Playthrough | Part 3 of 3
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Learn to Play Detective: City of Angels with Lone Vik
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Van Ryder Games, Albi Polska, Alibi, La Boîte de Jeu, Ediciones MasQueOca, Fox in the Box, Game Harbor, HIT Games, Lavka Games, Pegasus Spiele
Designer
Evan Derrick
Artist
Vincent Dutrait
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
8,950owners
3,538wishlist
387want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game hard to learn?
The learning curve is moderate. Movement and action point rules are simple, but mastering the bluffing rhythm and ARC cards requires focus.
How many players is ideal?
The sweet spot is 4 or 5 players, making the 'one versus many' dynamic feel balanced and exciting.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game includes 'Sleuth' rules for a fully cooperative solo experience.
How long does a game last?
It varies depending on the case complexity, but expect anywhere from 30 to 150 minutes.
Are the components good?
Yes, the game is known for high-quality components that enhance the thematic immersion.
Is the game very punishing?
If you incorrectly challenge a lie, the traitor gains leverage, so it can be quite tough if the team isn't perfectly coordinated.
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