8.2
rating
Ludopedia
7.4
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a tense and strategic solo challenge, Hostage Negotiator: Crime Wave is for you! The adrenaline rush of negotiating with dice and cards is addictive.
Highlights
- Tense and engaging negotiation
- New villains and events
- Addictive hand mechanic
- Expands the base game
Keep in mind
- High language dependency
- Dice luck is a factor
- Can become repetitive
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a tense continuation! Hostage Negotiator: Crime Wave expands the solo experience that has already won over many players, putting you back in the shoes of a hostage negotiator. Each turn, you're on the edge, trying to converse with the kidnapper, playing cards, and rolling dice to lower the threat level, increase conversation points, and, of course, save the hostages. This version brings hot new features: brand-new conversation and terror cards, pivotal events that change the game, and all-new villains, each with their own quirks and demands. The 'hand-building' mechanic remains, where cards you purchase go directly into your hand for the next turn, giving you a taste of what's to come. The cool part is that Crime Wave can be played right out of the box, without needing the base game, but it also works as a souped-up expansion for the original Hostage Negotiator. And the box? Think of it as a treasure chest: it fits all content released for the series so far, with room to spare for future trouble. It's for those who enjoy a solo challenge with a dash of luck and plenty of strategy, where every decision counts towards turning the tables or facing disaster.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Van Ryder Games, Don't Panic Games, Frosted Games, Last Level
Designer
A. J. Porfirio
Artist
Evan Derrick, Ivan Pushkov, Kristi Kirisberg
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need the original Hostage Negotiator game to play Crime Wave?
No! Hostage Negotiator: Crime Wave is a standalone expansion and can be played right out of the box. It also serves as an expansion for those who already own the original game.
How many players can play?
This game is designed for one player. It's a completely solo experience.
How long does a game take?
Games are quick, typically lasting between 20 to 30 minutes, perfect for a dose of adrenaline without taking up too much time.
Is the game difficult? What's the complexity?
The complexity is moderate (BGG weight 2.21/5), requiring good hand management and luck with the dice. It's not super complex, but it offers a good challenge.
Is there a lot of text in the game?
Yes, the game has extensive language dependency, with most of the text on cards and events being in English (or the language of your version). A good understanding is essential to play.
What makes Crime Wave different from the original Hostage Negotiator?
Crime Wave introduces new Abductors (villains) with unique rules and demands, along with new conversation, terror, and pivotal event cards. It expands the universe and possibilities of the base game.
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