Mystery Express

Days of Wonder · Board game · 2010
6.9 Ludopedia 6.5 BGG 3–5 · best 5 60–90 min Weight 2.7/5
Buy · from US$ 33.99
6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love a good 'whodunit' mystery with a classic and strategic twist, Mystery Express is a trip worth taking!

Highlights
  • Engaging and thematic deduction
  • Unique player powers
  • Interaction and trading
  • Journey's pacing
Keep in mind
  • Requires good memory
  • Language dependent
  • Can feel a bit slow
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to board the legendary Orient Express in Paris, but be warned: a murder has just occurred! In Mystery Express, you and your friends become detectives aboard the famous train, tasked with uncovering who committed the crime, how, where, when, and why. The journey, passing through iconic cities like Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, and the final destination, Istanbul, transforms into a hunt for the murderer.

This game focuses on the more cerebral side of 'whodunit' mysteries, rewarding logical and detail-oriented thinking. Each player has special powers that aid in the investigation. You'll gather valuable clues by interacting with other passengers and the conductor in different train cars, as well as using investigative actions to piece together the puzzle. Hand management is crucial for optimizing your actions and resources. Remember that memory can be your greatest ally, as crucial information may appear and disappear. If you enjoy trading and exchanging information with other players, you'll have fun here too. The detective who can piece together the complete picture of the crime by the time the train reaches Istanbul is the big winner!

With a reasonable playtime and a weight that challenges without overwhelming, Mystery Express is a great choice for those who enjoy a good deduction game with a classic and engaging theme. Sharpen your reasoning skills and embark on this railway adventure!

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Miniatures Theme: Orient Express Theme: Trains
Publisher Days of Wonder
Designer Antoine Bauza, Serge Laget
Artist Cyrille Daujean, Julien Delval

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,811owners
855wishlist
214want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Who is this game for?
Mystery Express is ideal for fans of deduction, mystery, and investigation games, with a classic theme and a strategic edge. It works well for groups that enjoy interacting and trying to outwit each other.
How long does a game take?
A game typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and how quickly the group can solve the mystery.
Is it very complicated to learn?
The complexity is moderate (BGG weight 2.65/5). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but the strategy for deducing correctly and using your actions efficiently requires some practice.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 3 to 5 players. It plays best with more players, as it increases interaction and the amount of available information.
Are the components good quality?
Yes, the game features a board representing the train cars, clue cards, character miniatures, and other components that help immerse players in the theme.
Do I need to know English to play?
While there is very little text on the cards and the game is more visual and symbol-based, some information might require consultation. An English version is manageable, especially if you're familiar with deduction games, but a translated version would be smoother.

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