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rating
Ludopedia
6.8
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love a tense urban chase, the retro vibe and Mr. X hunt will hook you.
Highlights
- constant tension
- quick gameplay
- fun cooperative
Keep in mind
- spaced revelations
- some luck factor
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Scotland Yard: 40 Years Anniversary Edition celebrates the classic cat‑and‑mouse chase set in London, but comes with a retro look that harks back to 80s board games. One player becomes Mr. X, moving secretly around the city by taxi, bus or underground, while the remaining players form a team of detectives traversing the same map, trying to guess the criminal's whereabouts. Mr. X's location is only revealed at set intervals when he shows a transport card and sometimes an approximate position, creating the tension of Hidden Movement. Detectives must combine deduction, time management and route coverage to corner him. The game includes a detailed London board, transport cards, notebooks for tracking Mr. X's clues, and an adventure book that lets the group decide how the story unfolds. A playtime of 45–60 minutes makes it perfect for a relaxed evening. With a low weight (1.5/5) the rules are easy to pick up, yet there is room for strategic choices, such as splitting the team to block zones or focusing on subway lines. The standout feature is the urban pursuit feeling that keeps everyone watching the clock and the emerging hints. If you enjoy deduction, chase games, and a dash of police drama, this commemorative edition offers plenty of laughs and those satisfying "aha!" moments.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
BEST
4
REC
5
BEST
6
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Ravensburger AG
Designer
Dorothy Garrels, Fritz Ifland, Manfred Burggraf, Michael Schacht, Werner Scheerer, Werner Schlegel, Wolf Hoermann
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players, with one always taking the role of Mr. X and the others as detectives.
What is the typical playing time?
About 45–60 minutes, depending on player experience.
How complex is the game?
It has a low weight (1.5/5), easy to learn, yet offers strategic depth.
What components are included?
A London board, transport cards, clue notebooks, position markers, and an adventure book.
Who is this game best for?
Fans of deduction, cooperative play, and thematic chase experiences.
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