Scotland Yard: Venice

Ravensburger AG · Board game · 2018
— Ludopedia 6.7 BGG 2–6 45 min Weight 2.0/5
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love hunting Mister X and the vibe of Venice, this will be a blast.

Highlights
  • stunning Venetian setting
  • original rules unchanged
  • fast, tense gameplay
Keep in mind
  • no new mechanics added
  • requires prior knowledge
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Scotland Yard: Venice transports the classic Mister X chase to the enchanting waterways of Venice without altering the original rules. The game supports 2 to 6 players, with one taking on the fugitive role while the rest become detectives racing to locate him before time runs out. The main change is the board: instead of London’s subway lines and streets, you navigate canals, bridges, and squares of the lagoon city, using gondolas and speedboats as your transport. Each round, detectives receive location clues – such as "at a bus stop" or "by the Grand Canal" – and must combine these hints with the map to tighten the net. Meanwhile, Mister X moves in secret, recording his route on a hidden sheet, keeping tension high until the final turn. The visual components are a treat: the board depicts Venetian architecture in detail, and the transport pieces add a thematic flair that makes the game feel like a high‑adrenaline tourist ride. Playtime stays around 45 minutes, perfect for quick sessions with friends or club meet‑ups. Hidden Movement paired with point‑to‑point travel creates a constant deduction rhythm, requiring detectives to cooperate, share theories, and react swiftly to clues. This limited edition introduces no new rules, so veterans jump straight into action, merely swapping taxis for gondolas. It’s ideal for players who enjoy light, cooperative, suspenseful games without a huge time commitment. If you’ve played the London version, you’ll love the new setting; newcomers should expect a chase experience that blends simple strategy with plenty of visual fun.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Characters: Mister X Cities: Venice (Veneto, Italy) Country: Italy Players: One versus Many Theme: Police
Publisher Ravensburger AG

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

39owners
9wishlist

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can join?
From 2 to 6 players, just like the original.
What is the typical playing time?
About 45 minutes, depending on player experience.
Do I need to know the original Scotland Yard rules?
Yes, the rules are identical, so prior knowledge helps.
What components are included?
Venetian board, gondola and speedboat pieces, clue pads, Mister X marker, and detective tokens.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Better for players familiar with hidden movement, though the basics are easy to teach.
Are any expansions required?
No, the limited edition is a complete, standalone game.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games