Unusual Suspects

Cranio Creations, 999 Games, Albi · Board game · 2015
3–16 · best 4 20 min Weight 1.1/5
6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
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6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A quick deduction game blending police investigation and team fun.

Highlights
  • Fast and accessible
  • Limited communication fun
  • Cooperative and competitive modes
Keep in mind
  • Answers limited to yes or no
  • Depends on question cards
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About the game
Unusual Suspects is a card game that blends a police deduction theme with a touch of humor. In each session, one player takes on the role of the witness, while the rest form the detective team. The witness knows the real identity of the culprit but has no recollection of their appearance; instead, they hold deep knowledge of the criminal’s habits and behaviors. The detectives must ask yes-or-no questions to the witness using question cards that probe various aspects of the suspect. Each answer helps filter the list of suspects on a 12-card grid, gradually narrowing options until only the culprit remains. The game works both in cooperative mode, where everyone works together to find the culprit, and in competitive mode, where two rival teams race to uncover the murderer first. Beyond the question-and-answer mechanic, Unusual Suspects introduces communication limits: the witness can only answer with yes or no, forcing detectives to interpret clues creatively. The game is quick, with 20‑minute rounds, and is ideal for groups who enjoy mystery, deduction, and social interaction. With a murder/mystery theme and a party‑game vibe, it fits well into game nights with friends, offering accessible and repeatable fun without requiring extensive setup or complex rules. If you enjoy detective games, teamwork, and want something that fits into a 20‑minute slot, Unusual Suspects could be your next favorite.
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 BEST
7 REC
8 REC
9 OK
10 OK
11 OK
12 OK
13 OK
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16 OK
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Game details
Publisher Cranio Creations, 999 Games, Albi, asmodee, Cool Mini Or Not, Edge Entertainment, Galápagos Jogos, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Lucrum Games, Lúdilo, Planplay, Zhiyanjia
Designer Paolo Mori
Artist Alessandro Costa, Peter Wocken
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
From 3 to 16 players.
What is the average game length?
About 20 minutes.
What is the game's complexity?
Medium – easy to learn but requires careful clue interpretation.
What components are included?
12 suspect cards, 36 question cards, suspect board, culprit marker, and 1 die.
What is the game's theme?
Police mystery focused on murder.
Is the game suitable for children?
Yes, from age 12 onward, depending on maturity with crime themes.