Vienna Connection

Portal Games, GaGa Games, Game Harbor · Board game · 2021
1–5 · best 2 Solo 120–180 min Weight 2.2/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love complex mysteries and the 70s spy vibe. The immersion is the highlight!

Highlights
  • Flawless Cold War atmosphere
  • Very engaging decoding mechanics
  • Intriguing branched narrative
  • Excellent cooperative experience
Keep in mind
  • Very long playtime
  • Total dependence on app/website
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Ever imagined being at the peak of the Cold War in 1977, with the CIA's pressure on your shoulders and an international mystery to solve? In Vienna Connection, that's exactly what you and your teammates will face. The game puts you in the shoes of secret agents sent to Europe to investigate the suspicious death of James Werner, an American citizen murdered in Vienna. But make no mistake: this isn't just a simple 'whodunit'. It's a visceral espionage game where the plot expands across various European capitals, revealing secrets that could shift the geopolitical course of the era.

While it draws inspiration from 'Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game', Vienna Connection is a standalone experience. This means it brings its own rules and enhanced mechanics to truly capture that spy-movie atmosphere. You won't just read clues; you'll manage critical resources, such as bribes to obtain information and local informant networks. The experience is immersive: you'll need to decode reports, analyze secret messages, and intercept wiretapped conversations to piece together the puzzle.

The heart of the game lies in cooperation and deduction. You'll travel through about a dozen different destinations, connecting the dots and trying to outsmart enemy intelligence agencies attempting to sabotage your mission. It's a game for those who love to rack their brains, read carefully, and feel that every discovery is a small victory. If you enjoy the feeling of being an international detective in an era of secret codes and betrayals, this title is for you. Get your passports ready, organize your evidence, and try not to get caught!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK
5 OK
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Game details

Families

Cities: Vienna (Austria) Components: Digital Hybrid – App/Website Required Decades: The 1970's Game: Detective – A Modern Crime Board Game (Portal Games) History: Cold War Mechanism: Campaign Games Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Portal Games, GaGa Games, Game Harbor, Geekach LLC, IELLO, Maldito Games, Pegasus Spiele, Pendragon Game Studio
Designer Ignacy Trzewiczek, Jakub Łapot, Jakub Poczęty, Przemysław Rymer
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have played 'Detective' to understand this?
Nope! It's a standalone game. While it uses similar concepts, the rules are new and you can play without ever having seen the original.
Is the game really that long?
Yes, sessions can last from 2 to 3 hours. It's a dense investigation game, so set aside an entire afternoon or evening for the mission.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game has specific solo rules, allowing you to be the lone secret agent in Europe.
Is the app essential?
Yes, it's a hybrid game. You'll need a device with access to the website/app to process clues and advance the story.
Is it recommended for board game beginners?
It's a medium/heavy weight game (2.17 on BGG). If you enjoy reading and deducing, you'll be fine, but it's not a casual party game.