One of the best aspects of board games is their ability to transport us into alternate realities. Some of my personal favorite games are those revolving around a mystery theme, putting players in the role of detective or spy. These games all do that with style, and I count them among the games I'll gladly play anytime at all.
1. Clue FX / Clue DVD
Image courtesy of Hasbro / Parker Brothers
For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by Craig Van Ness, published by Hasbro.
Clue FX (also known as Electronic Talking Clue FX) is a modern reworking of Clue, the quintessential whodunit board game. It does away with the die rolling to move, so you're almost always able to do something on your turn. There are two new suspects, a total of eight, and they move from room to room (the rooms and weapons are also new). When you enter a room, an electronic "butler" tells you who's there -- and, thus, whom you can get a clue from. A definite step up from classic Clue. Likewise, the Clue DVD Game is a must-have for fans of the original.
Publisher's Site
2. Mystery of the Abbey
Days of Wonder
For 3 to 6 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Bruno Faidutti and Serge Laget, published by Days of Wonder.
Who killed Brother Adelmo? That's the question players try to solve in this deduction game with 24 suspects; each has five distinguishing characteristics (e.g. order, title, and girth). Players roam the monastery, inspecting other monk's cells, visiting the information-rich Sciptorium, and learning from the secular world in the parlor. By running into other monks, you may question them directly. A terrific game.
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3. Top Secret Spies
Image courtesy of Rio Grande Games
For 2 to 7 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by Wolfgang Kramer, published by Rio Grande Games, Amigo Spiele and Ravensburger.
No one knows who's who in this award-winning game. You move your spy around the board, but you can also move everyone else. Try to get yours in position to win points -- but don't be too obvious. Strategy and bluffing collide head on. Previous editions of this game were known as Undercover and Heimlich & Co.
Publisher's Site
4. Scotland Yard
Photo © Erik Arneson
For 2 to 6 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Manfred Burggraf, Werner Schlegel, Dorothy Garrels, Fritz Ifland, Werner Scheerer and Wolf Hoermann, published by Milton Bradley and Ravensburger.
One player is Mr. X, and the other players are detectives trying to capture him. Mr. X moves secretly through London via cab, bus and subway, showing himself only every now and then. Scotland Yard is terrific for two players, although the official recommendation is for a minimum of three players.
Publisher's Site
5. Ghost Chase
Image courtesy of Rio Grande Games
For 2 to 5 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by Kai Haferkamp, published by Rio Grande Games and Amigo Spiele.
A team of ghost hunters enters a haunted castle in this child-friendly game. Similar to Scotland Yard (one player moves secretly; others try to catch him), Ghost Chase has different movement mechanisms and challenges based on the castle's floor plan.
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