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Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game

Game ID: GID0093274
Collection Status
Description

In Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game you are going to solve FIVE different cases and find out what connects them, you are going to BREAK THE 4th WALL by using every resource you can, you are going to browse the game's DEDICATED DATABASE simulating your agency's resources, you will enter a city maze of old mysteries and fresh CRIME, and you will be able to COOPERATE with other agents or solve the mystery on your own.

Take the job of a real detective in a modern setting! In Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game, 1-5 players take on the role of investigators, solving mysterious crimes while working as an Antares National Investigation Agency team members. This board game tell rich stories - stories you will participate in. Let's hope that you will be able to deduce the end, before there is another crime... The game will challenge you with five different cases, that have to be played in order. Seemingly unconnected at first, they will unveil an immersive meta-plot based on facts and fiction alike.

Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game brings classic, card-based, puzzle-solving gameplay into the 21st century with the introduction of online elements. You will gain access to the online Antares database that contains data about suspects, witnesses, and documentation from arrests and trials related to your case. Use every tool at your disposal to solve these crimes - consult the Internet, check the facts and constantly discover new clues. You are not playing a detective; you ARE a detective!

In 2020 Game of the Year special edition of Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game was published. Thanks to the overwhelmingly great response for the game and a worldwide success Portal Games was able to improve the basic game and add an additional component to the box. The new edition includes a set of 30 photos of character portraits, which the players can use during their investigation to make a mind map. The pictures show the suspects met throughout the game, and bring an amazing immersion to the gameplay. The set was previously available for purchase only as an additional promo item at the Portal Games store and during conventions. With the Game of the Year edition of Detective, now all players will be able to enjoy this great tool.

Year Published
2018
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 16
This page: 16
Sentiment: pos 16 · mix 0 · neu 0 · neg 0
Mentions per page
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Showing 1–16 of 16
Video HhaTW27wt6U Midas Suggested Game top_10_list at 11:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13519 · mention_pk 39541
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
  • not for casual players; requires focus and time
  • complex to set up and run
Thematic elements
  • mystery-solving with a data-dense database
  • modern investigative environment, police procedural
  • investigative storytelling where clues shape the case
Comparison games
  • Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • database-driven exploration — use a digital-style database and external sources to assemble a case
  • deduction and clue management — players sift through clues to identify the culprit
  • team-driven investigation — collaborative effort to solve multi-case investigations
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • the thrill of the chase
  • it's one of the most unique games that i've ever played
  • this game is not for everyone
  • it's the game that got me into the hobby
  • the mind management world is based off this graphic novel series from matt kindt
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SGXvH0p9Tyw Actualol top_10_list at 5:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11895 · mention_pk 34882
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • rich, complex case scenarios
  • immersive detective experience that makes you feel like real investigators
Cons
  • potentially lengthy and heavy to run
  • steeper learning curve for new players
Thematic elements
  • crime solving and detective work
  • modern urban crime investigations with rich case leads
  • story-driven with investigative notes and debates
Comparison games
  • Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • case leads navigation — players choose which leads to follow given limited time.
  • cooperative play — team members collaborate to solve the case and argue about suspects and evidence.
  • intuition-based decisions — you must decide which questions and leads to pursue to advance the investigation.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's intensely thematic as you spend the game drawing on your map trying to eliminate possible areas and deduce where it could be
  • Chronicles of Crime is a crime solving game in the vein of Sherlock Holmes consulting detective that uses an app to deliver its clues and story
  • the game lets you step into the crime scenes yourself by using virtual reality glasses with the phone app
  • Shadows Amsterdam feels like a wonderful combination of Code Names and Mysterium turned up to eleven by introducing the frantic stress of a real-time game
  • Detective a modern crime game is a crime solving cooperative game from Portal Games
  • the cases are rich and complex and you will feel like real detectives as you take notes, pour over all the information and argue with your friends about suspects and leads
  • Railroad Inc hits that perfect spot for a roll and write game of being easy to jump into
  • the river is the latest game from Days of Wonder who are famous for beautiful approachable games for newbies like Ticket to Ride
  • timing is everything you desperately want to build early as bonuses dwindle
  • Western Legends the freedom of sandbox means they can be loose and there's some expectation to balance the game if you don't want someone to achieve a runaway outlaw strategy you need to stop them but that's keeping with the theme
  • it's the closest boardgames will come to the video game Red Dead Redemption
  • Pictomania is fast fun and chaotic
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1fRX6kDD908 Cardboard Herald general_discussion at 0:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11413 · mention_pk 33543
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Strong narrative flow and case variety
  • Cooperative, accessible team experience
Cons
  • Rules can be intimidating for absolute beginners
  • Some cases may feel similar if played back-to-back
Thematic elements
  • Detective work, puzzle-solving, intrusion into criminal cases
  • Modern city crime investigations with case files and dossiers
  • Story-driven, sandbox investigation with variable cases
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • cooperative_play — Players work together to solve cases using clue gathering and deduction.
  • deduction — Case files require logical reasoning to connect clues and identify culprits or misdirections.
  • hidden-information — Some components reveal information gradually, influencing group decisions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this is like the Oscars of board games
  • we have just one llama and we're words
  • be careful what you support on Kickstarter and be cautious about what practice is that you want to put your money towards
  • the components look fantastic especially those dice I love real-time games
  • I'm actually getting a copy of this so stay tuned for a review on that
  • we might sometimes not be able to manage to complete the project as promised and there are terms and conditions outside the Kickstarter page
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CubIDi3JaEM Board Game Design Lab interview at 27:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11224 · mention_pk 33022
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Excellent narrative design across cases
  • Engages players with spoiler-sensitive surprises
Cons
  • Requires translation/localization for multi-language play
  • Some players may find it long
Thematic elements
  • Detective work with case-based play
  • Modern city crime investigation
  • Case-driven, spoiler-sensitive storytelling
Comparison games
  • Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Card-driven storytelling — Read flavor text; drawn cards reveal clues.
  • deduction / clue gathering — Link clues to build cases and solve mysteries.
  • Sequential cases with writer collaboration — Three designers and a writer craft multi-case narrative.
  • Variable case structures — Each case differs in setup and flow.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • ideas are execution is everything
  • play testing is a job
  • the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now
  • execution matters more than the idea
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video RXBQOgUQ8kk John Perkis general_discussion at 1:37:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9842 · mention_pk 29006
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Strong investigative feel
  • Integrated narrative-rich experience
Cons
  • App integration can be overbearing for some
  • Requires commitment to longer sessions
Thematic elements
  • Investigative procedural with a connected app/manual blend
  • Crime-solving in a modern city
  • Long-form, story-driven investigative experience
Comparison games
  • Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
  • Chronicles of Crime
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • cooperative investigation — Players work together to solve cases via logs and clues, with a central app/book system.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • I really like the theme of Robinson Crusoe; it's brutal but makes sense.
  • Code Names is one of the best games I've ever played.
  • pandemic is great but it's still relatively abstracted.
  • New Angelis is a completely underrated fantasy flight game that I've reviewed.
  • I would actually love to do board game design someday with someone else.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8O-Vphqo81c Box Delights game_review at 0:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9777 · mention_pk 28835
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • immersive detective roleplay and narrative
  • strong integration of physical components with digital database
  • open-ended investigative flow with meaningful choices
Cons
  • adult themes and strong language may limit younger players
  • some might find the setup heavy or table-space intensive
  • depth of some characters could be improved with more artwork
Thematic elements
  • Investigation, deduction, and evidence correlation
  • Modern-day city with a high-tech investigative agency
  • Open-world, case-based mystery with mind-mapping and player roleplay
Comparison games
  • Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Antares database — central digital repository of case files, personal records, and forensic reports
  • internet research via Wi-Fi icon — research on the open web is allowed only when the Wi-Fi icon is present on a card
  • interrogation and forensic interpretation — forensic reports, DNA/fingerprint signatures, and witness statements drive deductions
  • mind map — graph network to link evidence, people, and timelines
  • open-world case cards — case cards present multiple paths; players can revisit resolved paths and choose branches
  • time/lead tracking — days and hours per day drive pacing; taking leads consumes time and can burn stress
  • token/resource management — skill tokens, stress tokens, authority tokens, and wild tokens drive information gathering and risk
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this map here this board is central to the game all right
  • this is neat idea of just having open paths and closed paths on either side of the board
  • the mind map ... this is where the action happens
  • the narrative is really good in this game
  • time element looks really well on the stress tokens are a good addition
  • this is a real critical and well-balanced game mechanism
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video p9obD3iQw0Y Unknown Channel general_discussion at 11:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8821 · mention_pk 26034
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • immersive, strong theme
  • variety across cases
Cons
  • setup and scenario prep can be lengthy
  • requires group commitment
Thematic elements
  • narrative-driven detective work
  • modern crime investigations
  • storytelling through case files
Comparison games
  • Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • card-driven — cards drive clues, events, and case progression
  • cooperative/semicooperative — players collaborate to close cases under time pressure
  • Puzzle-solving — solve cases using evidence and deduction
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • there's Western world you're never more than 10 meters away from a copy of Jenga
  • Monopoly has no right to be in your living room just like mums yoga instructor Darren
  • I have defeated the troll troll you know
  • it's not not a Coup de grâce
  • Sherlock Holmes consulting detective pleasure to make your acquaintance
  • Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game is actually a board game where you play a detective solving modern crimes
  • Watergate scandal presumably what happened was President Nixon left the Watergate open which we call a lock in
  • it's only a matter of time before they announce moonhaven
  • munchkin my little pony edition perfect
  • sushi go cosmos
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wsKW_a53K3M Unknown general_discussion at 11:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8232 · mention_pk 24142
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • engaging narrative
  • cooperative play
  • rich deduction experience
Cons
  • long sessions
  • steep learning curve
  • app reliance may be distracting
Thematic elements
  • cooperative deduction and narrative puzzle solving
  • Contemporary urban crime investigation
  • case-file driven with app integration
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • app-assisted tracking — Digital app provides clues, progress and outcomes
  • cooperative play — Players work together to solve cases using clues and an app
  • deduction — Casual chains of evidence lead to suspect and timeline determination
  • story-driven cases — Cases progress with branching outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's basically it's just a trump card drafting game
  • we have ketchup mechanisms out the ass
  • it's my favorite legacy game
  • Overwatch is the best game I've ever played in my life
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hD49Iy9qfcM Actual Ol Anjaan Purchase top_50_list at 27:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7654 · mention_pk 22657
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • rich case material and immersion
  • external data integration adds realism
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • investigation and deduction with external research
  • Modern crime investigation with real-world data
  • rich, case-driven storytelling
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • deduction and evidence analysis — solve cases using clues, witness reports, and external data
  • interactive investigation — discussion and theory-building among players
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • there are many different paths to happiness and nothing's necessarily the right or wrong answer
  • the dice are weighted towards being negative
  • this game tells a story unlike any other board game I've ever played
  • you can't talk to each other during this game
  • it's a simple clean auction game which you just come to expect from Ronnie comitia
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HbpFhzKjjrI Broken Meatball top_100_list at 35:36 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7124 · mention_pk 21105
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Immersive detective experience
  • Excellent rulebooks and case variety
Cons
  • Complex for new players
  • Solo mode can be challenging
Thematic elements
  • Detective work with evidence-based reasoning
  • Standalone crime investigation using real-world vibe
  • Immersive, CSI-like investigative play
Comparison games
  • L.A. Crimes
  • Chronicles of Crime
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • cooperative deduction — Players collaborate to solve cases using evidence and notes
  • Standalone/seasonal cases — Expansions add cases and narrative depth
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • I like co-ops sometimes it's nice to not have bad blood between players and work together
  • everything just rewards you gently little rewards that remind you you're doing well
  • Underwater Cities really sings with the card system
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video --eWDshMmEE Unknown Channel top_10_list at 19:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6797 · mention_pk 20139
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Thematic and narrative-driven
  • Strong deduction flow
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • deduction-heavy detective work with CSI vibes
  • police procedural investigation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • deduction and case-solving — Solve cases by gathering clues, cross-referencing, and reasoning
  • scenario-driven play — Different cases provide varied board states and challenges
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's only a game
  • this is a cash grab pure and simple
  • innovative bank building coupled with an abstract war game
  • the level of innovation you know like doing something really vastly different
  • I hate hyping games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video z1dcUT2TafY Broken People general_discussion at 7:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5893 · mention_pk 17446
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Strong, thematically rich detective experience
  • Engaging campaigns and scalable complexity
  • Expansions add depth (LA Crimes, Under the Radar)
  • Active publisher support with modular content
Cons
  • Can be heavy and rules-dense for new players
  • Campaigns can be lengthy and require tracking
  • Expansions may require base game to access fully
Thematic elements
  • investigation, deduction, case solving
  • Urban noir detective setting, late 1970s/1980s Los Angeles
  • campaign-driven, episodic investigations with multiple designers contributing scenarios
Comparison games
  • Deus
  • Food Chain Magnate
  • Robinson Crusoe
  • Imperial Settlers
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • campaigns — Standalone cases and expanding campaigns with evolving narratives
  • Cooperative — Players work together to solve cases
  • deduction — Clues and clues interaction drive progress and resolution
  • Storytelling — Narrative-driven scenarios and choices shape outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Detective is a fantastic co-op deduction game, heavy but with strong stories and campaigns.
  • This compendium book of scenarios on Kickstarter could revive Detective with tons of replay value.
  • Rise of Empires brings a larger, open-world feel to Imperial Settlers with more cards and factions.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video N3JWLbSRnks Actual Oh game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5806 · mention_pk 17179
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Multi-layered, challenging cases that reward serious deduction
  • Strong cooperative framework that feels like real detective work
  • Integrated real-world research adds depth and learning value
  • Overarching arc across five cases creates lasting tension and payoff
  • Rich sense of immersion and narrative momentum when solving a case
Cons
  • Text can be clunky, repetitive, and occasionally padding-like
  • Narrative passages sometimes feel hand-holding, guiding players toward internet research
  • Pacing can be slowed by the slowest players and heavy reading load
  • Humor and character writing are weaker compared to some peers, which may affect tone
Thematic elements
  • investigation through real-world research and collaborative deduction
  • Contemporary urban environment centered on police investigation and crime-solving
  • case-based, multi-case arc with interconnected leads and discoveries
Comparison games
  • Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
  • Case Files
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Cooperative discussion — The group deliberates on potential leads, weighing merits and deciding which path to pursue.
  • External data integration — Players research real-world information (e.g., Wikipedia, maps) to contextualize witness statements and clues.
  • Interrogation and evidence collection — Interrogating witnesses and gathering evidence (e.g., fingerprints, DNA) to construct a case narrative.
  • Lead-based deduction — Players follow and evaluate leads (cards) that guide the investigation and unlock new information.
  • Multi-case linkage — Five cases form a connected arc; solving early cases unlocks opportunities in later ones.
  • Token economy — Tokens are spent to probe deeper on leads; resources are scarce and strategic management matters.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's the most complete crime solving experience in a board game
  • Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game gets a seal of actual love
  • Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game is one of my favorite games of all time
  • my only complaint is that it holds your hand a little too much
  • it feels incredible when the information you find on Wikipedia suddenly clicks everything into place
  • this universe can run and run and I can't wait to see what they do next with it
  • if you like cooperative games and solving crimes you have to get this game
  • the five cases are linked by a series arc you can unlock leads in case one that will help you in case five
  • Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective ... but here it's got no character no humor
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qGUzTAfpvfc The Secret Cabal general_discussion at 11:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4594 · mention_pk 13449
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • immersion in being a detective
  • room for deep collaborative storytelling
Cons
  • long play sessions
  • rules can be dense
Thematic elements
  • story-driven detective work
  • modern crime investigation
  • procedural, immersive
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • app-assisted evidence management — digital components or online resources assist the mystery
  • scenario-based gameplay — cases evolve with each session and choice
  • story-driven investigations — investigators piece together clues to solve cases
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this one is sort of a pure version of Rising Sun
  • you get a hand of cards
  • I can't beat the miniatures in the box
  • I happen to like Norse mythology so I think this one just fits me a little better than Rising Sun
  • it's such a heavy theme of like you're you get you have this attachment to your brothers in arms
  • City of Iron is my absolute favorite
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wYMixv7w3TQ Lemmy & Ryan Roundup general_discussion at 2:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4038 · mention_pk 11792
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Narrative-driven case solving
  • Accessible playtime
Cons
  • Requires careful deduction and memory
Thematic elements
  • Procedural mystery solving
  • 1930s detective noir with pulp magazine vibes
  • Narrative-driven investigative storytelling
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • card_and_dice — Use cards and dice to gather clues and advance the investigation
  • time_pressure — Constrain play within a time frame (30 minutes per session)
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's about long awaited new redesigned editions of these games with lots of content on the evolution of humanity
  • it's a proper you're a game for 2 to 5 players where you need really good strategic skills to lead an empire and leave your mark in history
  • the return of the modern classic
  • adult gamers only
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3ePWx7k5h-w Adam's BoardGame Wales analysis at 3:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3485 · mention_pk 10341
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Overall sentiment (raw)
positive to mixed
Pros
  • strong innovative use of app integration
  • engaging case-based storytelling
Cons
  • edge-case complexity can be daunting for new players
  • setup and rule familiarity can be lengthy
Thematic elements
  • mystery investigation with case files
  • narrative-driven with episodic cases
Comparison games
  • Wingspan
  • The Insider
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • app-assisted deduction — Uses a companion app to manage cases, clues, and investigative flow
  • cooperative play — Players work together to solve each case within a narrative framework
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this is the first time as far as I'm aware that a Spiel des Jahres nominee has been a social deduction game
  • Wingspan is the darling of the current board game world and taking the board game world by storm
  • I think Wingspan would be a travesty if Wingspan didn't win
  • Just One is the simplest, most accessible game I've seen
  • I can't believe that a game like Llama has been nominated for the Spirit Awards
  • Detective stands a real chance because of the innovation
  • I designed the game Doodle Rush
  • I would have gone for Silver and Gold this didn't even get a nod
  • Rolling right games, polyomino tiling games, and a mix of innovation and accessibility are shaping this year
  • I think just one deserves it because of its tight, elegant simplicity
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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