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Description
Crimes have taken place all over the city, and you want to figure out exactly what's happened, so you'll need to look closely at the giant city map (75 x 110 cm / 29.5 x 43 inches) to find all the hidden information and trace the trails of those who had it in for their foes.
MicroMacro: Crime City includes 16 cases for you to solve. Each case includes a number of cards that ask you to find something on the map or uncover where someone has gone or otherwise reveal information relevant to a case. The city map serves as a map in time as well as space, so you'll typically find people in multiple locations throughout the streets and buildings, and you need to piece together what happened, whether by going through the case card by card or by reading only the starting card in the case and trying to figure out everything that happened for yourself. Will you be able to answer all questions about the case without fail?
The second edition of MicroMacro: Crime City now marks each case with symbols so that parents can decide which cases the youngest investigators are cleared to research.
Year Published
2020
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 9
This page: 9
Sentiment:
pos 6 ·
mix 3 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–9 of 9
Video peZ0uCcC53s
Unknown Channel game_review at 1:27 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 34770 · mention_pk 103646
Click to watch at 1:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Engaging, high-energy detective experience with a strong narrative through-line
- Innovative use of a large city map to drive exploration and clue discovery
- Cohesive integration of cases that builds a sense of a larger, interconnected story
- Expert mode provides a fresh angle and extended playability
- Vivid world-building and character presence that make the city feel alive
Cons
- Over-reliance on familiar detective tropes, with some twists feeling predictable
- Content concerns: some tropes and depictions are regressive or insensitive (eating disorders referenced as punchlines)
- The physical footprint is large, and setup/cleanup can be cumbersome for casual play
- Box labeling suggests suitability for children, but some topics require careful handling and discussion
Thematic elements
- Detective investigation and detective-fiction storytelling set against a sprawling urban backdrop.
- A stylized, expansive city map that reappears across multiple cases with recurring characters, creating a living, breathing urban crime landscape.
- Non-linear, case-driven storytelling where players uncover a larger narrative through interconnected cases and character threads.
Comparison games
- Where's Waldo (Where's Wally)
- Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
- Colombo (TV show) as narrative reference
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Case progression via envelopes and leads — Each case provides a sequence of clues and leads printed on cards/envelopes that guide the investigative flow.
- Case-specific discovery and deduction loops — Each solved case feeds into the next, with new questions emerging from resolved leads, driving a continuous investigative arc.
- cooperative deduction — A collaborative process where players discuss interpretations of clues and decide together where to search next.
- deduction — A collaborative process where players discuss interpretations of clues and decide together where to search next.
- Expert mode variation — An advanced mode that alters the starting state or required approach, increasing difficulty and reducing guided hints.
- large-map exploration — Players physically interact with a large city map, scanning, loom-reading, and tracing paths to locate clues, suspects, and leads.
- Non-linear storytelling and cross-case pattern recognition — Recurring figures and locations across multiple cases allow players to weave a larger narrative and detect patterns.
- Physical interaction with the investigation space — Players loom, scan, and trace on a physical map and supporting materials, creating tactile engagement beyond card play.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the best whodunit board game i have laid these hands on in a long time
- take the structure of Colombo at the start of every episode you're not only shown who committed the murder but how why where and with what
- this is my favorite solver mystery game ever made
- the process is the beating heart of every good detective story
- the stories in micro macro are predictable and so over-reliant on tropes that it's almost comical
- it's the process and this box... this process distilled
- micro macro uses logic logic
- what's inside this box is not just a game but a method of detective thinking
- the expert mode insists you think in the abstract rather than follow a deck of prompts
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video o18h1HLTYwA
Unknown Channel analysis at 0:00 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 34333 · mention_pk 102252
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Innovative use of a large, atlas-like map as an investigative device
- Strong emphasis on collaboration and discussion among players
- High engagement for players who enjoy detective themes and spatial reasoning
Cons
- Ambiguity about what constitutes a win or success in the absence of a traditional scoring system
- Can feel more puzzle-like than game-like to those seeking conventional turns and mechanics
- Requires careful reading of clues and a potentially long setup/coach time to contextualize the map
Thematic elements
- Investigation and deduction within a cooperative, map-driven framework
- A bustling urban city map used as a connected crime scene database; players traverse the map to identify criminals and piece together incidents.
- Nonlinear, visual-spatial clue hunting that guides players toward a solution through evidence gathered on the map
Comparison games
- Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
- Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative deduction — Players work together to identify criminals and solve crimes by interpreting a sprawling city map full of clues.
- deduction — Players work together to identify criminals and solve crimes by interpreting a sprawling city map full of clues.
- Hidden information / clue interpretation — Clues are embedded in illustrated scenes on the map and become actionable through collective questioning and mapping.
- Pattern recognition — Players scan the map for visual cues, overlaps, and connections between disparate clues to narrow suspects and incidents.
- Pattern recognition and search — Players scan the map for visual cues, overlaps, and connections between disparate clues to narrow suspects and incidents.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Pil isn't a game.
- Does spiel mean game? Yes, spiel means game or play.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video znDrntkVSaU
Unknown Channel top_12_list at 5:17 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13111 · mention_pk 38331
Click to watch at 5:17 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- unique two-player experience
- appealing visuals and accessibility
Cons
- map scanning can be slower for impatient players
Thematic elements
- detective work on a large city map
- Hidden-object search map solving crimes
- puzzle-driven, observational
Comparison games
- Two-five person co-ops
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative deduction — two players collaborate to solve cases by sharing clues
- deduction — two players collaborate to solve cases by sharing clues
- hidden information / observation — scan a large map to locate suspects and clues based on prompts
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- my pick is colorado
- it's the perfect board game for people right after let's play
- unlock is the best escape room game that i have ever played
- it's like Waldo, the board game
- Spirit Island ... highly highly suggested as a heavy game for a couple
- my wife’s all-time favorite game
- it's a really decent economic game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kRtFqz3DIFw
Might I Suggest top_10_list at 1:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12908 · mention_pk 37759
Click to watch at 1:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique visual deduction experience
- Great for families and groups
Cons
- Requires careful reading of dense imagery
Thematic elements
- detective work
- urban crime scene investigation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative deduction — Players work together to identify crimes from large illustrated scenes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- zia is chaotic it's exciting it's cruel it's beautiful and it's everything in between
- if you want to make the most out of your four and a half hour gaming window and you want a robust deep space experience
- it's labeling it a green legacy game and promising a full reset at campaign end
- this has been a mind at suggested game production and i'm alex your board game sommelier signing off
- Sonora is a combination of a dexterity and a roll and write game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1KoFar5WVnw
Latvian Board Gaming Channel top_10_list at 4:56 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11254 · mention_pk 129290
Click to watch at 4:56 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Where's Waldo version for adults
- Perfect for two players
- Perfect for non-gamers
- No setup needed to start playing
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Solving crimes by finding clues on map
- City crime scenes
- Detective puzzle
Comparison games
- Where's Waldo
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deduction — Follow crime trails across map
- Hidden Object — Find people and clues on huge map
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Does your wife ever tell you what to do all the time especially what board games to play
- My wife loves games where she beats your ass
- This was the game we took to the hospital when my son was born
- I'm afraid for the calendar its days are numbered
- What does a sprinter eat before a race? Nothing, they fast
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3FBkXtOBRvQ
Foster the Meeple top_10_list at 35:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9797 · mention_pk 97257
Click to watch at 35:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- innovative, accessible, great family weight
Cons
- solitaire-feeling for some players after repeated plays
Thematic elements
- detective work in a playful, abstract form
- a single, expansive city map with hidden clues
- puzzle-driven, clue-finding
Comparison games
- Mysterium Park
- Mystery City games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative deduction — team works together to track suspects and solve cases
- deduction — players search for pictorial clues to solve crimes
- hidden clue spotting on a map — players search for pictorial clues to solve crimes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- easy one for me
- locking it in
- we're not big fans of the crew
- it's not close
- open-world sandboxy exploration
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video BusM-8VYQrE
Midas Suggested Game game_review at 0:16 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 9162 · mention_pk 112645
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Unique blend of hidden-object/search with deduction and interpretation
- Nostalgic vibe reminiscent of I Spy/Where's Waldo, but with a deductive twist
- Accessible entry point with scalable difficulty
- Cooperative play fosters discussion and teamwork
- Cases are quick to pick up and can lead to satisfying 'aha' moments
Cons
- Tiny, intricate map can be visually taxing and hard for players with poor eyesight
- Limited replay value once all cases are solved unless you reset the map to play again
- Requires a large table and strong lighting; can feel crowded with four players
- No strong central narrative; fewer “story” rewards beyond puzzle solving
Thematic elements
- Dark humor, crime investigation, and deduction embedded in a visual search
- A modern sprawling city map used as a shared crime scene for detective work
- Cooperative, episodic cases with time-framed scenes
Comparison games
- I Spy / Where's Waldo
- Escape room style games
- Hidden object games
- Whodunit deduction games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- case-based progression — There are 16 cases in the base box, each with escalating difficulty.
- Cooperative Game — Players collaborate to search a large map and piece together clues across cases.
- cooperative team play — Players collaborate to search a large map and piece together clues across cases.
- Progressive difficulty — Cases can be chosen by difficulty, allowing accessible entry and later challenge.
- Spot-the-scene / visual search — Players identify scenes on the map that correspond to task card prompts.
- Time-framed scene mapping — The map contains frames from setup, crime, and aftermath that must be matched to tasks.
- Turn Order: Progressive — Cases can be chosen by difficulty, allowing accessible entry and later challenge.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Micro Macro Crime City is a really simple concept and is super easy to just pick up and start playing
- combines both of these concepts so seamlessly
- there's a place for it in any collection
- I love games that require that sort of lateral thinking
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VwVs5egZsM4
Adam's Board Game Wales top_10_list at 0:42 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2289 · mention_pk 127594
Click to watch at 0:42 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- not a traditional board game, unique category
- beautiful illustrated city map
- fun detective storytelling
- engaging group activity
- increasing complexity across 16 cases
- great gift option
- works with any group size
Cons
- competitive element adds frustration
- not truly a board game
- limited replayability
Thematic elements
- detective_work
- crime_solving
- urban_exploration
- visual_puzzle
Comparison games
- Where's Wally
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative_search
- deduction
- Pattern recognition
- pattern_recognition
- progressive_puzzle_complexity
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- i'm adam porter and this is my board gaming vlog and it's my annual top 10 board games of the year
- this is not an authoritative list of the best games of the year or anything like that it is just the 10 games that i've enjoyed the most
- the game is ultimately endlessly replayable even though there's only something like nine different final solutions
- i find the game thoroughly entertaining
- this is exactly the sort of game i wish i could design something that simple that streamlined that looks that beautiful
- this game pretty much got us through lockdown
- it's gone immediately right to the top as far as my wife is concerned this is one of her favorite games of all time
- i'm really hoping for a better 2021
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video q7BQEhUy39c
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 0:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1040 · mention_pk 111853
Click to watch at 0:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- unique cooperative deduction experience
- appealing for families and guests
Cons
- requires time and attention to solve cases
- can be lengthy for some sessions
Thematic elements
- investigation and deduction
- urban detective setting focused on crime solving
- cooperative puzzle-solving with a large map and visual clues
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative Game — players collaborate to solve crimes
- cooperative play — players collaborate to solve crimes
- deduction — use a magnifying-glass style apparatus to trace clues and follow a path
- visual deduction — use a magnifying-glass style apparatus to trace clues and follow a path
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's still a must have
- the twist to this role play is that you all text in a WhatsApp group
- it's a semic which means you all are stuck in the ship and want to get out together
- it's not fantastic, not even fantastic; it's very good
- the game is not simple
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–9 of 9