I know, usually I talk about a game that we’ve played, either one owned by us or a friend, and I’ve got a few that I want to talk about soon, but today I’m featuring a game I want instead.

Mystery Express

  • Designers: Serge Laget, Antoine Bauza
  • Manufacturer: Days of Wonder
  • Year: 2010
  • Players: 3 – 5
  • Time: 60 – 90 minutes
  • Ages: 12 and up

Seeking a well-deserved break from your latest misadventures, you decide to splurge, treating yourself to the extravagant luxury of the most talked about train of our time – the legendary Orient Express. Most unexpectedly, and rather unfortunately, the holiday turns out to be short-lived. The train has barely left Paris when word spreads that someone has just been murdered, and in the most hideous manner…

The rest of the trip – through Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest and their final destination of Istanbul – is consumed with determining the who, what, when, where and why of the crime. Players use their special powers of deduction; information gleaned from others in various train cars; and investigative actions to determine the exact circumstances of the murder. The one who correctly identifies the most elements of the crime by the time the train reaches Istanbul wins the game

To be honest, I don’t care if it’s really a good, well-balanced game. I’m in love with the theme. Murder on the Orient Express! And, if you feel like buying it for me, David, it’s available on Amazon.

And while I was at Days of Wonder’s site, I ran across this one. It’s not available yet, but should be out later this year.

Cargo Noir

  • Designer: Serge Laget
  • Manufacturer: Days of Wonder
  • Year: 2011
  • Players: 2 – 5
  • Time: 60 minutes
  • Ages: 8 and up

Little Hong Kong: Hour of the Tiger Loaded with clandestine goods, a sampan glides through the dark waters of Aberdeen Harbour. It slips unnoticed under the bow of a British patrol boat whose crew seems more interested in sleep than watchfulness.

Cargo Noir is a game of illicit trading in which players run “families” who traffic in smuggled goods. Designed by Serge Laget, the game takes place in the thrilling and evocative setting of 1950’s film noir.

Game play revolves around a changing set of notorious smuggling ports around the world, each filled with contraband. Players dispatch cargo ships loaded with gold to these ports – hoping to acquire goods that will later be traded for Victory Spoils.

Another great theme, eh?

3 Comments

  • You know I always wanted to get a good murder mystery game to play with the friends. Almost like a Clue type set up where it could change with each game played. And there are some new ones out there with the dvd interaction. Though I’m always weary to pick one up as I’m just not sure how good it will be and if it will change with each game. This mystery game sounds like fun though.

    • We’ve only played one game that had a DVD with it and it didn’t go over well. I remember playing some Sherlock Holmes ones with a VHS tape when I was younger. I think I still have the game somewhere. I should make them try it sometimes.

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