Chronicles of Crime brought some unique innovation and design to the board game world recently. The game was a hit with many, intergrating the world of board games and app based play. Today we are going to look at another game that takes inspiration from what made that so good and see what happens when we explore a time long since forgotten.
Chronicles of Crime 1400 is published by Lucky Duck Games and designed by David Cicurel. It is intended for 1-4 players and plays in approximately one hour.
Overview
Chronicles of Crime 1400 uses base mechanics from the previous original game and also introduces new aspect to the game unique to this version. Some facts to know about the original include:
The objective of the game is to solve an investigation. While playing, the game is cooperative throughout as you and everyone at the table is working together to solve the crime. Basic information is given and then the game opens up as you collect evidence, interview suspects and witness and try to develop a case. Ultimately you will try to solve the case in the least amount of “time” to win!
Another familiar aspect is that Chronicles of Crime 1400 still uses an app based play for guiding the beginning and the progression of the game. There are numerous resources with QR codes that you will scan to give you information of to move your character to a location.
Gameplay
Chronicles of Crime 1400 opens, respectively in the year 1400 where you are Abelard d Anatineaux, a knight of King Charles VI. You live in Paris and have experienced prophetic dreams since you were a child, often showing violent scenes of crimes to be or that have been committed to the people around you. Your abilities have earned you a reputation here in Paris where people seek your help to solve mysteries and crimes that no one else can crack.
The Evidence board is a central aspect of the game where cards will be placed in either the brown area for everything you have in your physical possession or in the blue area for information on evidence you are seeking but have not yet found.
The Vision cards are a special deck of cards that correspond to the visions that you have had in your dreams. Each scenario starts with your dreams and gives you context clues as you continue to explore the case.
Home is where you go for more information and to solve the case. Here at home you will find 3 family members to aid you in your investigation. Your uncle the Monk is a religious expert, your sister the Merchant is a good collector with knowledge on a lot of items and finally your brother is a Spy who knows about a lot of different people in Paris. Using these family members will continue to aid you in your experience and progression of trying to solve the mystery.
Finally, and one of my favorite aspects is the addition of your dog. Your trustworthy and faithful assistant is here to lend you a hand (paw?) in ways you cannot as a detective. He can track evidence to a location or a person and tie things together you didn’t see. His addition adds a fun new wrinkle to the game.
Impressions:
I really enjoyed the way Chronicles of Crime integrates the aspects of board gaming I love with the unique additions of tech using the app. The game is a constantly evolving puzzle where layers are slowly removed to unearth even more challenges and mystery. The game feels open in a fun sandbox way however it still guides you in logical progression as you move throughout the locations.
I asked my friends who tried this game out with me for their input. Here is what they had to say:
“Chronicles of Crime 1400 starts you on a journey that is part detective mystery and part time traveling adventure. This game will test your analytical skills in a fun and challenging way.” -Hank
“1400 is a fun spin on the Chronicles of Crime system. It was interesting doing sleuth work when our highest piece of in-game technology was our trusty dog. The VR location scan worked well and leveled up the experience even more. I can’t wait to see how they tie all 3 stories together.” -Jason
Chronicles of Crime: 1400 is everything you would hope for in a new Chronicles game and so much more. We loved playing through the scenario and really felt the intensity and weight behind the decisions we made and how they shaped the game. I appreciate a game that is cooperative but still keeps all players engaged and Chronicles of Crime does a great job at just that. I can’t wait to put on my detective cap and play again!
Check out the campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/destinies/chronicles-of-crime-the-millennium-series?ref=akhab6
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