Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft
Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft review
Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft is a quick and engaging two-player game that's easy to learn but offers plenty of strategic depth. The premise of the game, pitting Sherlock and Mycroft against each other in a race to solve a London-based mystery, is intriguing, although the actual gameplay doesn't quite capture the essence of detective work. Instead, it focuses on a cleverly implemented worker placement and set collection system, which is where the game truly shines.
The game is played over seven turns (representing days of investigation), and players use action tokens to move between famous characters from Conan Doyle's stories, utilizing their unique abilities to gather evidence cards and investigation tokens. Each character has different abilities, making the choice of who to use a key strategic decision. The randomness of which characters appear each day adds a layer of replayability, as no two games are exactly alike.
The scoring system is also a point of interest, rewarding players for accumulating sets of cards based on numerical value. This adds a tactical layer to the game, as players must carefully consider both collecting cards and preventing their opponent from building a winning set. The game is fast-paced, with an average play time of around 30 minutes. It's a great option for a quick, engaging game night for two.
While the theme may be a bit weak and the instruction manual, particularly the original Italian/Spanish version, has been a point of contention for some players, the overall gameplay is strong. It's a game that requires careful planning and strategic thinking, making it an enjoyable experience for both casual and more experienced gamers.
If you're looking for a quick, engaging, and relatively easy-to-learn game for two players, Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft is definitely worth considering. The game is a great choice for those who enjoy worker placement and set collection mechanics, and it's a solid option for a lighthearted, competitive experience. However, if you're looking for a game that truly captures the detective spirit of Sherlock Holmes, you might be disappointed. The game is more about strategic resource management and card collection than deductive reasoning.