Some kids don't have a CLUE!! Give it to them.
Written: Nov 28 '03 (Updated Jan 05 '05)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Quick set up, easy to learn rules, different game every time
Cons: May need to get more detective 'notebooks'.
The Bottom Line: This is a fairly easy game to learn and can be played over and over with ever-changing results. It is fun for all ages 8 and up.
|
|
|
| popsrocks's Full Review: Clue |
In todays world of personal pocket games, PCs, and video games fewer and fewer people are interacting with each other in an eye ball to eye ball fashion. There also seems to be less thought process.
The board game CLUE by Parker Brothers, Hasbro is the perfect game for family and friends 8 and over. It combines interaction and detective work in a game that generally lasts about an hour and really gets the mind working. Three to six players can play at one time.
VERY BRIEF HISTORY
This game is a proven winner that has been around about 60 years. Why it's even older than I am!! Though the board game may be old the mystery, intrigue, and a bit of sleuthing makes this a great 'Who Done It'.
The actual art work of the game reflects the more 'modern' look that was depicted in the 1985 movie of the same name. For those not in the know, the movie had three different endings depending on which theatre you saw it in. Get th DVD, it shows all three endings.
OBJECT of the GAME
The mansions owner, Mr. Boddy, is found dead!! You must be the first to figure out, Who did the gruesome deed. Which room was it done in and, what was the weapon of choice.
GAME BOARD and PARTS
-All the equipment is set nice and tidy in a 10"x20" box with a drawing of the six sinister looking suspects in what looks like a guilded room of a mansion on the front cover.
-The game board flips out to a roughly 20x20 size. On it are nine rooms of which any may be the place of MURDER!
The Conservatory
Ballroom
Kitchen
Dining Room
Lounge
Hall
Study
Library
Billiard Room
Separating each room are squares that must be used to access the other rooms. A few 'secret passages' also enhance strategy and speed up the game. There is also a space for the game cards.
-On the inside of the box are fairly easy to read and follow instructions.
-Next are six coloured 'tokens' that represent the possible suspects.
Yellow - Colonel Mustard
Red - Miss Scarlet
Purple - Professor Plum
Green - Mr. Green
White - Mrs. White
Blue - Mrs. Peacock
-Six possible murder weapons
Rope
Candlestick
Lead pipe
Wrench
Pistol
Knife
All these miniatures are made of metal except the rope.
-Also in the box are game cards. Each represents the suspect, room or murder weapon.
-A few pads of Detective notebooks are in the box. These are given to each player. The notebooks give an organized way of collecting clues. Don't let the other players see what you have on your card! You must provide your own pencils. There is an address in the box as to where you can order more pads.
-Confidential 'CASE FILE' envelope
-One Die
GETTING SET TO PLAY
Without getting too specific, the suspects you work with are the closest to you. Each has their own start space. The weapons are distributed to any of the rooms, one in each room.
The most important part of the game is to get one card each of the three categories into the 'Case File' envelope without anyone knowing what's inside. The directions are clear. The remaining cards are dealt out to all until all are given out. With the roll of the die and strategic play you try and find out who is and is not holding cards.
PLAYING the GAME
On each turn the player spins the die and makes their way into a room. Once there a suggestion is made. The three categories are mentioned. The player to your left MUST show a card if they have it. If they do not, then the next person must show one if they have one. This is how you find out what is or is not in the envelope. Remember, all suspects, including you, could be the murderer. You also must be in the room that you 'suggest'. There are no limits as to how many suspects or murder weapons are in a room after the game starts. There are more, finer detailed instructions stated.
Once you have accumulated your clues you can make an Accusation. This you must be sure of because if you guess wrong, you are out of the game and the others continue. I have found that wrong accusations are usually near the end game so a person will not be out too long.
STRATEGY
Every one figures out their own way of playing the game. Some throw bluffs and mis-direction. Please remember the "Very Important" part of this game. You MUST show cards if you have it. If someone fails to do this, the game is unfortunately not valid. This is an important point to stress, especially with youngun's and those who happen to 'drift' from the game.
WINNING the GAME
To win the game you must, on your turn, accuse someone, somewhere, and with a particular weapon. All three must be correct. On a correct accusation all three cards are taken out of the envelope for all to see.
CLOSING NOTES
Once again I stress the importance of everyone giving the proper information. Every game can have hundreds of possible weapon, room, and suspect combination. Remember the suspect could be you! This game does take strategy so put on you thinking caps and have fun!!
Other family game reviews by popsrocks
Family Feud DVD Game
Deluxe Scrabble Play in style!
Monopoly Special Edition
Catch Phrase, a wonderful family and friend game!
Worst-Case Scenario Survivor Game Can you survive?
Encore Deluxe Fun, Fun, Fun!!
CLUE A classic " Who dun it?" game.
Stratego A time tested game of strategy.
Fact or Crap A new game that is fun for 15-adult
Texas Hold'em Poker
Games for adults, but not a "Adult Game"
How to Host a Murder, The Tragical Mystery Tour These are our favorite game of all!
How To Host a Murder Mystery, The Watersdown Affair Another in the series.
Men are From Mars, Woman are From Venus Not that great
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 12
Type of Toy: Board Game
Age Range of Child: 9 Years or Older
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.