We begin the day with 2021 Spiel des Jahres Winner MICROMACRO CRIME CITY. A sort of WHERES WALLY meets CSI game that was all the rage and has finally (after some persuading) landed on my desk. So its time for me to take up my trusty magnifying glass and turn over cards to solve mysterys like where is the hidden booty from a bank heist or who pinched a poor mans top hat!

MICROMACRO CRIME CITY

PLAYERS 1-4 / AGES 6+ / TIME 120 minutes for the whole thing

THE GAME

Crimes have taken place all over the city of Micromacro, and you have the chance to figure out exactly what’s happening. Players work together with a huge city map (75 x 110 cm / 29.5 x 43 inches) as your guide. Before we begin, set up is simple. You will need a large area to play, so best to find this before you start. Open the map and make sure it is flat and each player has either the single magnifying glass or a phone or something to see enlarge the image, as eye strain is a pos. Set the card set next to the board, get some streching in and you are ready to begin! Open the first card pack (with the easy, starter case) open the first card and read the case note to yourself or the group. These cards detail what has happened and then ask a specific case question, such as ‘Who stole this?’ or ‘What happened then?’ Once players think they have answered the question, they can turn over the card and reveal the answer. Each set is numbered, so you dont get lost and once finished one, you move onto the next card in the series. These are usually in sets of 5 and there is 16 cases to solve for the first game and a whole bunch have also been released (and set to also be released) shortly!

REVIEW

MICROMACRO CRIME CITY is that rare thing, a broad game, that entertains and excites players. Adults, kids and inbetween loved it over say a festive period or as a weekend evening play. It is going to jar with those looking for heavier games, layered games or something they can dig their collective deductive muscles into. For us, it was a case (sic) of step by step fun that allowed us to ramp up enjoyment (akin to building a puzzle) and put it down and pick it up, with ease. This ensures eyes and brains, arent to badly effected by the process. However the city map is a major problem in terms of just physical space. The issue of a single magnifying glass is also an irritent. We had to use a mobile (or three), to zoom in and out. This process amplifys confusion, with some cases crossing the whole map and needing close attention. Mired also by the plots themselves becoming a little haphazardly concluded (a bank heist one is a case in point). But in the end, it is a welcomed addition to any table and as each case increases in difficulty, aided by sometimes, very skilled storytelling, it delivers more sophisticated deduction for a broad group. Rewarding solo or group play as the game progresses.