Thames & Kosmos Masters of Crime: Rapture | Murder Mystery Game | Pop Star | Who-Dun-It | Co-op Game | 1+ Players | Ages 16+

My first exposure to the "masters of crime" series is the "Shadows" one. This one went a lot smoother because I now got the procedure down.Like Shadows, It's like a mix between "choose your own adventure" and some "Professor Layton" type puzzles. You will only play this game once, because you solving the same puzzle twice won't make sense. There's a good amount of reading, and the more carefully you read, the more you will get out of it, so make sure to set aside a good amount of time for it.I played it solo. Normally I don't play solo boardgames, but because of the puzzle element, I really like that with this series. I do have slight preference for the theme in Shadows, but this is a great game as well.

The Masters of Crime: Rapture by Thames & Kosmos offers a refreshing take on traditional murder mystery games, immersing players in the intriguing disappearance of a famous pop star. This game introduces an interactive, tech-savvy twist by requiring players to use real-world tools like Google Maps, websites, and email to uncover clues and solve puzzles, making it a unique, engaging experience.Designed for players aged 16 and up, this game emphasizes morally ambiguous decisions, allowing you to step into the role of a complex character with a vested interest in the outcome. The storyline pulls you into the darker aspects of fame and crime, making for an exciting solo or group experience. It’s easy to see why this game earned a spot in The Pop Insider’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, as it offers a blend of immersive gameplay, suspense, and tech-savvy investigation tools that set it apart from traditional mystery games.Pros:Innovative Gameplay: Combines real-world online tools, adding an interactive element that heightens immersion and realism.Morally Complex Characters: Encourages players to make tough, morally ambiguous choices, enhancing the narrative depth.Flexible Player Count: Works well as a solo game or for groups of up to five, adaptable for different social settings.Modern Theme: The contemporary storyline around a pop star’s disappearance resonates with today’s true-crime and fame intrigue.Cons:Tech-Dependent: Requires internet access and some familiarity with digital tools, which may not appeal to traditional board game enthusiasts.Mature Content: Contains themes more suited to older teens and adults, making it less accessible for younger players or family game nights.

I liked this game better than the Exit games (with all their complicated riddles and clues) and other murder mysteries (with all their extensive reading). It took us (two players) about 3 hours to finish. I really enjoyed how they sent us to fake websites to get information. My favorite part was how our decisions affected our path in the game. It didn't involve too much reading and the clues weren't too difficult. Their website does offer clues to help. Also, the game tells you how to put it back together so that you can play again. The same people can't really play again though because they already know who the killer is. I will definitely be playing more of these!

I am a major fan of Thames & Kosmos, having played every single one of their Exit: The Game series. I just love games that work my brain and make me think outside the box. This resembles the Exit series in some ways, but it's not just a string of riddles, it's a quite in-depth exploration of "whodunnit".You must have internet access, you'll rely heavily upon the web to track down info during this. It's super interactive with all kinds of media that you get to explore. I won't say too much about what you do so as not to spoil it, but I will say it will pull you in and keep you absorbed for a long time!I did a couple hours and went back to finish up the next day. I felt like a real detective!What you do in the game influences the outcome. It's essentially a one-use game, although if you're careful to preserve the components and don't look at the info not pertinent to your storyline you could replay it. However, I look at it as a one-time thing just like the Exit games and I feel it's well worth it for the tremendous entertainment value.I played it as a one person game but it would be fun for a group of two to four, I think. There is a great deal of reading involved but if everyone is invested it could be tons of fun to solve it together and bounce ideas off each other.

This game is great for a game night with up to 6 players, and you can play individually or in teams for different kinds of challenges. The murder mystery is engaging and keeps you on your toes the whole time, with lots of supplemental material to discover clues from. The cards, board, and other game elements are high quality and are beautifully printed, making it a great investment for friends or family.