Solo Chronicles – Crime Zoom System

How many times have you felt absolutely confident in your convictions, only to have one tiny piece of information tear down stance and make you feel a little sheepish? It happens to me all too often, especially when playing games. Enter the Crime Zoom series coming soon from Lucky Duck Games. Here I am, thinking I know something, and a deck of cards proves me both right, and very very wrong. This review is for the system of Crime Zoom, and two of its games: His Last Card and A Bird of Ill Omen. But solo.

The Crime Zoom games, at least the two I have played, thrusts the player into a crime scene immediately, and has them figure out exactly what happened. At the end of the game, when either all cards have been revealed or the player decides they know enough information, a series of questions will be asked to ascertain the player’s understanding of the case and assign points to determine the level of correctness.

These types of games are difficult to review without giving away any spoilers, so I will do my best to minimize spoilers, but still offer substance.

DISCLAIMER: We were provided a copy of this game for the purposes of this review. This is a retail copy of the game, so what you see in these photos is exactly what would be received in your box. I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rulebook, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy online or from your FLGS.  -T

To setup, place the deck of cards on the table, like the photo below, with the card numbered 0 on top. This card will walk the player through the setting and instruct them how to construct the crime scene. That’s it.

The game is mostly free-form: there are no real “turns” to be taken. At any time the player may flip over a card to zoom in and gain some intelligence into a portion of the crime scene, or a suspect, or an item, or other things. By flipping over the correct cards and following the correct leads, the player can put together the culprit, motive, weapon (if that’s a thing in the scenario), accomplices, etc. One card may lead the player to uncover other cards, and can really start to unfold the story being given. However, spending too much time barking up the wrong tree can cost the player points at the end of the game – extra points are awarded to players who refrain from flipping every card.

When the player thinks they have it figured out, they consult with the questions at the end of the rule book. It is there that the player is awarded points for correct accusations and evidence, and for assembling the case properly. The player may write their score on the last page of the rule book, and then pass the game along to a friend who can try to beat that score and gloat to the underperformer.

Components. This game is a deck of 54 cards and a rule book. The cards are double-sided, with most of the backs showing a generic graphic and a number. The cards are fine quality, and the art is really really good. When playing the game I found myself thrown into an office, where I had these cards all connected with red string and attempting to associate the right culprits with the right evidence.

Again, I have played the first two installments in the series: His Last Card and A Bird of Ill Omen. I played them both solo, and scored very well on one and very poorly on the other. If I was one to care about winning and losing, or scores at all, that may bother me. But I am a gamer who just enjoys the experience of playing, and being transported into the game and the theme. Having said that, I very much enjoyed my time with the Crime Zoom system. Many games are being released that give this sort of feel of a case or incident that needs to be solved using just a deck of cards, and I am a big fan. Some systems are better than others, though, and I would place the Crime Zoom system among the better systems I have tried.

Being able to just pick and choose which cards to investigate further, but also being rewarded for flipping over less cards is such an interesting tightwire upon which to balance. Thinking, sometimes out loud, “Hmm, should I really flip this one over? It could be invaluable, or it could be a red herring.” The choices are certainly ripe, and the themes shine through beautifully. The one thing I wish was different about Crime Zoom also affects the other game systems like it: single play. I completely understand that it must be this way, otherwise the game is no longer a game, but rather an exercise in figuring out the most efficient path to victory. Just like an escape room (though this isn’t necessarily an escape room style game), you really can go through it only once. So I am glad that I have friends to whom I can pass this along, but I am also a whiny brat and just want them for myself.

All in all, these games have great production value, and a good hour’s worth of play time to keep my mind active. I appreciate when a game brings a new experience to the table, and Crime Zoom certainly does that for me. If you are looking to try a new system in this style of game, then I do recommend you give the Crime Zoom series a try. The games are a challenge, and you have one shot, so you better make it worthwhile and figure out the mystery. Now, get out there, detective!