Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game Review

[@actualol]

After a lot of soul-searching, I’m going back to making scripted, passionate reviews of single board games. My vision was always quality over quantity, and I lost sight of that along the way. This is my first review in this new (old) format. If you would like see more videos like this, please like and share the video. Thanks for watching.

[@themaster408]

I really enjoy both versions, but I think this is my favorite one. This is the one that will probably get me to buy a game (or am I only saying that because I'm totally buying this game now?)

[@Shot007]

This is my favourite type of review from you man. Get indepth its amazing. I really value your opinion. I was wondering though does this edge out Sherlock Holmes CD for you? It's one of my favourite games.

[@alecgalbraith5604]

YESSSS. This is the reason I followed your channel in the first place. These kind of videos set yours apart from the sea of other reviews.

[@michelemoretti5141]

Thank you man, we missed these!

[@debbielowe9467]

You are so honest in your reviews, and I thank you for that. You always tell us what you liked and what you didn't like. It took me awhile to discover this channel, but it is now one of my favorite, if not my favorite!!!

[@serenalangley84]

I really loved this game! :-)

[@joeyjohns9517]

i recently bought this game, haven’t played it yet, but i’m interested to see if it has any replayability, because it seems like it doesn’t. can anyone testify for or against this notion?

[@tolotwin5503]

Lovely review, thank you!

[@Hawks1980]

This is up there with Sit Down and Shut up reviews. Genuine passion. My family has just started playing Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, and absolutely love it. Not played these type of games before so we're already looking around for similar styles. This sounds like it fits the bill perfectly.

[@marcospanontin866]

You have a way of making people fall in love with games they never played. Loved the review!

[@joejose9190]

I agree 100% Marcos!

[@philhaslehurst]

I'm pleased to see the scripted, in-depth reviews back. Throw in a few wigs and it'll be like 2017 Actualol all over again ;) When I've finished ALL of Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, it's good to know there's something else out there to scratch the desktop detective itch.

[@Ragnarok2kx]

6:16 Everything is connected? Maybe you need a Holistic Detective on the case.

[@RaphaelWiggum]

It's funny because it's only the second video of his I've watched, and during the first one I thought: "He sure sounds like Samuel Barnett." Coincidence? Well no, obviously, since everything is connected.

[@DutchYoda]

I have only played Case 6 so far. I didn't get annoyed by the cliches, maybe because of my love for TV Crime series. I was really picturing me in one. For the rest I totally agree with your review.

[@marcospanontin866]

I am looking for this Case 6. I live in Latin America and was hoping to test this case before commiting to an overseas purchase. Do you know if it is possible to have access to it? Thanks!

[@GourmetAcademy]

Hey Jon, how does this game compare to Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective?

[@Shot007]

This is just the type of game you need to review. I also much prefer the singular review of a big game. I believe your channel will grow if you continue to produce marquee content like this and be one of the first reviews on big games. But you MUST be consistent.

[@actualol]

I have no control over being the first in reviewing a game - I don't have the view counts or strong relationships with publishers to get early copies for most games. And I'm not working full-time on my channel like my competitors. I appreciate your thoughts, because I agree I think it is really important. I will do what I can to review marquee games and be consistent, but please know that if I don't achieve that level, it's not through lack of trying.

[@Shot007]

Oh Yeh, I completely understand, been checking out your content and I know you work hard. I do believe you will grow with consistency because your scripted stuff is quite original and funny.

[@sebasculin3739]

It's great to see you doing short, focused reviews again, glad you're passionate about it. I also learned, by intently listening to witness statements that John is in fact, older than he looks.

[@actualol]

That information is classified!

[@jdotaing]

Loving this single board game review! I remember asking you on your stream whether you would continue these, but you were hesitant about them at the time. Very glad you found your passion for these. Good on you mate.

[@actualol]

Your question definitely put it back in my mind. But it also came from reminding myself why I'm making videos and what I want from them. It feels good to have that clearer in my mind now. I can't review every game but I can make the reviews I do count.

[@joejose9190]

So glad your back John! Once I have finished my new card game I'll be sending you a review copy! ;-)

[@themaster408]

My morning: Oh Actualol has a new video? I'll have to check it...it's for Detective! Load page, load blast you!

[@themaster408]

Also I'm only 2 1/2 mins into this review and you've freaken convinced me to get this game. You and you're "but it could be the break you've been looking for, or it could be nothing, but it probably isn't is it?" This game is going to be amazing and a problem for me. "No dude, she knows more than she's letting on! We have to dig deeper!"

[@actualol]

I've played with people like you. You'll be the death of this detective agency.

[@xerendil]

Or will he?

[@themaster408]

Blast it Jim, I know he knows something!

[@UnPlayableGames]

Great review! I so want to play this game now! Only doubt is... how replayable is it? How much will the 5 cases last me?

[@Mister.Psychology]

Nice review dude. Makes me want to go get the game but I still have not played the old Sherlock Holmes so I might look into that first.

[@nadinedepe]

Just like me

[@AhJong0]

Pleased to see you back to reviewing, this game seems like a grand combo of the pressured “what shall we spend our time on?” Of T.I.M.E. Stories and the deductive crime solving of Sherlock Holmes. All good stuff.

[@benaiah93]

I liked that text

[@joejose9190]

Hey John great to see you back on top form! (I've been subscribed to you on another channel name - Flatdude46 - but now I've created this new channel as a game designer). This was another excellent review, and this new detective game certainly does put a new spin on an old favorite format. I just might give this game a go! Many thanks, Joe :-)

[@WebMonkey741]

Something that might be missing from your review... How many players do you recommend? How many people did you play with for your review?

[@lazybookworm]

This sounds so exciting! Was just wondering, between this and Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, which would you recommend, considering I can only get one?

[@veriisigeeks320]

One of the best games, just that there are a few minimal mistakes in translation to the German version, but it's no problem to 'solve' the case. We love that game. Thanks for your great video. 😀

[@mbrochh82]

Awesome review!! Perfect length, high production value, you have a great and passionate voice, you show the game pieces in great detail and convey how it feels to play this game. The only thing I felt was missing was a mention about optimal player count and play time. Otherwise this basically convinced me that this game might be great for me and my office colleagues as a team bonding exercise :)

[@freemanedwards5663]

Hi

[@drhumupower8570]

Your 34 years of experience on this Earth... I actualol'd!

[@carnavaldemonstruos3903]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and being honest about the things that don't work so well. Also, I love your accent!

[@Bortniky]

Took a hiatus and so glad you're still doing these. Always loved your work. About to patreon this up !

[@TabletopGamesBlog]

Great, passionate review. Thank you.

[@drhumupower8570]

BTW, this review makes me glad that I preordered :)

[@SrStakeholder]

Im more concerned about that capo on the 2nd fret

[@Exit82guy]

4 Tard's =didn't like this video!

[@edifanobbonafide]

Good decision to return to the new (old) format. Like it a lot.

[@kenny1800]

Love the sound of this! Can't wait to play🤗

[@mattsmith6558]

Great Video. I remember binging your earlier sketch/review content after a shout out from Rodney at Watch it Played. Your Dice Forge review was really interesting and had echoes of SUSD who are the benchmark in my opinion. I was hoping for more of that. I must admit, my viewership dropped off when you started the longer Now Playing series because it lacked the wit, humour and insight of your other reviews. The Now Playing series feels like it belongs as a segment in a podcast rather than a dedicated video series. Looking forward to seeing more reviews on the channel. Good luck! p.s consider changing that chair, it raises up your shoulders and gives you an awkward posture in front of camera (said with love, keep up the good work).

[@actualol]

Thanks for the comment. A lot of people dropped off, I only wish I knew how to get them back!

[@gzZZZ]

A great review. Keep up the good work.

[@ashleepradella4912]

Great review!! And now I want to play it even more

[@comanaut9566]

‘A wall of text...’ that is ‘clunky, repetitive & at times cringeworthy.’ Sounds great!

[@actualol]

Haha! Good point! It might be a slog to read but a wall of text promises clues 😋

[@mattlowder]

Return to form. Excellent!

[@vespera219]

All I need are friends! Not being able to play Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is my biggest heartache. It's sat on my shelf nearly untouched for so long.

[@actualol]

Oh no! That is sad. SHCD is perfectly fine to play solo, but I understand that you might not want to.

[@vespera219]

Actualol I think that have resigned myself to just playing through it alone, in reality. I'm excited!

[@MJTarver]

Gamefreakgeekgirl Fun SH:CD is a WONDERFUL experience solo. While the experience is definitely different, I don't think it's any worse. I get less frustrated solo because I don't have to convince my fellow players to follow a particular line of investigation. I definitely score fewer points because I go to more locations when I'm alone.

[@magdielescobar50]

Find meetup groups online. Where are u located?

[@vespera219]

Magdiel Escobar I have done meetups online, but haven't had the best if luck. I have a group that meets up but no one plays much more than party games. Lovely people, just not that into board games despite my best efforts!

[@crushfruits2660]

Hello again Actualol

[@magicgeeks1955]

Glad you’re back.

[@cantrip7]

What a powerful, emotive review. I felt the hairs on my arms stand in response to metaphor. Fantastic!

[@actualol]

That's really cool. I was excited 😀

[@edmundengland]

Great review

[@Janlssary]

İ wonder how long the website (police database) would stand

[@xerendil]

As long, as needed. And if Portal Games can't support it any more, it can be released to the public.

[@VictorCastro55]

Can you play it solo?

[@boneshiqua]

Victor Castro absolutely. The multiplayer aspect is having more brains.

[@actualol]

Yes 100%

[@psbauman]

Please be a bad review, please be a bad review, please be a... damn it! And I agree, for all of Ignacy's obsession over board game narrative, I think he needs to find better ways to build diegesis without fluff text or find bona fide writers like Nikki Valens to do the heavy lifting.

[@actualol]

Yeah, I think the simplest solution is to just hire a better writer. But it would be interesting if they could innovate a more engaging way to present the information. Something that introduced characters and dialogue could be interesting - so that you invest in a personal story parallel to the case. That's how all crime TV shows work, after all.

[@GourmetAcademy]

It could also be that he has a shit translator.