Watson & Holmes: The Lost Diaries
Watson & Holmes: The Lost Diaries at your next game night?
Add Watson & Holmes: The Lost Diaries to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Jesús Torres Castro
- Publisher Ludonova
- Illustration Javier González Cava , Arnaud Demaegd , Neriac , Pascal Quidault
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
Players take the role of investigators following clues from previously unpublished Watson diaries. The game mixes Deduction with Bluffing as you visit locations on a modular board to collect evidence. New adventures add special rules and challenges, and sessions can be played cooperatively, competitively, in teams, or solo.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at fans of deduction and the Sherlock Holmes setting, suitable for seasoned players and groups willing to invest about 90 minutes. The range from solo to seven players makes it flexible for different table sizes. Some prior experience with deduction or bluffing games is helpful.
How It Works
Deduction is the core mechanism, augmented by Auction / Bidding and Variable Player Powers. The modular board changes the investigation layout each game, auctions create tactical contests for clues or actions, and variable powers make player roles asymmetric. Together these mechanics drive decision-making and replayability.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jesús Torres Castro, the game expands the Watson & Holmes series with new unpublished cases and modes. Its combination of Modular Board, Auction / Bidding, and Variable Player Powers distinguishes it from straightforward deduction titles.
Pro
- Multiple play modes: cooperative, competitive, teams, and solo
- Modular board provides varied setups
- Deduction paired with bluffing and auctions
- Variable player powers add asymmetry
Contra
- About 90 minutes per game requires time commitment
- Mechanic complexity may need a learning curve for new players
Setting & atmosphere
Based on Dr. John H. Watson's diary entries, the game places players in Victorian-era investigations within the Sherlock Holmes universe. Cases are presented as unreleased Watson adventures.
Tips for beginners
Focus on interpreting clues and how auctions affect access to actions; explore your variable power to find a playstyle before using complex tactics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo play, as the player count starts at 1.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 90 minutes; including setup and explanation a session can take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with deduction or bluffing games is useful; the game targets more experienced players.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines Modular Board and Auction / Bidding with Variable Player Powers, setting it apart from pure deduction titles.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 12 it can work for families with older children, though mechanics and length lean toward experienced groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Modular Board combined with Auction / Bidding and Variable Player Powers shapes the core experience.
Fazit
A versatile deduction experience for Sherlock Holmes fans and groups seeking varied investigation scenarios. The 90-minute runtime and mixed mechanics may be demanding for casual players.
Watson & Holmes: The Lost Diaries at your next game night?
Add Watson & Holmes: The Lost Diaries to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Watson & Holmes: The Lost Diaries to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
