88

Detective: City of Angels is a narrative-driven board game set in the dark and violent world of 1940s Los Angeles. Players investigate mysterious cases, often involving murders or robberies, while one player takes on the role of 'The Chisel,' a challenging antagonist who knows the solution and aims to deceive the detectives. The game emphasizes mystery, deception, and investigation.

88

The Verdict

based on 10 reviews

Positive 0%
Strong thematic immersion and evocative 1940s noir atmosphere through art and narrative.
Unique and engaging interrogation/deduction mechanics, particularly the dynamic "Chisel" role.
Well-written and challenging cases featuring clever misdirection and satisfying puzzles.
Gorgeous artwork and high-quality components, contributing to the game's aesthetic.
Versatile play options, including competitive, cooperative, and a robust solo "Sleuth Mode."
Limited replayability for individual cases once their mysteries are solved.
The overall game experience can be highly dependent on the quality and playstyle of the "Chisel" player.
Provided note-taking sheets are often considered too small, making it difficult to track all necessary information.
Movement actions can sometimes feel unproductive, consuming a turn without significant progress.
95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Unfiltered GamerArticle

The reviewer highly praises "Detective: City of Angels" for its immersive 1940s L.A. theme, strong storytelling, and well-written cases. They found the gameplay engaging, challenging, and particularly enjoyed the unique experience of playing as the Chisel.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Beyond SolitaireArticle

This is an excellent, immersive, and well-constructed detective game, potentially a favorite. While solo play is satisfying, the competitive mode, ideally with a flexible GM-style Chisel, offers the best experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
eNVy Board Gaming, eNVy Board GamingVideo

The video provides an overview and review of the physical board game 'Detective: City of Angels'. Reviewers highly recommend the game, praising its immersive experience, engaging cases, and replayability.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Gaming Magazine, DAN JOLINArticle

Detective: City of Angels is a well-themed noir RPG-lite featuring a smooth interrogation mechanism and an immersive narrative, with a standout solo experience praised as one of the year's best, despite some concerns about replayability after cases are solved.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shut Up & Sit Down, QuinnsVideo

Quinns considers "Detective: City of Angels" to be an engaging and enjoyable crime-solving board game, highlighting its original mechanics, particularly the unique Chisel role, as a refreshing and fun experience compared to other games in the genre.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Kotaku, Luke PlunkettArticle

The reviewer praises 'Detective: City of Angels' as a thematically powerful and immersive game that makes players truly feel like detectives. They particularly enjoy the collaborative Sleuth mode, the glorious art, and the focus on human puzzles and teamwork.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gameward BoundArticle

The reviewer highly praises 'Detective: City of Angels' for its engaging mysteries, clever questioning mechanic, and immersive 1940s setting, despite noting the need for good note-taking and table space. They enjoyed the twists and increasing difficulty, finding the overall experience exciting and fair.

83
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Zatu Games, Thom BaylayArticle

The reviewer highly recommends Detective: City of Angels for its strong noir theme, engaging interrogation mechanics, and well-written cases. They appreciate its immersive feel and dedicated solo mode, though note that individual cases have limited replayability. The game offers substantial content through its nine base cases and available expansions.

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
coopgestaltArticle

The reviewer highly recommends 'Detective: City of Angels', praising its engaging cooperative and solo modes, great art, and thematic deduction gameplay as a 'fantastic game'. They found it very fun and preferred it over 'Detective' by Portal Games, though noting its story-driven nature limits replayability.

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Behind the Box, Behind the BoxVideo

The reviewer was impressed by 'Detective: City of Angels'' noir vibe and artwork, expressing strong anticipation to play the game despite a minor issue with the box insert.

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