88

Mysterium is a cooperative board game where one player takes on the role of a ghost, and the other players act as psychics. The ghost, unable to speak, uses abstract vision cards to provide clues to the psychics, who must interpret them to deduce the true suspect, location, and murder weapon. Players work together to solve the ghost's untimely demise before their seven hours run out.

88

The Verdict

based on 29 reviews

Positive 0%
Unique and engaging cooperative gameplay with asymmetrical roles (ghost and psychics).
Beautiful, atmospheric, and evocative artwork on the vision cards and game components, which enhances the theme.
Challenging and rewarding deduction and interpretation, providing diverse problem-solving experiences across its three acts.
Fosters high player interaction, camaraderie, and memorable discussions, making it an excellent party game.
Offers good replayability due to varied player interactions and the subjective nature of clue interpretation, with expansions further extending its life.
The game's difficulty can vary significantly with the number of players, with larger groups often finding it much more challenging.
Potential for replayability issues or staleness over many plays with the same group, as vision cards can become associated with specific clues.
The rulebook is often criticized for being convoluted and making the game seem more complex than it is, potentially hindering initial learning and setup.
The ghost role can be challenging for inexperienced players, and receiving a "bad hand" of vision cards can lead to frustration for both the ghost and psychics.
The "second guessing" mechanic (clairvoyance tokens) can feel counter-intuitive and add unnecessary bookkeeping in a cooperative game.
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.
Shut Up & Sit Down, QuinnsArticle

The reviewer highly recommends Mysterium, praising its engaging co-operative gameplay where players interpret abstract dream cards from a silent ghost to solve a murder mystery. They highlight the game's unique player experience, beautiful grim art, and superior design compared to similar titles.

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.
Boardgame Opinions, Boardgame OpinionsVideo

The video reviews the cooperative deduction board game Mysterium, highlighting its engaging gameplay, beautifully illustrated cards, and high replay value. It is presented as an easy-to-learn game enjoyable for various players.

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.
Victory ConditionsArticle

Mysterium is a highly replayable and atmospheric cooperative deduction game where players interpret surreal, beautiful art to help a ghost solve their murder. It shines best with larger groups, offering a uniquely engaging experience whether playing as the mediums or the silent ghost.

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.
The Thoughtful Gamer, Marc DavisArticle

The Thoughtful Gamer considers Mysterium a unique and memorable cooperative board game experience, praising its beautiful artwork and the delightful mental anguish it provides the ghost player while challenging psychics to interpret abstract dream cards.

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.
GamesRadar+, Katie WickensArticle

GamesRadar+ highly recommends Mysterium for its fantastic pacing, captivating visual puzzles, and cooperative gameplay, deeming it a uniquely challenging and replayable experience ideal for any board game night with three or more players.

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.
Drive Thru Games, The Dice TowerVideo

The reviewer likely finds Mysterium to be a highly engaging cooperative deduction game that creates a unique and atmospheric experience through its innovative communication mechanics, where players interpret abstract visions from a ghost.

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.
Actualol, Quinns (Shut Up & Sit Down)ArticleTop List

The Actualol video advocates for Mysterium as the premier modern mystery game to replace Clue, praising its thematic execution, engaging gameplay, and social interaction. It's presented as the top choice among several alternatives.

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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.
Gaming with Edo & Jessica, Edo & JessicaVideo

Edo's review highlights Mysterium as an asymmetrical cooperative game, likening it to a blend of Dixit and Clue. He praises its stunning art direction and high-quality components, recommending it as a permanent addition to any collection.

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.
MeepleTown, Stephanie and Adam (Meeple Talk)Video

Highly praised for its well-themed cooperative mystery, Mysterium offers great mechanics, evocative art, and an engaging atmosphere. It might become slightly repetitive with the same players over many sessions.

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.
Unfiltered Gamer, Calli WrightArticleTop List

The reviewer enthusiastically recommends Mysterium, praising its cooperative deduction, visual communication, and the rewarding challenge of critical thinking. They find it a great team-builder due to everyone winning together.

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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.
Ars Technica, Nate AndersonArticle

The reviewer highly praises Mysterium as a gorgeous, thematic, and cooperative experience, especially suitable for Halloween. It excels at delivering atmosphere and unique group play, despite the ghost role sometimes being challenging. The game is easily accessible and provides significant fun for adults and older children.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game QuestArticle

A fun and challenging cooperative game that constantly has me coming back for more.

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