Sherlock gaming

A card game where you get to play Sherlock Holmes, what more could you want in terms of a theme to draw you in.

"Don your deerstalker and cape for I Say, Holmes! A card-driven romp through Victorian England that has you trying to come out on top of a Sherlock Holmes investigation. Some rounds you'll be playing the Great Detective himself as you attempt to arrest the villains, while other times you will be one of the criminals themselves, from Colonel Moran to Professor Moriarty, trying to escape Holmes grasp," states the back of the box, simply confirming how intrigued I immediately was for I Say, Holmes!

The game was released just this year from Victory Point Games, a second coming of the title first released several years ago. It is noted as 'the case solving card game.' It comes from designer Alan Emrich, and plays with three-to-eight players, which makes it a good 'party' game since it lets a good number sit in, and plays out at under an hour (with experience).

The cards are heavy stock, but are black edged, so the finish is going to chip. If you want to keep the 125-cards in the set pristine, you will want to sleeve them.

The rulebook is nicely laid out, and includes colour card illustrations, which is nice.

The rules also give us a bit of a taste for the game.

"I Say, Holmes! Is based on the classic adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As Consulting Detectives, you play cards to progress Holmes' and Watson's story as they set out to solve another mysterious case. Villains will appear in player's hands, and ultimately one player will be Arrested and found Guilty of harbouring one or more Villains, or alternately, one player's Villains in hand will successfully Escape from our intrepid heroes and end that adventure."

The game rounds revolve around the idea of Sherlock and Watson trying to solve a mystery by catching the bad guy.

"During a Case (or Round), you are trying to figure out which player(s) are holding Villain cards, so that you can play cards to attempt to Arrest a Guilty player who is harbouring such villainy, or make an Impromptu Arrest if you manage to deplete your hand. If you hold a Villain card, you can alternately win by having your hands resident Villain(s) Escape through the depletion of cards in your hand," explains the rule set.

The game has a bit of a learning curve, although the more experience with modern era card game options, the easier it will be.

That said, you are going to buy this game because you love Sherlock Holmes, and as a Holmes' lover you will not mind a bit of rule reading to be ready to enjoy this fine game.

Check it out at www.victorypointgames.com