Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere

Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere is a cooperative detective board game set in the universe of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. It combines investigation, storytelling, and exploration of the unknown, making it a rich and immersive experience for players.

Overview:

In Bureau of Investigation, players take on the roles of special agents working for a mysterious government organization, tasked with investigating strange and often supernatural events across the United States in the 1920s. The game is designed for 1 to 8 players, with a recommended age of 14 and up, and can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the case and the number of players involved.

The game is part of a growing trend of cooperative mystery games, where the players must work together to solve investigations that are shrouded in paranormal phenomena. Drawing from Lovecraft’s works, the setting is atmospheric and tense, with elements of horror and psychological thriller.

Components:

• Case Files: The game features multiple cases, each providing a complex, intertwined mystery to solve. Each case has its own set of clues, witnesses, locations, and events that players will need to investigate to piece together the truth.
• Investigation Tools: Players have access to different tools to aid in their investigations, including a detailed map, evidence cards, and a variety of resources that help uncover hidden truths and mysteries.
• Clue Cards: Players collect clues as they explore different locations and interact with characters. These clues can be used to solve puzzles, make connections, or eliminate false leads.

Gameplay:

Each session involves solving one of the multi-step investigations. The game is played over a series of rounds where players decide where to go, which people to interrogate, and which clues to follow up on. There are no fixed outcomes, and every case is unique, giving it replayability.

• Exploration: As players explore Arkham and other locations, they uncover new locations, unlock additional clues, and interact with various non-playable characters.
• Clue Gathering: Players must gather clues from various sources, including crime scenes, documents, and witnesses, and piece them together to form the narrative of the investigation.
• Decision Making: Throughout the game, players must make decisions that impact the direction of the investigation. The choices are not always clear, and there are no guaranteed solutions, creating a challenging and thought-provoking experience.

Lovecraftian Themes:

The game draws heavily from Lovecraft’s universe, bringing a sense of the unknown and the terrifying. The investigations often involve strange creatures, cults, and supernatural occurrences that challenge the agents’ sanity. The tone is deeply atmospheric, and the use of tension and unease is critical to the experience.

Storyline:

The cases in Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere are set in various locations, primarily in and around Arkham, a fictional city from Lovecraft’s stories. These investigations involve not just solving crimes but confronting cosmic horrors, encountering strange entities, and unraveling dark secrets. Some investigations may lead the agents to more remote and unsettling places beyond Arkham, adding an additional layer of mystery and danger to the gameplay.

Conclusion:

Bureau of Investigation: Investigations in Arkham & Elsewhere offers a rich and immersive experience for fans of mystery, detective work, and Lovecraftian horror. It is perfect for players who enjoy solving complex cases, piecing together intricate plots, and exploring a chilling world of supernatural intrigue. With its cooperative nature, it is also great for group play, offering deep engagement and a sense of shared discovery.

If you're a fan of cooperative mystery games or Lovecraft's mythos, this is a must-have addition to your collection.