If your family enjoys mysteries, problem-solving, and a little friendly competition, Prime Suspect in the City is a game worth checking out! Thanks to Timberdoodle we had the opportunity to check out this game.
How To Play
Prime Suspect in the City is a one player game. This is a perfect way for a child to quietly play and use their mind. The game includes cards with 9 characters that are possible suspects and case cards.
You start the game by placing the cards face up making three rows of three. Don’t worry about how you placed the characters. Next, the “detective” will pick a case card. One side has the clues and the suspect is listed on the back of the card.
The case cards have a rating scale of easy, medium, and hard. One shaded circle is an easy level and three shaded circles is hard. After picking the case card, begin reading the first clue. The clue might mention an eye color and if you are unsure the back of the character cards gives a description.
As you go through the clues the “detective” will be moving the characters around in an attempt to determine the suspect. After all the clues have been read and the characters moved according to the clues, the suspect will be located in the middle square of the grid.
Our Thoughts
Eli was eager to play this game, he really likes sitting at the table with me and playing a game. Single-player games are great because he sits alongside me while I do some work. Sometimes we turn one-player games into two-player games for fun.
After reading the instructions, we decided it would be best to play the game together. Our first trial through we did not get the correct suspect. This was okay but made me stop and think if I explained the instructions correctly. It is super important to read and understand the directionality for the game. If you are more of a visual learner such as myself you can find a great video to explain the rules of play.
Once I slowed down our play and really read through the clues we were able to get the correct suspect. This game is rated for ages 8 and up, Eli is ten and the game is perfect for his age. It is challenging but not frustrating, so even if he doesn’t get the correct answer right away he is eager to figure it out.
I’ve always loved being able to incorporate games into our homeschool curriculum. Not every lesson needs to come from a textbook! A game that encourages children to think, investigate, and solve problems can be a valuable part of the learning experience. Not to mention the game is super compact and travel friendly!
You can find Prime Suspect in the City on Timberdoodle.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the product. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
