Whom to Trust in Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty: Associates?
Team up with the most unlikely ally across a series of cases aboard a train with Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty: Associates.
So much Sherlock Holmes lately! I somehow hadn’t dug into Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty: Associates yet, and that seemed like the perfect option. Not only was this to take place aboard a train or near the train line, but it featured a tenuous alliance with Moriarty. Quite neat! I headed off to see if I could up my amateur detecting skills once more…
Game Overview
Game Name: Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty: Associates
Publication Year: 2015
Designer: Cédric Asna
Artist: Guillaume Boutanox
Publisher: Van Ryder Games
Solo Mode: Designed for Solo (Included in the Base Game)
A trio of mysteries must be solved, all while keeping an eye out for hidden elements that might show up anywhere. Holmes and Watson remain the stars, yet the option to play as Moriarty adds a new way to question witnesses and find the solutions! But… Who to trust?
First Play
December 7, 2023
Complexity
1
Latest Play
December 7, 2023
Expansions
0
Setup Time
Almost None
Lifetime Plays
3
Play Time
30 Minutes
High Score
N/A
Game Area
14" x 18"
Low Score
N/A
Watson’s Best Line Ever
Near the beginning, I laughed out loud over this panel. It wasn’t a surprise that Moriarty was going to show up based on the game description and rules…
But Watson’s beyond-obvious exclamation sounded like my own sleuthing. “That’s a FOOTPRINT!” Genius level.
I noticed that the artwork in this one took a little turn from the others in the series, and I rather liked it!
Colors are darker, yet there are also a lot more shadows and details. It felt like it matched up with the subject a lot more, which brought me right into the adventure.
A New Character
When solving these cases, the choice is typically to play as Holmes or Watson. The latter makes the game easier, and that’s always my preferred way to play. Elementary!
However, Moriarty becomes a playable character for 2 of 3 cases. I peeked at some of his interrogations, and goodness! He certainly lived up to his reputation.
Although the characters don’t change the solutions, they do provide a nice way to adjust the difficulty at the start.
Maybe I should have played as Moriarty for that unique take, but I suppose someone else will explore that path!
Necessary Spoiler
Luckily, I stumbled across an important detail before I started. Tons of panels provide additional options and clues, but only if Wiggins is with you. This is vital…
Wiggins is in a panel marked ? and must be found before the adventure starts. How do you find him? You had to preorder the French edition around 10 years ago for a clue.
What?! I trained myself not to look at the other panels, but Wiggins is only discoverable if you look for the ? panel.
Here it is. Absolutely nothing exciting, except that he’s with you. Use this to avoid any spoilers in the book itself.
Hunting Down Clues
Finding tiny numbers in the shadows was a big part of this play, and definitely got to me. I didn’t exactly struggle, yet I don’t get the same enjoyment as I used to. My tired eyes!
Another big part of this adventure is locating hidden objects in the panels. You might spot something shiny here… And that’s how it goes throughout all of the cases.
Overall, this was a great trio of adventures with some interesting twists and unexpected solutions.
Despite a few rough elements, it turned out to be one of my more enjoyable Sherlock Holmes adventures!
Knowing the Time to Retire from Sleuthing
With a couple of other unplayed books in my collection, I took a quick look at some general reviews and decided that this was the right point to end my career as a detective. Much better to go out on top than risk having a bad experience! And there’s always the consideration of time, which isn’t unlimited. I had a very fun time with this one, and that’s that!
Long ago, I used to think it was ridiculous to let anything leave my collection. But after years of acquiring so many games, that’s not exactly a logical conclusion! I need some more space, and I enjoy knowing some of these games are moving on to better homes where they can bring some joy to others… I certainly don’t need to just look at them. Ha ha!
Session Overview
Play Number: 1-3
Solo Mode: Designed for Solo (Included in the Base Game)
Play Details: Cases 1, 2, & 3
Outcome: 3 Wins
Success! I had to revise a solution once as I reached the end, as I seemed to have missed some crucial information during one of the cases. It was still a grand ol’ time, especially since I made sure Wiggins was with me from the very start! I can safely say I’m done with this series, yet I’m going out on a positive note. Mysteries aboard old train are my favorites, and this one was filled with action!
%
1 Play
Affordability
Price & Value
7
Functionality
Challenges & Mechanics
10
Originality
Design & Theme
7
Quality
Components & Rules
10
Reusability
Achievement & Enjoyment
4
Variability
Distinctness & Randomness
2
+ Pros (Positives)
- The artwork is more detailed and interesting than some of the others in the series, giving it a very unique look.
- Each case is interesting in its own way with no obvious solutions, but plenty of clues to gather.
- Searching for hidden jewels is a fun side element to looking at each panel, as these pieces are usually easy to spot.
- Having most of the cases set aboard a train creates a very enjoyable setting that may or may have connections.
- Moriarty presents a new and different way to play, and his presence adds an overarching mystery to everything.
- Questioning suspects is an interesting element with many choices, and often surprising answers.
– Cons (Negatives)
- Hiding access to Wiggins feels like an odd decision that seriously hampers gameplay in this one-time adventure.
- Some of the solutions are a little far-fetched with the limited clues and information presented.
- A few numbers are hidden so well or so small that some players likely won’t spot them without a magnifying glass.
- Moriarty as a playable character feels interesting, but his presence doesn’t quite fit in until the very end.
Victory Conditions
Complete Every Case
- Overall Goal Progress 100%
Goals and Milestones
Complete case 1.
Complete case 2.
Complete case 3.
Continue the Conversation
What do you think of Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty: Associates? Did you decide to try playing as Moriarty? I’ve often enjoyed these sorts of cases and puzzle books, although I think it’s time to retire and leave the solutions to others! There are a lot of fun moments to experience across these cases, and I’ll look back fondly as my time as Dr. Watson.
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