Detective: L.A. Crimes
Official Description:
Detective: L.A. Crimes is the first campaign expansion for Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game. Set in the 1980s, this expansion transports players to Los Angeles, where they take on the roles of LAPD detectives. The game consists of three interconnected cases that together form a complete narrative, immersing players in the gritty world of crime and investigation.
Players will use the same innovative mechanics as the base game, combining traditional board game elements with digital investigation tools. Throughout the campaign, they will gather evidence, interrogate suspects, and make critical decisions that influence the outcome of the story. The cases are designed to be played in sequence, with each case building upon the events and discoveries of the previous ones.
Detective: L.A. Crimes challenges players to think like real detectives, utilizing logic, deduction, and teamwork to solve complex mysteries. The expansion emphasizes narrative depth and player agency, offering a rich, thematic experience that captures the essence of classic crime dramas set in Los Angeles.
Detective: L.A. Crimes sits in the collection as a completed campaign—one that stands out for its sharp thematic focus and mechanical tweaks. The draw for veteran tables is the way it leans into the 1980s cop drama, not just in flavor but in how the investigation unfolds. The time-management layer and resource tracking force the group to make tough calls under pressure, echoing the urgency of a ticking clock in a crime flick. The narrative is tight, with each case feeding into the next, and the writing lands the gritty, high-stakes tone that fans of the genre expect. It’s not just another expansion; it’s a full arc that rewards methodical play and group discussion, which is why it’s earned its place as a completed, memorable run rather than a regular rotation.
Logistically, L.A. Crimes is a host’s friend. The expansion comes in a compact box, with a dedicated 80s-themed board and a handful of extras that slot right in with the base game. Setup is straightforward—fifteen minutes gets you from shelf to table, assuming your base game is already organized. The session length is a commitment at three hours, so this is a main event, not a filler. The physical footprint is manageable, but the mental load is high; you’ll want a table that can stay focused and keep the evidence trail straight. The dot-matrix printouts (if you tracked down a preorder copy) are a fun touch, but not essential for play.
From a teaching perspective, the rules transition is smooth if your group knows Detective, but the procedural teach still takes a solid twenty minutes for newcomers. The main adjustment is the emphasis on time and resource tokens, plus a reminder that the 80s setting changes how you approach information—no internet searches, more legwork. Once the session is underway, you can step back; the collaborative structure means the group will self-manage, but you’ll want to check in occasionally to keep the pace up. The interaction is pure teamwork, which keeps the room engaged and talking, but it’s not a game you can leave entirely on autopilot if you’re running multiple tables. The writing and scenario design are a clear step up from the base game, making this a strong recommendation for groups who want a narrative-driven, procedural challenge.
Category
Thematic & Narrative
My score
8
Our Total Plays
3
Last PLayed
28 Aug 21
🏆 Complete
Player Count
1-5
Playtime
180 mins
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