The mystery is all solved! The "Ace Attorney" board game features an all-star lineup of past villains from the "Kin-ichi少年 no Jikenbo" series — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia Vol. 8

Image Gallery No.014 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

If you’re a reader of 4Gamer, you might be familiar with the British detective board game “Cluedo.” In this classic game—over 70 years old—the player must investigate a murder in a wealthy man’s mansion. Players explore rooms within the mansion to deduce who committed the crime, what weapon was used, and where the killing took place. The first player to correctly identify all three elements wins.

Because of its relatively simple rules, this timeless game has inspired countless adaptations over the years.

In Japan, board games based on popular detective manga such as Detective Conan and Kindaichi Case Files have been released using Cluedo’s core mechanics. In this episode of our “Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei,” we spotlight a bold reimagining: “Kindaichi Case Files: All Mysteries Solved!”

Step into the shoes of familiar characters

Solve the mystery of the serial murders on an isolated island!

While it may seem unnecessary to explain Kindaichi Case Files today, perhaps some reader born in the Reiwa era—completely unfamiliar with this story—might stumble upon a baffling event and accidentally come across this article. So for completeness’ sake:

Launched in 1992 (Heisei 4) in Weekly Shonen Magazine, this manga is written by Tenma Seiha and Kaneshige Youzaburou, with artwork by Satō Fumiyah. The story follows Kaito Ichinose—a high school student who happens to be the grandson of legendary detective Kindaichi Koizumi—as he solves complex mysteries using his inherited deductive skills, aided by childhood friend Saeko Nanase, police officer Kyosuke Kenji, and inspector Keiichi Mokuba.

The board game version, Kindaichi Case Files: All Mysteries Solved!, was released in 1997 (Heisei 9) by Epoch Co., coinciding with the start of its anime adaptation.

As such, the packaging features artwork reminiscent of the anime. The main characters—Kaito Ichinose, Saeko Nanase, Kyosuke Kenji, and Keiichi Mokuba—are mysteriously collaged around the protagonist in a dramatic style.

Just as the tense packaging suggests, this is a brainy board game where deduction determines victory. Image Gallery No.001 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

The game board depicts a scenario that appears multiple times in the manga: a remote island surrounded by sea. A murder occurs here, and players must explore the island to gather clues, eventually reaching “the Mansion of Deduction”—where only those who have unraveled all mysteries win.

As expected, this isolated island looks like the perfect place for a crime. The spaces on the board are slightly iconized for clarity, making movement intuitive. Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

The game begins with players selecting one of six characters: the four main ones plus Suzumiya Reika and Sato Ryōji. Each player receives a pair of preview cards (one on each side) and a detective notebook with writing utensils for later use.

After that, the “List Cards” are shuffled and divided into three categories—Characters (12), Tricks (8), Weapons (10)—then placed face down. One player randomly draws one card from each pile without anyone else seeing, placing them in a sealed “Case File.” These three cards represent the actual truth of this game—the correct solution.

Image Gallery No.015 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

Quickly seal the three list cards face down into the Case File. Never open it until the very end. Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

Then, one card is drawn from the Characters list and placed face down beside the board. This character becomes the first victim of this case.

The remaining list cards are shuffled thoroughly and distributed to players—four per player in a six-player game. After that, two leftover list cards are hidden face down at the “Lake of Blood” along the path. The setup is now complete.

Record what you know on your detective notebook

Keep this information secret from others!

As mentioned earlier, this game is an adaptation of Cluedo, but with a twist: instead of guessing only “Who?” and “What weapon?”, players must deduce “Who?”, “What weapon?”, and crucially, “Which trick?”

The initial investigation begins by checking the four list cards each player receives. Since these cards are not in the Case File, they’re irrelevant to this case—so their purpose is clear: use them as reference.

Here’s where the most important tool comes into play—the Detective Notebook. It already contains a table listing all 12 characters, 8 tricks, and 10 weapons. First, mark off any names you possess on your notebook to eliminate potential suspects from further investigation. As with your own cards, keep this notebook hidden from other players.

Next, reveal the face-down character card placed beside the board—this is the first victim of the case. Mark it in your detective notebook as well; it’s now excluded from consideration.

Check off on your notebook: “Snow Yaksha,” “Hiding Trick,” “Bogan,” and “Poison” (from your cards), and also mark “Ghost Soldier”—the initial victim. Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

If you’re a fan of the original series, you’ll notice something intriguing: every character listed in the game—those appearing as suspects or victims—is actually a criminal from past cases depicted in the manga or anime.

There are 12 such characters—a significant number. All were criminals involved in previous incidents. Why have they been gathered on this isolated island? Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

It’s as if the mysterious figures—like “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Gentleman Thief,” and “Hell Puppeteer”—have been brought here for a reason, only to be murdered by someone. Perhaps that very mystery—their gathering—is itself the central enigma… but let’s set aside such thoughts and focus on our true goal: identifying the killer, weapon, and trick.

Now that you’ve marked your own cards and the first victim, it’s time to begin gameplay. Players take turns rolling dice and advancing along a linear track—there is only one path forward. The spaces are divided into four types:

• Blank space – Nothing happens.
• Deduction space – Perform deduction.
• Blackmail card space – Draw a blackmail card.
• Deduction duel space – Draw a deduction duel card.

The board path is mostly one-way, so aim to land on Deduction spaces as often as possible to progress your investigation. Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

Gather information through repeated deduction

Don’t miss what others reveal!

The most important space during investigation is, of course, the Deduction Space. When a player lands here, they announce “Deduction!” and consult their detective notebook. Then, based on known information, they state:

“___ (character) committed the crime using ___ (trick) with ___ (weapon).”

The player to the left of the one making this deduction checks whether they hold any matching list card. If so, they say “Yes” and secretly show one relevant card (if multiple exist, choose one) to the deducing player—no one else sees it.

If that player doesn’t have a match, the next player on their left performs the same check. This continues clockwise until someone has the card or all players have been checked without success—then the deduction ends. The original player adds any revealed information to their detective notebook.

Other players don’t see what cards were shown—but should keep notes about who had which card and who didn’t. Such details can prove crucial later.

Note: If a player knowingly lies (claims not to have a card they do) or makes an incorrect response, the game is invalidated—players must restart from the beginning, regardless of intent.

Through this process, each player gradually accumulates information, narrowing down possibilities in their detective notebook.

Use Deduction Duel and Blackmail cards

Acquire info through alternate routes

A unique feature not found in Cluedo is the Deduction Duel Card, drawn when a player lands on a Deduction Duel space. If you win the duel, you may examine another player’s list card—just like during deduction.

There are two main types of duels:

1. A 50/50 choice based on your preview cards (left or right).
2. Guessing how many copies one player holds of a given character, trick, or weapon.

The winner draws one random card from the loser’s face-down list deck—potentially uncovering unexpected information. Even better: if the character in play matches the character on the drawn duel card, you may draw two cards at once—a significant advantage.

Although it seems like a simple guess (especially for the 50/50 choice), where luck plays a big role, guessing the number of list cards held can be improved with careful note-taking. Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

Then comes the Blackmail Card, which acts like an accidental event card. These cards force information gain or loss—e.g., you may randomly view one opponent’s list card, or be forced to reveal all your own cards to everyone else.

Players aiming for careful investigation will naturally avoid drawing these cards whenever possible.

Beyond seeing or showing list cards, some blackmail cards also force piece movement—potentially drastically altering the course of investigation. Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

By now, you may realize that just as important as gathering information is protecting your own knowledge and preventing others from beating you to the truth.

As players advance through careful tactics and strategic movement, they eventually reach a critical point: the two list cards hidden at the “Lake of Blood.” The top two players who land on or pass this space first receive those cards. So, even if it’s luck-based, try to move as quickly as possible.

The information from these Lake of Blood cards is newly acquired mid-game—so be sure to collect them! Image Gallery No.009 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

Next comes the “Serial Murders Occurred!” space. Any player who lands here and holds a Character list card must immediately reveal it as a new victim—handing over that card permanently.

By this point in the game, players should already have strong clues about the truth of the case…

This “Serial Murder” space is unpleasant—but if you don’t hold any character cards, there’s no penalty. Image Gallery No.010 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

Finally, uncover the truth!

“All mysteries have been solved!”

Upon reaching the final space—the Mansion of Deduction—players no longer roll dice. Instead, they must perform a deduction on every turn.

When you believe you’ve uncovered the truth, declare: “All mysteries have been solved!”

By this stage, investigation should be in its final phase. Focus intensely and deduce the true answer. Image Gallery No.011 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

On the bottom section of your detective notebook, write down who you believe is the killer, what trick was used, and which weapon was employed. Then, check the three cards in the Case File—keeping everything face down so no one else sees.

If all three are correct, that player wins! Reveal both the list cards and the notebook to end the game. However, if even one is wrong, you lose immediately—the case file is restored, and your only remaining option is to wait for others’ deductions—no further action possible.

The thrilling moment of truth: experience the excitement and satisfaction when your detective notebook matches the actual Case File contents! Image Gallery No.012 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

So, if you nail all three—congratulations—you’ve become a truly impressive detective. But miss even one—and the game ends immediately with no comeback possible. Therefore, play your deductions carefully.

That said, since the first player to solve it wins, sometimes taking a calculated risk when the answer seems clear is a valid strategy. In some cases, you might even discover the truth before reaching the Mansion—making for an even more satisfying victory.

Lastly, here’s one useful tip: When performing deduction and no one has any matching card, you may be tempted to conclude that “this must be the real answer!” But don’t assume it. There’s no rule requiring you to announce only unknown cards—you can deliberately state something you do know—like your own character or trick—to mislead others.

Also, in later stages when truth is nearly clear, you might fake ignorance of certain cards (e.g., claim not to have the person and trick listed) just to narrow down investigation to weapons alone. Experienced players often use such psychological tricks against each other.

Of course, if no one holds a card, it is likely the real answer—but is it truly? Or has someone else been misled? That’s exactly what makes this game so compelling—the thrill of discerning truth from deception.

Image Gallery No.017 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

In this way, Kindaichi Case Files: All Mysteries Solved! is somewhat similar to the card game “Jiji Nuki,” but it adds layers of information gathering, organization, and psychological strategy—making for a truly engaging mystery-solving experience.

By the way, you can also play this game at events hosted by Book CAFE Yomiyasumi, where I serve as organizer. If you’re interested, please join us!

■■Book CAFE Yomiyasumi■■

Image Gallery No.013 thumbnail / All mysteries solved! The “Kindaichi Case Files” board game features an all-star cast of past villains — Retro Board Game Encyclopedia: Showa & Heisei, Episode 8

A book café located about a 6-minute walk from Keio Tama-Kawa Station on the Keio Line. It features an extensive collection of books, magazines, and comics from the 1980s–1990s—including computer magazines and gamebooks.

Every weekend, we host “8 o’clock! Retro Board Games,” where you can play not only titles featured in this series but also many other retro board games. Please visit us via our event website below:

Official Website: https://sites.google.com/view/yomiyasumi
Event Site: https://sites.google.com/view/yomiyasumi-8jidayo
Official X (Twitter): https://x.com/yomiyasumi