Deduction

Deduction games involve players using logic and reasoning to uncover hidden information or solve mysteries. Examples include “Clue,” “Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective,” and “One Night Ultimate Werewolf.”

Deadfall - Deadfall, Cheapass Games, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.3/5

Deadfall Review

Deadfall turns a tiny deck into a big bluffing battle. Every card matters, every pause looks guilty, and one smug grin can wreck your whole plan. It’s quick, clever, and wonderfully sneaky.

Bang! cover
Rating: 2.9/5

BANG! Review

Bang! slaps you in the face with chaos, secret roles, and backstabbing bullets. Perfect for wild groups—less fun for those who hate luck. Saddle up if you like unpredictable mayhem and accusing your grandma of being an outlaw.

Paradise Lost: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Paradise Lost Review

Paradise Lost is a feast for the eyes and a test for your deduction skills. Just beware: sometimes the dice decide if you’re clever or just lucky. Good for laughs, but strategy lovers might want their money back.

Black Box cover
Rating: 4.5/5

Black Box Review

Black Box is a brain-twister in a tiny box. I played with friends and still see pegs in my dreams. If you love pure deduction, this one’s a keeper. Just watch out for gloating winners. Trust me.

Casablanca: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Casablanca Review

Casablanca made me feel like a conniving movie villain—trading, scheming, and pretending not to betray my friends (I lied). It's dramatic, fun, and occasionally unfair, just like a real night at Rick’s bar.

Hot Seat: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Hot Seat Review

Hot Seat made us laugh until we cried. The questions sparked wild guesses and even wilder stories. If you want deep strategy, look elsewhere. But for pure, social fun? This one delivers in spades every time.

True Stories: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

True Stories Review

True Stories is a party game where tall tales and bizarre facts leave everyone guessing. We laughed, argued, and accused each other of lying. If you enjoy wild stories (and a bit of chaos), give it a go!

Kompromat: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Kompromat Review

Picture blackjack sneaking out of a smoky casino and into a spy movie—boom, that's Kompromat! Every turn, I sweated bullets, bluffing and busting my way through missions. Not for control freaks, but spy fans will love the thrills.

Cyrano: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Cyrano Review

Cyrano brought out my inner poet and had my friends in stitches as we battled with rhymes. If you like laughter and a sprinkle of silliness, this one's a winner—just don’t expect deep strategy or much fairness.

Orient Express - Orient Express, Rio Grande Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4/5

Orient Express Review

Orient Express serves up clever mysteries, snazzy artwork, and a good laugh or two, all while making you feel like a real detective—unless you get shown up by your little cousin. Highly recommended for clue chasers!