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How to Play

MicroMacro: Crime City

1-4 players 15-45 min 7.5 Board Game Geek Rating

Players investigate 16 criminal cases using a massive detailed city map that functions across both space and time. You'll spot characters in multiple locations throughout streets and buildings, piecing together crime sequences by following visual clues. Win by correctly answering all case questions, either following guided cards or solving independently from starting clues alone.

Published 2020

MicroMacro: Crime City

Get Ready

Setup the game with these step-by-step instructions before diving into your turn.

1
Apply sticker to magnifying glass
Put the included sticker onto the magnifying glass before first play
2
Sort case cards into envelopes
There are 16 different criminal cases, each consisting of a deck of case cards marked with a case icon and card number in the top right corner; sort cards of each case into an envelope in correct order
3
Spread the city map
Place the city map open on a large table, floor, or hang on wall
4
Ensure good visibility
Position the table so all players can move around it freely and view the map from all sides
5
Provide bright lighting
Use a bright lamp or daylight, as the game requires noticing small details that are difficult to see in poor lighting
6
Keep map completely visible
Place drinks and case cards beside the map, not on top of it, to avoid covering scenes you need to search
7
Designate a Lead Investigator
Choose one player to lead the investigation and read text on the cards aloud
8
Select a case deck
Take the deck of case cards from its envelope and place it next to the map
9
Reveal the start card
The Lead Investigator turns over the top card (start card) and reads the text on the back aloud; this provides an overview of the crime and shows the main character

On Your Turn

What you can do during your turn.

1
Read the task aloud
The Lead Investigator reads the task on the front of the current case card (black background) without turning it over
2
Search the city map
All players work together to find a specific scene on the map that solves the current task
3
Mark relevant scenes
Use coins, bottle caps, or similar items to mark important locations on the map
4
Use the magnifying glass
Examine individual scenes in detail using the enclosed magnifying glass
5
Verify your solution
When you think you've found the answer, the Lead Investigator turns the card over to check if coordinates and scene match your findings
6
Lead Investigator restriction
Once a Lead Investigator sees an answer, they cannot help solve that task except to give hints if the group is on the wrong track
7
Read all text clearly
All card text must be read aloud as it often contains important information
8
Handle multiple tasks
When instructed to move a card next to the deck, you may work on multiple visible questions simultaneously
9
Note clue symbols
A lightbulb icon indicates information useful for solving future tasks in the case
10
Put resolved cards aside
After completing a task, set the card aside; the next card becomes your new task

Winning

How to claim victory.

1
Solve all case tasks
Complete all tasks in a case by finding the matching scenes on the city map in sequence
2
Progress through cases
After mastering the introductory case "The Top Hat," proceed to more complicated cases
3
Follow recommended order
Play the first five cases in listed order if new to the game; difficulty ratings (stars) indicate case complexity and duration
4
Attempt advanced version
After completing several cases successfully, try solving entire cases WITHOUT using case cards for hints

watch & Learn

Let the pros teach you with these top videos.

MicroMacro: Crime City - How to Play and Review

MicroMacro: Crime City - How to Play and Review

Instructional

A bűnös Tesz-Vesz város: MicroMacro Crime City társasjáték játékbemutató

A bűnös Tesz-Vesz város: MicroMacro Crime City társasjáték játékbemutató

Review

MORE VIDEOS

FULL rules

Looking for the full details? Grab the complete rulebook as a downloadable PDF.

PDF RULEBOOK

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