Mystery of the Abbey   

Game play in Mystery of the Abbey includes revelations and accusations. Points are added for correct accusations and revelations, and deducted for incorrect ones. The point tally determines the winner. The person who makes the correct revelation pointing to the murderer is not necessarily the winner. Another player can win based on his higher points’ tally which is a result of several correct accusations and revelations.
 

The game play involves a lot of questioning. Players use their turns to question, draw cards and make revelations. Players of Mystery of the Abbey need to use their intuition and powers of observation to decide which revelation and accusation may be correct. Constant interaction between the players is required. The questioning needs to be intelligent and dynamic to put players on the right track.

The illustrated suspect cards are shuffled; one is removed from the pack and kept aside. This is the murderer whom all the players will be looking for. The rest of the cards are dealt among the players and any left over cards go to the Parlor. Each game turn allows players to move on the board with each space on the board allowing them certain actions. Landing on a space where another player is, allows the player to ask questions. The only restricting rule regarding questions is that the answer must not be the name of a monk. The game continues till the murderer is identified.

The game box brings players the board map of the Templars' Abbey, six Monk miniatures cast, six Deduction notebooks, 90 illustrated cards, 50 Suspect sheets, 3 Wooden Monk dice, a Mass bell, a Rules booklet, one Days of Wonder Online access number.

Mystery of the Abbey was originally released in 1996. Days of Wonder brought in a few changes and released it again.

Review of Mystery of the Abbey

Mystery of the Abbey has several charming aspects. When a player is questioned he has a choice- he can either answer or decline to answer. His excuse is a vow of silence! The game has a confessorium, crypts and regular mass. There are codes of behavior and players are liable for punishment if they misbehave!

Despite being a murder mystery, Mystery of the Abbey has no fights. The game play involves logical deduction aided by luck.

A large dollop of luck is needed to win Mystery of the Abbey. This feature levels the playing field when players of different ages are involved. Younger children have an equal chance of winning as the older ones. Mystery of the Abbey promises wholesome fun for the family.