Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft
Unsolved Case Files: Harmony Ashcroft Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What's In The Case
- 1 case file folder
- 1 envelope of photographs
- 2 newspaper clippings
- 1 map
- 5 witness packets with photos
- 4 supporting evidence documents
- 3 bonus envelopes (A, B, C), sealed until earned
- 1 set of instructions
Over 50 documents in total are packed into the case, so a thorough read of everything included is the only way to find what you need.
How to Play
1. Get Your First Objective
Open your case file and read the first objective sticker, found on the inside of the front cover of the case.
2. Read the Case File
Begin your investigation by reading through all the newspaper clippings, police documents, photos, evidence, and other items in the case. As you learn about the crime scene, suspects, witnesses, and other details of the investigation, look for information or evidence that helps you complete Objective #1. Just like a real cold case detective, nobody is going to tell you where the answer is.
3. Check Your Theory Online
After you think you've found the evidence you need for Objective #1, visit the online answer key to enter the documents that prove your theory.
4. Get Hints If You Need Them
Don't worry if your theory isn't correct — this isn't easy. If your answer is incorrect, you can either return to the case files and dig for more clues or get hints through the online answer key. The hint button won't appear on the answer key until after you've entered a wrong answer.
5. Open Bonus Envelope A
The answer key confirms when you have the right evidence and when you can open Bonus Envelope A, which provides more evidence and your second objective.
6. Repeat for Objectives 2 & 3
Follow the same steps to complete Objectives 2 and 3 and open Bonus Envelopes B and C.
7. Close the Case
After completing Objective 3, you'll have solved the case and put the killer behind bars. Don't forget to open Bonus Envelope C for wrap-up information and additional goodies about the case.
8. Don't Stop There
If you had fun being a cold case detective, share your experience on social media or write a review so others can also have fun being a cold case detective.
Players
There is no maximum number of players, because when you play this game as a group, everyone works together to solve the case. Each case has over 50 documents to examine, so it can be played with a large number of individuals. If you have more than six to eight people, consider splitting into teams and competing against each other with multiple copies of the case.
The game can also be played solo. As long as you don't mind a more challenging and engaging experience, playing alone works just like reading a mystery novel alone.
Play Time
On average, a case takes about two to three hours to solve. It varies greatly depending on the number of players, observational skill, and pure luck, but most teams of two or more people finish in two to six hours.
Hints
If you enter a wrong answer on the online answer key, a button appears that unlocks three hints for that objective. Each hint reveals more of the answer, so you can choose how much help you need without spoiling the solution outright.
Replayability
A case can only be solved once — like a mystery novel or a movie, once you know how it ends you can't experience it the same way again. If you take care of the materials and are sure to reassemble them in the same way you found them, you may be able to pass your case along to another mystery fan to solve fresh.
Age
Unsolved Case Files is created for individuals ages 14 and older. Content is kept at a level that would easily pass as a PG-13 movie.