Cluedo - new and improved?

I mentioned recently that there was a Harry Potter Cluedo but I didn't know that Cluedo has also gone all Hollywood in the guise of Cluedo Reinvention:

The mystery you love to solve again and again is even more intense in this super gripping version! Cluedo is back with a modern twist : a soiree at a millionaire mogul's mansion turned deadly, and you must find out who is responsible for murdering the host... There's no Revolver or Billiard Room this time but could it have been Scarlet with The Barbell in The Spa? Open up the tabloid-style instructions to get the scoop on the updated rooms, weapons, and guests. A deck of Intrigue Cards adds suspense to your game with cards that can help you solve the crime faster or result in a second victim! Narrow down which rumours are true and which are just hearsay... Get caught up in the scandal of the century! For 3 to 6 players.


Wikipedia has more on the new rooms, weapons, cards and character name changes.

I was alerted to this version by an article in the Guardian, written by Kate Summerscale, which also outlines the ideas behind the original version and how the creator (from Birmingham!) made some money until the patent ran out.

Book Related Board Games

About a year ago I mentioned Bookchase which according to their website:

Bookchase® is exactly what it says - a chase with books.

Bookchase® is also the world's first board game about books which comes with your own bookshelf, library card, bookshop, and your own set of tiny books to collect. First one to collect six books and head home wins! Simple really.

Bookchase® is a family game which can also be played by adults and is designed for anyone from 5 years upwards. Never read a book? - you could still win. Read all the books in the world? You could still lose. Dare you take the Bookchase® challenge?

Today, I was pleased to see it for sale in my local Waterstone's bookshop along with...Harry Potter Cluedo (aka Clue (US)):















Dark magic has been performed at Hogwarts. A fellow student has vanished from the famous School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—and it is up to you to solve the mysterious disappearance. Play as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna or Neville and try to discover who did it, what spell or item they used, and where the student was attacked. Was it Draco Malfoy with a Sleeping Draught in the Owlery? Move around Hogwarts making suggestions— but watch out. Wheels on the board actually move to reveal secret passages, hidden staircases, and even the Dark Mark. Think you’ve gathered all the facts you need? Go to Dumbledore’s office to make your final accusation to win the game. Players 3-5, Ages 9+

Online prices start at £19.99 for the Harry Potter edition of Cluedo but several outlets appear out of stock. There was just one copy left in Redditch Waterstone's.