[Time Bomb Evolution Review] Experience the ultimate hidden identity game in 15 minutes! A mind-blowing bomb defusing game that's fun for everyone from beginners to families.
Set in a steampunk London, Team Sherlock Holmes and Team Moriarty face off in a tense 15-minute bomb defusing battle.
Time Bomb Evolution is an evolution of the popular game "Time Bomb" released in 2016, offering a more strategic and tense gaming experience.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal of this game and why it continues to be loved by so many people, including the voices of actual players.
Game Basics
Time Bomb Evolution is an easy-to-play concealment board game.
Time Bomb Evolution is a concealment-based board game for 4-6 players that takes about 15 minutes to play and is suitable for ages 8 and up , making it easy to play.
The designer is Yusuke Sato and the publisher is IELLO.
The core mechanics of the game are concealment of identity , deduction, and bluffing .
Players secretly split into either the "Sherlock Holmes Team (SWAT)" or the "Moriarty Team (Terrorists)," each aiming to achieve different victory conditions.
The Sherlock Holmes team wins by finding all of the success cards (defuse cards) , while the Moriarty team wins by lining up four bomb cards of the same color or activating a specific bomb effect .
A unique feature of this system is that after each player checks the cards they have been dealt, they shuffle them so that they don't even know what they are dealing and place them in front of them .
This creates a subtle tension where you know your cards but don't know where they are.
The appeal of Time Bomb Evolution: A new system that keeps the tension high
The new system, which has evolved significantly from the original version, maximizes its appeal.
Increased tension by eliminating dummy cards
The biggest difference from the original version is that the meaningless dummy cards have been completely eliminated .
A review of Meeple Mountain states that "any card you draw other than a success card brings you closer to an explosion, increasing the tension."
The previous "boomerang tactic" (where two players select cards from each other) is no longer possible, and all players are now always in the game .
Six types of bomb cards for strategic diversification
The Evolution edition features six different colors of bomb cards , each with their own unique effect:
- Green Bomb : Usually explodes after 4 pieces, but explodes after 3 pieces
- Blue Bomb : Removes defuse cards placed on other bombs
- Red Bomb : Next player chooses a random card
- Orange Bomb : Reduces the number of turns in the final round
- Pink Bomb : If two appear in a row, they will explode instantly.
- Yellow bomb : Cannot place defuse cards
A review by Casual Game Revolution stated that "different bomb abilities add additional variety, making communication decisions even more challenging."
Strategic placement of unlock cards
When a success card (defuse card) is revealed, the player can choose the color of a bomb that has already been revealed and deactivate that color .
This system allows for some exquisite timing strategy : if you play a success card too early, you won't be able to deal with the bombs that appear later.
Concerns and solutions
It's not a perfect game, but knowing how to play it can make it more enjoyable.
Balancing issues when playing with four players
Casual Game Revolution points out that "it feels a bit unbalanced for four players."
In a four-player game, one role card is removed, making it unclear whether Moriarty's team has one or two players.
As a countermeasure , we recommend playing with 5 to 6 people .
The more people there are, the more active the reasoning and discussion becomes, bringing out the true value of the game.
Learning costs due to complex rules
Compared to the original version, the initial explanation takes a little longer due to the special effects of the bomb and the rules of the Evolution version.
In Philibert's user reviews, some say, "For first-time players, it's best to start with Time Bomb (the original version)."
As a countermeasure , we recommend playing the game once or twice with the basic rules first, before introducing the special effects of the Evolution version.
Easy to get bored with continuous play
Meeple Mountain describes it as "a light game that can become boring if played repeatedly."
To counter this , you can combine it with other games or play it over several sessions with different roles to keep things fresh.
Recommended for these people and occasions
It is a versatile game that can be played by a wide range of people and in a wide range of situations.
As a family game
Ideal for families with children aged 8 and above .
In a board game family review, the owner's 9-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son also enjoyed the game, and praised it for being "enjoyable by adults and children equally, regardless of age."
The short 15-minute session will help keep your child's concentration.
As a party game
It is effective when you are hanging out with a group of friends or at a drinking party .
A Pixel Adventurers review praised the game for its "tension-filled atmosphere, bluffs, lies, and laughs."
The excitement of the puzzles and psychological battles has an appeal that draws all participants in.
As an introduction to board games for beginners
It's easy to understand even for board game beginners , and there's no need to memorize complex strategies.
Meeple Mountain praised it for being "less technology-driven and less gimmicky, making it more intuitive for new players."
The rules are relatively easy to explain, so you can quickly get started on the fun of the game.
When you want to get excited in a short amount of time
You can enjoy a satisfying gaming experience even when time is limited .
It only takes about 20 minutes to complete, including preparation time, so it's perfect for killing time while waiting or playing in between other games .
Time Bomb Evolution is a masterpiece that has successfully improved upon the shortcomings of the original version, allowing you to experience the thrill of a full-fledged concealment game in just 15 minutes .
The diversity of strategies offered by the six different bomb effects and the tension that comes from every card having meaning will keep players engaged until the very end.
This is a piece that can be used in a wide range of situations, from family get-togethers to gatherings with friends, so be sure to give it a try.
I'm sure there will be shouts of "One more time!"
Check the product on the online store page
Free shipping throughout Japan. Orders placed before 3pm will be shipped the same day.
Reference source/quote source
- Time Bomb Evolution Game Review – Meeple Mountain
- Time Bomb Evolution: Social Deduction in a Steampunk London | Casual Game Revolution
- Time Bomb Evolution Rules - WikiBoardGames
- [Time Bomb Evolution] Rules and Review: Board Game Family
- Buy Time Bomb Evolution - Board Games - Iello - Philibert
- Time Bomb Evolution - Boardgames.ca