MicroMacro: Crime City

Objective and format: Work together on one case from the base box and resolve all of its tasks in card order. Each task requires the group to find a specific scene on the city map, after which the Lead Investigator checks the answer printed on the reverse. The rules provide no action points, resource system, individual score, or competitive winner; the group shares the investigation. (English rules, pp. 1, 3)

Sort the case cards: The box contains one city map, 120 case cards, 16 case envelopes, and a magnifying glass with a sticker. Apply the sticker to the glass during first setup. Each case card has a case icon and card number in its upper-right corner; sort cards by icon and place each numbered deck in its matching envelope. Do not inspect card fronts while sorting, so you do not reveal tasks or answers early. (English rules, p. 2)

Set up the map: Spread the whole city map where everyone can see it and move around it; a table, floor, or wall can work. Turn on bright lighting and keep the map unobstructed. Place case cards beside the map rather than on top of it, and move drinks or other objects away. The small characters and scene details are the evidence, so covered areas or dim light make investigation harder. (English rules, p. 2)

Choose a case and begin: Take one case deck from its envelope and stack it beside the map in order. The start card introduces the event and gives its background. The Lead Investigator reads it, then reads the prompt on the next task card. Everyone studies the map and discusses possible scenes. Keep the card face up until the group finds a candidate scene, then let the Lead Investigator turn it over to verify. (English rules, p. 3)

Lead Investigator: Each case assigns one player this role. The Lead Investigator reads card text, checks the answer, and reads the explanation when the group is correct. They still help search and discuss the current prompt. Once the Lead Investigator has seen a particular answer, they may not solve that specific task with the group; they may offer a hint if the others are on the wrong track. (English rules, p. 3)

Verify a correct answer: A task asks for a specific scene on the map; the group should not declare success from a guess alone. The Lead Investigator checks the coordinates and illustration on the reverse. If they match, the investigator reads the answer text and sets the resolved card aside. The newly revealed card becomes the next task. Continue this process until every task in that case has been answered correctly. (English rules, p. 3)

When an answer is wrong: The Lead Investigator does not read the answer. They return the card to the top of the deck and tell the group that the scene is not correct; everyone keeps searching. The rules do not impose a score penalty, lost turn, or elimination, because the game has no scoring or turn-taking action system. The map must confirm the answer. A Lead Investigator who has already seen it stops solving that specific task, but can give a hint if the team is off track. (English rules, p. 3)

Symbols, simultaneous tasks, and markers: A light-bulb symbol marks a scene that may help with a later task. A two-card symbol tells players to move the current card aside so the prompt below is visible; the group may then work on two tasks at once, and repeated symbols can reveal more. The rules suggest coins or bottle caps to mark useful map locations. These objects are reminders only; they do not score points or create rule effects. (English rules, p. 4)

Case order and difficulty stars: New players are advised to start with the first five cases in the listed order, but this is an introduction rather than a mandatory sequence for every play. Stars beside a case indicate approximate difficulty and duration, not points or extra challenge requirements. A group may choose a case that suits its interest; if several prompts are visible, it should confirm each scene from the map rather than treat the stars as a rule. (English rules, p. 4)

Optional advanced play and ending: After learning the game, players may use the advanced option on page 6: read only the start card and try to solve the whole case without consulting the task cards, then reveal them and answer the questions in order. If stuck, uncovering already-solved prompts can check a theory or offer a hint. Standard and advanced play both finish when all case tasks are correctly resolved. Hidden riddles are optional official extras, not part of the base procedure. (English rules, pp. 3, 6)