Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Batman: Everybody Lies is a solid narrative deduction game that delivers on its promise of making you feel like a Gotham investigator. The cooperative-with-hidden-agendas structure is clever—you're solving crimes together while secretly pursuing your own goals, which creates interesting tension without turning the game into a backstabbing mess.

The 1.78 complexity rating hits a sweet spot: accessible enough for teens new to hobby gaming, but with enough meat to keep experienced players engaged. Reviews consistently praise the narrative immersion and the feeling of actually investigating in Gotham City.

That said, the 6.5 BGG rating (out of 10) with only 361 ratings tells you this isn't a must-have masterpiece. It's a good game that does what it sets out to do—no more, no less. The 2-3 hour commitment means you need a dedicated group willing to see it through, and some reviews note the choices can feel a bit predetermined despite the branching narrative.

For families with Batman-loving teens who enjoy story-driven games and can handle some light competitive tension within cooperation, this is a strong pick. Just know you're committing to an evening, not a quick game night filler.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14-18 who can handle the Batman universe's mature themes and have the patience for a 2-3 hour narrative game. Adults who enjoy detective stories and cooperative games with a twist will also find this engaging, though the 6.5 BGG rating suggests it's good but not exceptional.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Cooperative gameplay encourages discussion and teamwork, though the hidden agenda mechanic creates some tension between players. The Batman universe provides a morally complex backdrop where players investigate crime without gratuitous violence. The 2-4 hour playtime requires sustained engagement but isn't chaotic. The game models problem-solving and deduction in a mature context.

Imaginative

78

Strong narrative-driven gameplay with paragraph-based storytelling and meaningful choices throughout investigations. Players explore Gotham City locations, interact with classic Batman characters, and piece together mysteries through deduction. The hidden agenda mechanic adds layers of strategic thinking. However, it's more about following a pre-written narrative than open-ended creative expression.

Safe

88

Board games are inherently safe from digital manipulation concerns. The 14+ rating appropriately signals mature themes in the Batman universe (crime, investigation) without graphic content. The cooperative-with-hidden-goals structure creates some social tension but reviews emphasize discussion and cooperation over cutthroat gameplay. No gambling mechanics or problematic social dynamics reported.

Enriching

81

Develops critical thinking through deduction and investigation mechanics. Players must analyze information, make strategic decisions about time management, and synthesize clues. The complexity rating of 1.78 makes it accessible while still challenging. Encourages discussion and collaborative problem-solving. The narrative choices create opportunities for ethical reasoning within the detective framework.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Narrative-driven investigation that makes you feel like you're actually solving crimes in Gotham, visiting iconic locations and interacting with Batman characters
Cooperative gameplay with a clever twist—everyone has secret goals, so you're working together while also pursuing your own agenda
Accessible complexity (1.78 weight) means teens can jump in without a steep learning curve, but there's enough depth to stay engaged
Develops genuine deduction and critical thinking skills as you chase leads, eliminate suspects, and piece together evidence
2-3 hour playtime creates meaningful family game nights with sustained engagement and discussion

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What to Watch For

The hidden agenda mechanic means not everyone wins together—some players might feel frustrated if their secret goal conflicts with the group's success
Batman universe includes mature themes (crime, investigation, moral ambiguity) that fit the 14+ rating
Long playtime commitment isn't casual—this is an event game, not a quick filler
Reviews note the game can feel a bit on rails despite choices, so don't expect totally open-ended investigation

Conversation Starters

"If you were investigating a crime in Gotham, which Batman character would you want to interview first and why?"
"How did having a secret goal change the way you approached helping the team?"
"What clues did we miss that could have led us in a different direction?"
"Do you think it's okay to keep secrets from your teammates if you're all working toward solving the same case?"

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