Packaging D-
The packaging, at first glance, looks cool.  It is a mock metal case (actually made out of cardboard) made to look like a case that a CSI brings to a crime scene.  Unfortunately, the novelty wears thin as soon as you attempt to open the box and put it back in.  There is a generic plastic casing inside to hold the “collectible” figurines (which are just the game pieces but I will get into that in a minute).  The huge board is under the rickety plastic so you have to lift it up, cracking it in the process and finagle it back under the plastic when packing it away because the case will not close correctly with the board on top.  Even with the board on the bottom, I couldn’t get the case to close correctly around the plastic handle.

Game Pieces A-
Included in the game are the aforementioned “CSI Collectibles,” which are actually well made to the likeness of 8 of the main characters (yet the game is only for 2-4 players, go figure).  The characters appear to be in the vain of a mini 2” bobblehead but, unfortunately, the heads do not bobble (probably a good thing to sustain the life of the pieces).  The board is large and folds up nicely to fit back in the box.  Also included are a slew of plastic bugs and a velvet bag for the “feeling” phase of the game.

The Rules B
When reading the rules, the game seems completely overwhelming, especially for the low end of the recommended age group but, once you start playing, it becomes clear that the it was just made to sound much more complicated than it actually is.  However, I do recommend keeping the rules out while playing until you get the hang of it.

Gameplay C
The length of a game, with 2 players when playing to full capacity is approximately 35-45 minutes, about on par with a game of Clue.  The game comes in 4 phases which is a great way to get a variety for those that have a shorter attention span.  You start off with a simple question asked to each player which will determine which of two tracks you will start off on; the short track (consisting of 6 movements per phase) and the long track (consisting of 9 movements per phase).  Phase 1 is simple trivia with multiple choice (at the end of the phase, you must reach your hand into a bag and pick out the bug pictured on the card without looking in the bag).  Phase 2 is similar to Pictionary where you must draw what is on the card for an opponent to guess.  If they get it right, you roll the dice and move forward the number of spots and the guessing opponent gets to move forward 2 spots.  At the end of each phase, you get to have another clue to lead you to the culprit.  Phase 3 consists of describing out loud a word on the card without using the actual word nor a list of other words that are stated on the card.  When you pull your cards on Phase 4, the final phase, you are asked a riddle that you must answer correctly to move forward.

A huge fault to the gameplay is that there are only 6 cases to be solved and, once they are, you cannot play them any more.  Much like the problem of many of the DVD games out right now but this game does not feature expansion packs for purchase.

Glitches & Other Notes C
-The game includes a mini “blacklight” flashlight that is meant to reveal hidden answers on some of the cards.  Unfortunately, it does not always work properly as some of the cards are so faded you cannot read or are missing the answers completely.

-If you want to game to last longer, ignore the short track and go head on to the long track each time.  It makes the game more enjoyable as the ending “guessing game” is not really all that entertaining and is usually a ridiculous conclusion.

Final Word
Overall, the game really doesn’t have a whole lot to do with CSI and is more of a mixture of several games.  The game is actually more fun when you don’t play it to solve the actual crime, but play it just to trample through the 4 phases of the board.  Although the cases are weak, solving them might be a fun experience for younger kids but they may need help in certain phases of the game so teaming up is probably recommended.  For the price ($29.99), it seems it should be a DVD game instead of a short living 6-time play.  I recommend this one for those that love classic games and forensic pathology but not necessarily for those that love the intricacy of CSI. C (2.32 out of 4.00)