Coming Soon: Clue Secrets & Spies

[Tannerman]

A few weeks ago I was reading some discussions on a Clue fan website when someone posted a video from ABC's Good Morning America. It was a short feature on how in today's economy, boardgames seem to be making a comeback.

Clue: Secrets & Spies
(Source: BusinessWire.com)

During the piece, a rep from Hasbro was featured, showcasing some newer takes on games they would be offering. One of those was a new version of Clue called Clue: Secrets & Spies.

Can you see the new gameboard in the lower-left corner?
(Source: ABC & TheArtOfMurder.com)

Per a press release, this is the first boardgame to include live text messaging. An excerpt:

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In Clue: Secrets & Spies Edition, each player takes on the role of a top international spy tasked with infiltrating the Criminal League for Ultimate Espionage to stop its evil scheme for world domination by intercepting the nefarious Agent Black. True identities of Agent Mustard, Agent Scarlet and crew are kept secret as players work independently to complete missions by using clues from the game and real-time tips sent via optional cell phone text messages. The agent who completes the most missions before being discovered by Agent Black will be known as the world’s number one spy and will win the game.

---

Per the video, blacklight-powered clues are involved
(Source: ABC & TheArtOfMurder.com)

I'm not sure what to say here. More than anything, this would seem to be an extension of the Clue brand that probably has the least to do with the original game. Hasbro seems to just be using the familiar characters as their default "mystery/dectective" brand in the hopes of selling something "new". Those who played 1991's Clue: The Great Museum Caper can relate, as this was originally a game called The Great Museum Caper, but rebranded with the Clue cast when Parker Brothers got their hands on it.

From the video clip, you can see just a little bit of the gameboard, which looks nothing like a standard Clue setup. International travel has entered into the mix... which is something the Clue Card Game experimented with.

Also, the mobile phone thing... interesting idea to bring in something "modern", but what happens when Hasbro pulls the plug on support for this. It would appear that the phone is an option, which is good. I just remember years ago playing the Clue E-mail Game that Hasbro Interactive released. It was quite fun, but relied on a central server to make it all work. When they pulled the plug on the server, the game was useless. Per an Associated Press article, "Hasbro said it is committed to maintaining text messaging support through December 31, 2011."

I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach on this game. It's due to hit in Fall 2009.

Previous Clue-related posts:

• Coming Soon: 24 Clue
• Clue Candy
• Clue at the Music Box Theatre
• Coming Soon: Clue - Harry Potter Edition
• Hasbro updates Clue with new characters, weapons
• Alfred Hitchcock Clue
• Coming Soon: Tower of Terror Clue
• Get a Clue at the Tanners 2007
• Clue DVD Game
• Clue for One
• Get a Clue at the Tanners 2006
• Miss Scarlet gets respectable (just for the kiddies)
• Game Night with Nicko & Colleen
• Two Shaggys. No Fred.
• Clue Puzzle: The Color of Murder

[Tannerman]

Here is the original press release for this new game:

Hasbro Announces Its First Board Game to Include Live Clues via Text

New CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition To Debut Innovative ‘Texting’ Feature in Hasbro Board Games

Thursday February 12, 2009, 11:00 am EST

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--mEt agnt mtard in Moscow w microcs! (Translation: Meet Agent Mustard in Moscow with the microchips!) This fall, Hasbro’s classic game of murderous mayhem will take an international twist as the iconic characters from CLUE embark on a globetrotting adventure to foil the plans of the Criminal League for Ultimate Espionage (C.L.U.E.) in CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition. Intrigue begets intrigue as the new optional text messaging feature transmits game shaping intelligence to Agents Plum, Scarlet, Mustard and the others while an ultraviolet, secret decoder reveals hidden missions to the players.

“The use of text messaging to enhance a traditional board game experience is a true innovation in the board game category and we are thrilled to pioneer this experience with Hasbro’s CLUE brand,” said Jill Hambley, Global Marketing Vice President of the CLUE brand at Hasbro. “CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition takes text messaging from mere novelty to world saving technology. By using their own cell phones, players will turn their own every-day phone into a top-secret spy device that is certain to add excitement and suspense to game play.”

In CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition, each player takes on the role of a top international spy tasked with infiltrating the Criminal League for Ultimate Espionage to stop its evil scheme for world domination by intercepting the nefarious Agent Black. True identities of Agent Mustard, Agent Scarlet and crew are kept secret as players work independently to complete missions by using clues from the game and real-time tips sent via optional cell phone text messages. The agent who completes the most missions before being discovered by Agent Black will be known as the world’s number one spy and will win the game.

CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition is suitable for two to five players, ages nine and up and will be available in Fall 2009 for the approximate retail price of $24.99. Standard text messaging rates apply for players who elect to use the game’s optional text messaging feature (cell phone not included). Hasbro is committed to maintaining text messaging support through December 31, 2011. For more information, visit www.hasbro.com.

Source

[Tannerman]

Additional information via an Associated Press article:

TEXT ME A CLUE: Hasbro Inc. has extended many of its classic board games in new ways, from a Jenga Max game that builds outward instead of up and down and Trivial Pursuit Team game that allows players to get partial credit for answers. But the most innovative update is a new Clue game called Clue: Secrets & Spies Edition, in which users can use text messaging on their own cell phones to enhance game play. The goal of the game is to complete missions before being discovered by an Agent Black. Users can text a number when they start the game and will receive updates about the game every eight minutes. Hasbro said it is committed to maintaining text messaging support through Dec. 31, 2011. The game will be available in the fall for $24.99.

Source

Thanks to Junction member FernLaplante for the tip

Another press release about the game:

CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition Launched as Hasbro's First Text Messaging Enabled Board Game

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass., Oct. 29 -- This Fall, the "who dunnit" murder mystery game of CLUE has been re-imagined in the world of international espionage with CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition, a new spy-themed edition of the classic game. For the first time in Hasbro game history, players receive secret clues through real-time text messages on their personal cell phones. Prepare for an entirely new board game experience with CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition as it takes players on globe-trotting adventures complete with masked identities, secret meetings and technological enhancements that help players crack the case.

On October 31, visitors to the International Spy Museum (SPY) in Washington, D.C. -- the go-to place for all things espionage-related -- will get the chance to experience CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition like never before. As the exclusive host for the game's D.C. launch, SPY will have Special Agents Scarlet, Mustard, Plum, and the other agents on hand to greet junior agents. As part of the festivities from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., a professional make-up artist will be on hand to teach the tools-of-the-trade necessary to transform visitors in preparation for a night of tricks and treats. Demonstrations are free-of-charge and include quick disguise applications meant to help visitors create their own undercover masterpieces. SPY is offering up to 50% discounts on admission to the permanent exhibit for all visitors who come in disguise throughout the day. CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition game demos and giveaways will also take place during the Halloween event.

"We invite those in the Washington, D.C. area to come by the International Spy Museum on Halloween to see the world of spies brought to life on the spookiest night of the year," said Peter Earnest, Founding Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and a 35-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). "As part of our celebration, visitors can play CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition, taking on the role of secret agents, acting fast and using logic and reasoning to solve each mission, much like a real intelligence officer in the field."

In CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition, players will find themselves on the edge of their seats, and occasionally on their cell phones, with the optional text messaging feature that delivers game-shaping intelligence. At the start of the game, players text in to "headquarters." During the game, six informative text messages will be sent to set players on a new path or prompt an urgent meeting. For example a text might read, "Trouble down under! Move 1 agt of ur choice 2 SYDNEY!" Clues can also be uncovered by using the ultraviolet decoder included in the game to reveal Secret Meetings.

"From the moment the game begins, CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition puts players in the shoes of adventurous agents traveling the world to become an ultimate spy," said Belisa Anzalotti, Director of U.S. Marketing at Hasbro Games. "Hasbro is debuting the innovative technology of real-time text messaging with this game by turning an everyday phone into a top-secret device. This feature adds a new level of excitement and suspense to the game, creating a unique experience each time the game is played."

Players assume the identity of one of the CLUE secret agents who are on an important mission to foil the plans of the Criminal League for Ultimate Espionage (C.L.U.E.) and their top henchman Agent Black. From Los Angeles to Moscow, the true identities of Agent Mustard, Agent Scarlet and crew are kept secret as players work independently to complete missions by securing Secret Meetings, Activity Cards and gathering essential spy supplies such as folders, briefcases and diamonds. The agent who completes the most missions before being discovered by Agent Black will win the game and be declared the world's ultimate spy.

Available now for the approximate retail price of $24.99, CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition is suitable for two to five players, ages nine and up. Standard text messaging rates apply for players who elect to use the game's optional text messaging feature (cell phone not included). Hasbro is committed to maintaining text messaging support through December 31, 2011. For more information, visit hasbro.com. The classic game of CLUE will continue to remain on store shelves.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com.

(C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About the International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. Open since July 2002, the museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display -- many have never been seen by the public. The Museum is located at 800 F Street, NW in Washington, DC's historic Penn Quarter, within 4 blocks of the National Mall, steps away from the Verizon Center, and within one block of FBI headquarters and Ford's Theatre. The Museum is conveniently located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station serviced by the red, yellow and green lines. www.spymuseum.org

Source

[Tannerman]

I was given this game for Christmas. Amy & I played first round last night... minus the text messaging aspect. It's QUITE different from any Clue game you've every played.

Trying to get the text messaging aspect to work to get a better feel for the game, but my hunch is that the servers are currently down in a post-Christmas traffic boost.

[Kidologist]

Originally Posted by Tannerman

I was given this game for Christmas.

Wow, you must have a cool friend! Hope the texting works out! You should try playing it remotely via video conferencing - now THAT would be cool!

[Tannerman]

Well, looks like Hasbro has had quite a few issues with this game. Shocking! [/sarcasm]

New Clue Game Texting Glitch Could Cost Consumers Hundreds of Dollars

Updated 12/31/2009 10:40:44 AM
Ross McLaughlin

It could be a very expensive Holiday for consumers who bought the high tech revised version of the classic board game "Clue: Secrets and Spies". It was rolled out with a lot of fanfare at the Spy Museum in DC in October but the game had a major meltdown over the Holidays!

Hasbro had a problem this week with their texting service for the game and consumers received multiple text messages, sometimes in the hundreds, before the server at Hasbro was shut down. Many consumers may now be facing phone bills in the hundreds of dollars perhaps more depending on their plan!

We've interviewed a local woman, Heather Canterbury, whose family played on Christmas. The texting service didn't work on her phone so two other people playing the game tried to get the messages on their phones. Nothing. Two days later all their phones were bombarded. In total 600 texts. The maker of the game, Hasbro has confirmed it had a major problem. We've learned it lasted days. 


We've also learned even if consumers are on unlimited texting plans they could face pass through charges from Hasbro. These fees are not disclosed in the game. Hasbro says to check with your provider. 


Heather Canterbury called her wireless provider 3 different times and was told she was facing a $3.99 per text, charge. We contacted the corporate PR person who said that's not the case but if she does get hit with extra charges her wireless provider will take care of it if Hasbro doesn't.

Source

[Tannerman]

It took Hasbro 12 days to respond to my customer service inquiry regarding the servers for Clue: Secrets & Spies. I can't say I'm very impressed with their response:

Subject: Text Messaging
Customer: Steve Tanner
Date: 12/28/2009 5:46 p.m.

I recently purchased Clue: Secrets & Spies and have not been able to activate the text messaging element.

Using both AT&T and U.S. Cellular networks to send SPY to 90445, it has not started the updates. In the case of AT&T (while using my iPhone), I receive a "Sorry, we could not find the service you requested" in response.

Is the text messaging server offline or overloaded?

Thanks,
Steve

Auto-Reponse
Date: 12/28/2009 5:46 p.m.

Product Level 1: Games
Product Level 2: Clue Games
Product Level 3: Clue Secrets and Spies #02143
Category Level 1: Not Working
Date Created: 12/28/2009 05:46 PM

These answers were automatically selected for your consideration. If your issue is addressed in our FAQs, a link to the answer will be given. If no answers are listed or the answers do not match your question, then there were no answers matching your issue.

TO FINISH SUBMITTING YOUR QUESTION, PLEASE CLICK THE EMAIL US BUTTON BELOW.

A Consumer Affairs Representative will respond to you.

Response: Kerry Vaux
Date: 1/8/2009 3:43 p.m.

Hi Steve,

Thank you for contacting Hasbro, Inc.

We are sorry to hear that you experienced a problem with our text messaging feature of the Clue Secrets and Spies game. Please be assured this issue has been resolved and you should not experience any problems going forward.

Again, we apologize for the inconvenience.

Of course, they never once acknowledged that there was a problem (as noted by this news story) or kept customers in the loop regarding the situation. Sure, the texting works now... after I sort of had to figure that out on my own. I can imagine that the thousands of folks who had the same problem right after Christmas were a little more than ticked off.