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Social Deduction: A Look at the Games that Keep Us Guessing
Welcome back to Meeples and Wine, NaPodPoMo 2023 edition! Today, we’re diving into the world of social deduction games, exploring why they’ve become so popular and highlighting two of our favorites: One Night: Ultimate Werewolf and The Thing: The Boardgame.
Social deduction games have increased in popularity and for good reason. They offer a unique blend of role playing, bluffing, and a touch of chaos that’s sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. In these games, players are secretly assigned roles, some good, some neutral, and some bad. The good guys need to work together to identify and eliminate the bad guys, the neutral players decide who they’re going to back, while the bad guys strive to sow discord and achieve their own nefarious goals. The beauty of social deduction games lies in the uncertainty. You never know who to trust, and every accusation, every move, could be a ploy to deceive. This constant state of suspicion and second-guessing is what keeps players hooked, coming back for more every time.
One Night: Ultimate Werewolf
One Night: Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn social deduction game that’s perfect for a quick game night or as an introduction to the genre. Players take on roles like Werewolves, Villagers, Seer, and the Drunk, and more, each with their own special abilities. The game plays over a single night, with players taking turns waking up and performing actions with the assistance of either a game master or by using the handy app that you can download. As the night progresses, the Werewolves try to stay hidden from the Villagers, while the Villagers try to identify and eliminate the Werewolves. One Night: Ultimate Werewolf is a fantastic choice for groups of all sizes, from small gatherings to larger parties. It’s quick, chaotic, and always entertaining.
The Thing: The Boardgame
If you’re looking for a more immersive, thematic social deduction experience, The Thing: The Boardgame is the perfect choice. Based on the classic John Carpenter film, The Thing, this game captures the paranoia and suspense of the movie in a solid tabletop experience. Players take on the roles of the researchers stationed in an Antarctic research base, so you’ve got Macready, Nauls, Windows and the rest of the team from the movie. Among them is the Thing, an alien shapeshifter that can perfectly imitate any human. The Thing’s goal is to eliminate the researchers and escape the base, while the researchers must identify and eliminate the Thing before it’s too late. The Thing: The Boardgame is a tense, atmospheric experience that will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s a must-play for fans of the movie and social deduction games alike.
Social Deduction Recommendations
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the genre, there’s a game out there for you. Here are a few more recommendations to get you started:
- The Resistance (Avalon Hill): A classic hidden role game of deception and intrigue.
- Coup (Indie Boards and Cards): A fast-paced, card-based game of bluffing and deduction.
- Blood on the Clocktower (The Pandemonium Institute): An in-depth game with multiple roles which can play up to 20!
So gather your friends, grab a glass of wine, and dive into the world of social deduction games. You’re in for a night of suspense, deception, and fun!
