The Chameleon (2017) – Board Game Guys

The Chameleon (party game)

“The Chameleon” is a deception party game designed by Rikki Tahta and published in 2017 by Big Potato Games. The game is popular and significant due to its simple rules, strategic possibilities, and quick gameplay, making it a great introduction to social deduction games. It has received several awards, including the 2017 UK Games Expo Best Part Game award and silver for Imagination Gaming’s 2017 Best Family Game Award.

Game Components of The Chameleon

Topic Cards: Containing various topics for each round.

Code Cards: Each player receives a Code Card, except one who gets the Chameleon Card.

Chameleon Card: The card given to the player who does not know the secret topic.

Dice: A yellow six-sided dice and a blue eight-sided dice used to determine the secret word.

Blank Dry Erase Topic Card: For custom topics.

How To Setup The Chameleon

To set up the game, start by shuffling the Code Cards and dealing one face down to each player. Ensure one player receives the Chameleon Card instead of a Code Card. Each player looks at their card without revealing it to others. The dealer then selects a Topic Card and places it face up in the middle of the table. The yellow and blue dice are rolled, and players use the numbers to reference their Code Cards and identify the secret word on the Topic Card, except for the Chameleon who remains unaware of the secret topic.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Determine Secret Word: Players use dice rolls and Code Cards to identify the secret word on the Topic Card.

Chameleon’s Goal: The Chameleon must pretend to know the secret word and avoid being detected.

Player Turns: Each player says a word related to the secret topic, including the Chameleon.

Debate and Vote: Players debate and vote on who they think is the Chameleon.

Chameleon’s Guess: If the Chameleon is voted out, they have one chance to guess the secret word to win the round.

Scoring: Optional scoring system where the Chameleon scores points for escaping or correctly guessing the secret word, and other players score points for catching the Chameleon and preventing a correct guess.

Player Experience

The Chameleon is praised for its quick and easy gameplay, making it a great introduction to social deduction games. Players enjoy the minimalistic design and the strategic possibilities it offers. It is highly interactive, promoting communication and laughter among players. The game is suitable for families and friends, providing endless laughs and replayability with its varied content and random dice rolls.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that take only a few minutes to understand.

Quick Gameplay: Rounds last about 15 minutes.

High Replayability: Different topics and dice rolls ensure each round is unique.

Social Interaction: Encourages communication and deduction skills.

Award-Winning: Won the 2017 UK Games Expo award for Best Party Game.

Cons

Card Quality Issues: Some customers have reported issues with card construction and durability.

Limited Strategy for Some: Some players find it lacks deep strategy, making it more of a light, fun game.

Topic Card Limitations: Some topics may be tricky for younger players or those not familiar with the subjects.

Personal Thoughts on The Chameleon

The Chameleon is ideal for those looking for a light, fun, and engaging party game. It’s perfect for larger groups of 3-8 players and is recommended for ages 14+. The game excels at bringing people together, fostering a hilarious and interactive experience that is easy to pick up but challenging to master. While it may not offer the depth of strategy some gamers crave, it is an excellent choice for casual game nights and family gatherings.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.