Werebeasts (2018) Board Game

Werebeasts is a deduction and party game released in 2018, designed by Jason Boles and Víctor Pérez Corbella. Published by Bézier Games, this game is suitable for 3-10 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game revolves around set collection and players must deduce which werebeast their opponents are collecting.

Game Components of Werebeasts

12 Goal Cards featuring various Werebeasts and Werechow

Auction cards for each Werebeast (three single cards and one double card)

Werechow tokens

Various Werebeast cards including Werekittens, Wereclowns, Werenanas, Werezombies, and more

How To Setup Werebeasts

To set up Werebeasts, each player takes a “Werechow” goal card along with goal cards for the creatures equal to the number of players plus one. The goal cards are shuffled, two are returned to the box, and one goal card is placed facedown between each set of players. Each player receives an auction card and eight Werechow tokens. The auction cards are then shuffled together and ready for the game to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction Mechanic: Players bid on auction cards to collect the Werebeasts they need.

Social Deduction: Players can accuse other players of collecting a particular Werebeast or Werechow.

Bluffing: Players must hide their intentions to avoid being eliminated.

Negotiation: Players trade cards and Werechow tokens.

Game Objective

Collect the Werebeast cards that match your goal cards.

Eliminate other players by correctly accusing them of their Werebeast.

Score points by matching auction cards to your goal cards or collecting Werechow tokens.

Player Experience

Werebeasts offers a fun and dynamic player experience with a mix of strategy and social interaction. The game starts with a focus on set collection, where players quietly gather the cards they need while avoiding making their intentions obvious. As the game progresses, negotiation and bluffing become more prominent, adding a layer of complexity and excitement. Accusations add a thrilling element, where correct guesses can significantly advantage a player. Games are typically short, lasting around 15-20 minutes, making it easy to fit into any game night.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The gameplay is intuitive and can be taught in just a couple of minutes.

High Replayability: With various Werebeast cards and the dynamic nature of the game, each playthrough is different.

Fun and Engaging: The game combines humor, social deduction, and negotiation, making it enjoyable for both gamers and non-gamers.

Quick Games: Sessions are short, making it a great filler game.

Cons

Early Elimination: Players who get eliminated early may have to sit out the rest of the game.

Theme Integration: The Werewolf theme is somewhat tacked on and not deeply integrated into the mechanics.

Dependence on Accusations: Winning often relies heavily on making successful accusations, which can be risky.

Personal Thoughts on Werebeasts

Werebeasts is ideal for those looking for a light-hearted, social deduction game that is easy to learn and plays quickly. It’s a great addition to any game collection, particularly for families or groups who enjoy party games with a mix of strategy and humor. However, if you’re seeking a more complex social deduction experience, you might want to consider other options like Two Rooms And A Boom or The Resistance: Avalon. Nonetheless, Werebeasts offers laugh-out-loud fun and is a solid choice for anyone looking to spice up their game nights with a bit of lycanthropic mischief.

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