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Automata NOIR (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Automata NOIR is a board game released in 2018, designed by Andrew Bates and Laura La Vito. It falls under the categories of Comic Book/Strip Deduction, Murder/Mystery, and Spies/Secret Agents. With a playtime of 10-30 minutes, it is designed for 2-4 players, with the best experience for 2 players. The game features mechanisms such as Secret Unit Deployment, Team-Based Game, and Variable Player Powers, adding layers of strategy and intrigue to the gameplay.

Game Components of Automata NOIR

  • Tiles:** Used to create a 5×5 grid.
  • Cards:** Include suspect cards, evidence cards, and other game-specific cards.
  • Roles:** Killer, Inspector, Undercover Cop, and Profiler.

    How To Setup Automata NOIR

    To set up Automata NOIR, start by shuffling the tiles and forming a 5×5 grid. Then, shuffle the cards and distribute them according to the specific game version being played. The setup remains consistent across the different versions, with game-specific adjustments made thereafter.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Asymmetrical Gameplay:** Players take on different roles with distinct objectives.
  • Deduction:** Players must deduce information to achieve their goals.
  • Grid Manipulation:** Players can shift rows or columns of the grid to change the layout.
  • Role Switching:** Roles can change during the game, especially when characters are killed.

    Game Objective

  • Killer:** Evade capture and eliminate the cops.
  • Inspector:** Identify and capture the killer.
  • Undercover Cop:** Maintain a secret identity while helping the Inspector.
  • Profiler:** Gather evidence to aid in capturing the killer.
    The game ends when the Killer is captured or when the cops are eliminated.

    Player Experience

    Automata NOIR offers a tense and engaging experience, particularly through its cat-and-mouse gameplay. The game’s noir theme, combined with robotic elements, adds a unique twist. The art is well-regarded, and the game’s mechanics gradually ramp up in complexity, making it appealing for players looking for a challenge.

    Pros

  • Unique Theme:** Combines noir and robotic elements.
  • Asymmetrical Deduction:** Offers varied and complex gameplay.
  • Visually Appealing:** Nice art and presentation.
  • Gradual Complexity:** Games start simple and become more complex.
  • Replayability:** Four different games in one package.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for new players.
  • Role Dependence:** Game balance can be affected by the roles players choose.
  • Learning Curve:** Requires time to understand all the rules and mechanics.

    Personal Thoughts on Automata NOIR

    Automata NOIR is ideal for fans of deduction and asymmetrical games. It’s perfect for those who enjoy strategic thinking and the thrill of a cat-and-mouse chase. The game’s unique theme and evolving complexity make it an excellent addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers due to its intricate mechanics and learning curve.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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