Mat Goceng (2013) Board Game

Mat Goceng is a popular Indonesian board game that was released in in 2013. Designed by Rezza Rainaldy and illustrated by Manikmaya Games, this game falls under the categories of Bluffing, Card Game, Deduction, Fighting, and Party Game. With a playtime of around 30 minutes, Mat Goceng is suitable for 3 to 6 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Mat Goceng

62 skill cards

Six character cards

Two cards showing interconnection of all characters

Gold and silver cardboard coins

One token of a fist

Rulebook (one sheet A4 with several pages of comics)

How To Setup Mat Goceng

To set up Mat Goceng, each player selects a character card, which has a specific quest or task in the game. The skill cards are shuffled and distributed among the players. The interconnection cards help players understand the relationships between characters. Players start with a set number of lives, represented by turning their character card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deduction: Guessing who is an ally or enemy.

Bluffing: Avoid being detected while trying to fulfill character tasks.

Hand Management: Managing skill cards to achieve goals.

Take That: Directly affecting other players’ lives.

Team-Based Game: Cooperating or conflicting with other players based on character roles.

Objective: Fulfill the specific task of your character, such as protecting someone or eliminating another player.

Player Experience

Mat Goceng is a game of hidden identities and bluffing, set in the era of Batavia in 1922. Players take on the roles of characters with unique tasks, such as protecting or eliminating other players. The game is highly interactive, requiring negotiation, deduction, and competition. However, the randomness of skill card draws can significantly impact the game’s outcome.

Pros

Interactive and Social: Encourages negotiation, deduction, and competition.

Short and Engaging: Games last about 30 minutes.

Unique Setting: Set in Batavia in 1922, adding a unique cultural flavor.

Multiple Winners: More than one player can win based on fulfilling their character’s tasks.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Randomness in skill card draws can decide the game.

Limited Negotiation Impact: Negotiation does not have as much impact as it should.

Identity Guessing by Luck: Figuring out other players’ identities is largely based on luck.

Not Suitable for Three Players: The game does not work well with just three players.

Personal Thoughts on Mat Goceng

Mat Goceng is ideal for those who enjoy games with hidden identities, bluffing, and deduction. It’s a great choice for groups of four to six players, as it promotes social interaction and strategic thinking. However, players who prefer games with less randomness might find it less appealing. Overall, it’s a unique and engaging game that offers a fresh take on traditional card game mechanics.

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