Phantom Ink (2022) Board Game

Phantom Ink is a party game that was released in 2022 by Resonym. Designed by Mary Flanagan and Max Seidman, this game is all about deduction and communication limits, making it a unique addition to the party game genre. With a playtime of 10-15 minutes and suitable for players aged 13 and above, Phantom Ink challenges players to solve puzzles and uncover hidden words through targeted clues.

Game Components of Phantom Ink

Player Teams: Each team consists of 1 Spirit and up to 3 Mediums.

Question Cards: Mediums use these to ask questions about the secret object.

Spirit Pad: Spirits write clues on this pad.

Clue System: Clues are partial answers, such as the first few letters of a word.

Game Box and Rules: Includes all necessary materials for setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Phantom Ink

To set up Phantom Ink, players are divided into two teams: the Sun team and the Moon team. Each team has one Spirit and up to three Mediums. The Mediums on each team share a hand of question cards. The Spirits know the secret object and will provide clues in response to the questions asked by their Mediums.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Team Play: Players form two teams, each with a Spirit and Mediums.

Questioning: Mediums pass question cards to their Spirit, who answers with partial clues.

Clue Interpretation: Mediums must interpret these clues to guess the secret object.

Silencio Mechanic: Mediums can call “Silencio” to prevent the other team from learning from a clue.

Objective: The first team to correctly guess the secret object wins.

Player Experience

Phantom Ink offers a unique blend of deduction, wordplay, and teamwork. Players enjoy the spooky atmosphere and the satisfaction of deciphering clues to guess the secret object. The game is quick, with each round lasting about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a fun and engaging party game. It encourages head-scratching, belly laughing, and post-game discussions about the strategies and clues used.

Pros

Easy to Teach and Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Engaging Gameplay: Combines deduction and wordplay, keeping players engaged.

Spooky Theme: Adds a fun and unique atmosphere to the game.

Quick Rounds: Each game is approximately 15 minutes long.

High Replayability: Different questions and secret objects ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Limited Depth: Some players might find the gameplay too light or simple.

Dependence on Team Coordination: Success is highly dependent on team communication and strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Phantom Ink

Phantom Ink is ideal for those who enjoy party games, wordplay, and deduction. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a fun, quick, and interactive game that encourages teamwork and creative thinking. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate games like Decrypto and Codenames. However, players seeking more complex or lengthy games might find Phantom Ink too light.

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