Mantis Falls (2021) Board Game

Mantis Falls is a board game released in 2021 that combines elements of bluffing and deduction. Designed by Juli Bierwirth and Adrian Kerrihard, the game is set in the mysterious town of Mantis Falls where players take on hidden roles and must work together to uncover the truth behind a series of events.

Game Components of Mantis Falls

Role cards

Character cards with special abilities and wound trackers

Action cards, including Midnight suited cards

Event cards (Seen and Unseen)

Road cards (Sunset, Night, Dark)

Conserved Energy cards

Cloth play-mat

Card sleeves for durability[5%).

How To Setup Mantis Falls

Players arrange the playing space by creating a 3×4 grid of road cards, with the first row as Sunset, the second as Night, and the third as Dark. The Start of the Road, the next road, and the End of the Road are flipped face up initially. Each player is dealt a role card, a character card, and a special Action card. The setup involves placing the road cards face down, except for the specified ones, and preparing the draw piles for Event and Action cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Hand management: Players manage their card hands carefully.

Tactical card play: Action cards are used strategically.

Deduction: Players must deduce hidden roles and events.

Social interaction: Players discuss tactics and bluff to protect secrets.

Variable player powers: Character cards have unique abilities.

Game Objective

Witnesses: All players must survive and reach the End of the Road to win.

Assassin: If present, the assassin must eliminate the other players to win.

Players navigate through increasingly dangerous roads, managing wounds, events, and cooperation.

Player Experience

Mantis Falls offers a tense and immersive experience, filled with paranoia and strategic depth. Players must balance cooperation and suspicion, as they may not know if their partner is a witness or an assassin. The game involves thorough conversations about tactics, bluffing, and defending choices. Each game is unique due to the hidden roles and variable card effects, leading to thrilling moments and post-session discussions analyzing pivotal decisions.

Pros

Complex Strategy: Combines hand-building, tactical card play, and social deduction.

High Replayability: Each game can have different roles and outcomes.

Thematic Immersion: Evocative 1940s film-noir setting and art.

Quality Components: Includes card sleeves and a cloth play-mat.

Engaging Discussions: Promotes thorough conversations and bluffing.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Requires multiple plays to grasp all nuances.

Potential Imbalance: Some games may be stacked against players, making winning impossible regardless of strategy.

Dependency on Player Interaction: Requires active participation and social interaction, which can be challenging if players are not fully engaged.

Personal Thoughts on Mantis Falls

Mantis Falls is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong social deduction element. It is perfect for those who appreciate the tension and suspense of not knowing who to trust and the constant need to adapt strategies. The game is suited for adults and teens aged 14+ who are looking for a challenging and immersive gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game where the better player always wins, as the outcome can be influenced by various factors beyond pure skill.

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