Among Cultists: A Social Deduction Thriller (2023) Board Game

Among Cultists: A Social Deduction Thriller is a board game released in 2023, designed by Jose David Lanza Cebrian, Stephen Gibson, Jarrod Owen, Andreas Schroth, and Karsten Schulmann. It falls into the deduction and horror categories, with hidden roles and team-based gameplay. The game is set in a mysterious cult where players must uncover the identities of cultists while trying to uncover the mysteries within.

Game Components of Among Cultists: A Social Deduction Thriller

Player cards (investigators and cultists)

University location cards

Ritual cards

Action cards

Tokens for various game mechanics

Rulebook

How To Setup Among Cultists: A Social Deduction Thriller

To set up the game, each player is randomly assigned a role card, either an investigator or a cultist. The university location cards are shuffled and placed face down on the table. Ritual cards are prepared according to the number of players. Action cards and tokens are distributed as per the rules. The game begins with each player knowing their own role but not the roles of others.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must figure out who among them are cultists.

Hidden Roles: Players have secret roles that determine their objectives.

Action Cards: Players use action cards to influence the game state.

Ritual Cards: Cultists must complete rituals to achieve their goal.

Investigation: Investigators try to uncover cultists and prevent the ritual.

Objective:
– Investigators: Prevent the cultists from completing the ritual.
– Cultists: Complete the ritual without being discovered.

Player Experience

Playing Among Cultists is a thrilling experience that combines social interaction, deduction, and strategy. Players must carefully observe others’ actions, form alliances, and make strategic decisions to achieve their goals. The game is highly dynamic, with each round revealing new information and challenges.

Pros

High Replayability: Random role assignments and variable setup ensure unique games each time.

Engaging Social Interaction: Players must engage in discussions and negotiations to uncover hidden roles.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategic use of action cards.

Thematic Immersion: The university setting and ritual mechanics create a compelling narrative.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics.

Player Count Dependency: The game is best with a full player count; fewer players can make it less dynamic.

Lengthy Sessions: Games can be quite long, especially with larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Among Cultists: A Social Deduction Thriller

Among Cultists is ideal for fans of social deduction games who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay and dynamic social interactions. It is particularly suited for larger groups, making it a great choice for game nights or social gatherings. However, it may not be the best fit for those new to board games or looking for a quick, simple experience.

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