Visitor in Blackwood Grove (2018) Board Game

Visitor in Blackwood Grove is a board game released in 2018 by Resonym. Designed by Mary Flanagan and Max Seidman, this game falls into the categories of deduction, puzzle, science fiction, and spies/secret agents. With a unique gameplay mechanic centered around induction, pattern recognition, and push your luck, Visitor in Blackwood Grove offers players a team-based experience where one player takes on the role of the Visitor, while the rest try to figure out the rules that dictate which objects can pass through the Visitor’s force field.

Game Components of Visitor in Blackwood Grove

142 object cards

10 card markers

6 role cards

4 guess tokens

Forcefield board

Visitor shield

Trust board

Instructions.

How To Setup Visitor in Blackwood Grove

To set up the game, each player selects a role: the Visitor, the Kid, or one of the Agents. The Visitor creates a secret rule to determine which objects can pass through a forcefield surrounding their crashed spacecraft. The Kid and the Agents receive their respective cards and markers. The forcefield board, trust board, and other components are placed within reach of all players. The Visitor then chooses the initial cards to test against their secret rule, setting the stage for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric Gameplay: One player is the Visitor, while others are either the Kid or Agents.

Inductive Reasoning: Players must figure out the Visitor’s secret rule by testing objects against the forcefield.

Cooperative Element: The Kid works with the Visitor to escape, while the Agents aim to dissect the Visitor.

Secret Rule: The Visitor creates a rule (e.g., “Things that contain metal”) that determines which objects pass through the forcefield.

Object Testing: The Kid and Agents test cards to guess the rule.

Trust Mechanism: The Kid builds trust with the Visitor by correctly predicting which objects pass through the forcefield.

Player Experience

In **Visitor in Blackwood Grove**, players engage in a dynamic game of deduction and strategy. The Visitor must balance making the rule challenging but not impossible to guess, while the Kid and Agents try to decipher the rule through careful observation and testing. The game is quick, lasting between 5-15 minutes, and supports 3-6 players. The experience is intense and interactive, with each role offering a unique perspective and challenge.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The game combines inductive reasoning with a compelling narrative.

Asymmetric Roles: Each role offers a different experience, adding replay value.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+, making it a great option for family game nights.

Short Playtime: Games are quick, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Cons

Downtime: With more players, there can be significant downtime, especially for the Agents.

Rule Complexity: If the Visitor’s rule is too easy or too hard, the game can become unbalanced.

Limited Strategy for Agents: Agents may find the game less engaging if they are not actively guessing the rule.

Personal Thoughts on Visitor in Blackwood Grove

**Visitor in Blackwood Grove** is ideal for families and groups looking for a quick, intellectually stimulating game. It encourages critical thinking and teamwork, making it a great addition to any game collection. The game’s unique mechanics and asymmetric roles ensure that each playthrough is different, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer longer, more complex games or those who dislike games with significant downtime.

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