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New Salem (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

New Salem is a board game released in 2015 that combines elements of bluffing, card game, city building, and deduction. Designed by Andrea Olgiati and illustrated by Overworld Games, the game is set in the early days of Salem, Massachusetts, during the witch trials. Players take on the roles of Townsfolk, Witches, and Puritans, each with their own hidden agendas and objectives.

Game Components of New Salem

  • Player boards**
  • Character cards**
  • Accusation tokens**
  • Evidence tokens**
  • Score tokens**
  • Rulebook**

    How To Setup New Salem

    To set up the game, each player selects a character card, which may have unique abilities or roles. Players then receive a set of accusation and evidence tokens. The game board is placed in the middle, and the score tokens are distributed accordingly. The setup is designed to be straightforward, preparing players for simultaneous play.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Hidden Role Teams: Players have hidden roles, adding a social deduction element.
  • Simultaneous Play: Players act at the same time, increasing engagement.
  • Drafting: Players draft cards to gather evidence and accuse others.
  • Set Collection: Collecting sets of evidence is crucial for winning.
  • Highest Personal Score Wins: The player with the highest score, achieved by accusing or defending correctly, wins the game.

    Player Experience

    In **New Salem**, players experience a highly interactive and dynamic game environment. The simultaneous play mechanic keeps everyone engaged, as players must quickly gather evidence and make accusations or defend themselves. The social deduction aspect adds a layer of complexity, requiring players to figure out the roles of their opponents.

    Pros

  • Highly Engaging: Simultaneous play keeps all players active.
  • Social Interaction: Encourages deduction and negotiation.
  • Replayability: Multiple roles and randomized setup ensure varied gameplay.
  • Simple to Learn: Easy setup and rules make it accessible to new players.

    Cons

  • Complex Strategy: Can be overwhelming for casual players.
  • Length: Games can be longer due to the depth of strategy involved.
  • Player Count: Best with a larger group (3-8 players), which can be a limitation.

    Personal Thoughts on New Salem

    **New Salem** is ideal for players who enjoy social deduction and strategic gameplay. It’s perfect for groups looking for a game that combines quick decision-making with deep strategic thinking. While it may not be the best fit for very casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a engaging and challenging experience for those who enjoy a bit of intrigue and deduction.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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