Donner Dinner Party (2017) Board Game

Donner Dinner Party is a card game released in 2017, designed by James Bennett. It is inspired by the tragic events of the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 1846 and resorted to cannibalism to survive. The game puts players in the roles of members of the party, trying to outwit each other to avoid being eaten.

Game Components of Donner Dinner Party

Campfire board

Camp leader tile

10 character tokens

40 hunting cards

10 role cards

12 Supply cards

One metal frying pan

How To Setup Donner Dinner Party

To set up the game, create a deck of role cards with a specific number of cannibal cards based on the player count: one cannibal for 4 players, two for 5-7 players, and three for 8-10 players. Add Pioneer role cards to match the number of players. Each player receives a role card face down and a Supply card face down. The frying pan is placed on the number one on the campfire board to track rounds. The camp leader tile is given to the last player who survived a trip, or determined by fair means if there is a debate.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Social Deduction: Players must identify and eliminate cannibals.

Hunting Mechanism: Players contribute hunting cards to the camp dinner.

Voting System: Players vote to determine who will be eaten if there is not enough food.

Supply Cards: Special cards that can be played for various effects.

Game Objective

Pioneers: Survive seven weeks without being eaten, or ensure all cannibals are eliminated.

Cannibals: Ensure the number of cannibals equals or exceeds the number of Pioneers, or force the party to resort to cannibalism by contributing detrimental hunting cards.

Player Experience

In Donner Dinner Party, players are part of the ill-fated Donner Party trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Each round represents a week, and players must hunt for food and contribute to the camp dinner. Cannibals aim to sabotage these efforts, forcing the group to vote on who to eat if there is not enough food. The game is filled with accusations, arguments, and strategic manipulation, making it a thrilling social deduction experience.

Pros

High Social Interaction: Encourages active discussion and strategic play.

Thematic Depth: Immerses players in the historical context of the Donner Party.

Variable Player Powers: Supply cards and role assignments add variety to each game.

Quick Rounds: Each round is engaging and relatively short.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be detailed and time-consuming.

Player Elimination: Players can be eliminated early, reducing their overall engagement.

Luck Element: The draw of hunting and Supply cards can heavily influence the game’s outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Donner Dinner Party

Donner Dinner Party is ideal for groups who enjoy social deduction games with a strong thematic element. It’s perfect for those who relish in the suspense and negotiation that comes with identifying and eliminating hidden roles. However, it may not be the best fit for players who dislike player elimination or have a strong aversion to darker historical themes. The game’s unique blend of strategy, social interaction, and historical context makes it a standout in the board game community.

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