Bemused (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bemused is a card game that was released in in 2017. It is designed by Tani Pettit and Naomi Robinson and features artwork by Devious Weasel Games. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, fantasy, and negotiation, and it is suitable for players aged 12 and above. With a runtime of 15-30 minutes, Bemused is a quick and engaging game that can be enjoyed by 4-6 players.

Game Components of Bemused

Virtuoso cards: Represent human artists mastering various art forms.

Doubt and dread cards: Used to affect the sanity of virtuosos.

Muse cards: Each favoring a specific art form and virtuoso.

Other components: Include various tokens and player boards.

How To Setup Bemused

To set up the game, players first assign each player a muse card, which specifies the art form and virtuoso they favor. Each virtuoso card is then placed on the table, and players receive a set of doubt and dread cards. The game begins with each muse trying to influence their favored virtuoso while sabotaging others.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must guess and manipulate each other’s influences.

Resource Management: Managing doubt and dread cards to affect virtuosos.

Objective: The game objective is for a muse to ensure their favored virtuoso remains sane while driving other virtuosos to insanity.

Insanity Mechanic: A virtuoso goes insane when they accumulate a combined total of 5 doubt and/or dread cards.

Player Experience

In **Bemused**, players engage in a complex dance of bluffing, deduction, and strategy. The game demands attention to other players’ actions and clever use of resources. As players navigate the intricate web of influences, they must balance their own goals with the need to mislead others.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and challenging gameplay experience.

Social Interaction: Promotes significant player engagement and bluffing.

Thematic Depth: The muse and virtuoso dynamic adds a unique thematic layer.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: Games can be lengthy due to the strategic depth.

Player Count: Optimal with a specific number of players, which might limit flexibility.

Personal Thoughts on Bemused

**Bemused** is ideal for those who enjoy complex social deduction games and are comfortable with strategic depth. It’s a game that rewards careful planning and clever manipulation, making it a great fit for experienced players looking for a challenging and engaging experience. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to complex board games.

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