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Dead Last (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Dead Last is a party game released in 2016 by designers Matthew Grosso and Andy Patton, and published by Smirk & Dagger Games. The game is designed for 6-12 players and has a runtime of 45-60 minutes. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, negotiation, and party game, with gameplay mechanics such as player elimination, prisoner’s dilemma, simultaneous action selection, take that, and voting.

Game Components of Dead Last

  • Player ID cards: Each player has a colored standee and a corresponding ID card.
  • Player decks: Each player receives a deck containing cards representing every other player’s color, plus an “Ambush” card in their own color.
  • Gold bars: Four Gold bars are laid out face down at the start of each round.
  • Final Showdown cards: For the final round, players use “Share,” “Steal,” and “Grab One & Go” cards.

    How To Setup Dead Last

    To set up the game, each player stands their ID card in front of them and takes out a card for each player’s color, including their own. The Gold bars are shuffled and four are laid out face down.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Simultaneous Action Selection: Players vote simultaneously on who to eliminate.
  • Take That: Players vote to eliminate each other.
  • Voting: Players conspire and vote on whom to kill each round.

    Game Objective

  • The goal is to be the last player standing or one of the last two to participate in the Final Showdown.
  • Players must accumulate points from the Gold bars; the game ends when a player reaches the designated points total (25 points for 6-9 players, 24 points for 10-12 players).

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Game Phases

    1. **Conspire Phase: Players have 90 seconds to communicate and conspire using any means (e.g., glances, nods, gestures) to decide whom to eliminate.
    2. **Vote Phase: Players vote by selecting a card of the player they want to eliminate and placing it face down.
    3. **Resolution Phase: The player with the most votes is designated the “Target” and is eliminated. Any player who did not vote for the Target is also eliminated. If a Target plays an “Ambush” card, they can eliminate one of their assassins instead.
    4. **Final Showdown: When only two players remain, they play a final round using “Share,” “Steal,” and “Grab One & Go” cards to divide the Gold bars.

    Player Experience

    **Dead Last** is a fast-paced game that thrives on social interaction, betrayal, and cunning. Players must navigate complex non-verbal communication to form alliances and eliminate targets without tipping them off. The game is highly entertaining, especially as players muster up creative ways to signal their intentions without alerting their targets. The Final Showdown adds a layer of strategic bargaining, making the game a delightful mix of social deduction and tactical play.

    Pros

  • High Social Interaction: Encourages creative and subtle communication among players.
  • Fast-Paced: Rounds are quick, keeping the game engaging and dynamic.
  • High Replayability: Different player dynamics and strategies ensure each game is unique.
  • Simple to Learn: Easy rules, yet deep in strategic possibilities.

    Cons

  • Requires Minimum 6 Players: Not suitable for smaller groups.
  • Potential for Stale Gameplay: Some players may find the gameplay repetitive after multiple sessions.
  • Box Storage Issue: The box is not large enough to hold all the components neatly.
  • Final Showdown Can Be Underwhelming: Some players find the final phase less exciting compared to the rest of the game.

    Personal Thoughts on Dead Last

    **Dead Last** is perfect for groups of friends or party gatherings where social interaction and a bit of mischief are welcomed. It’s ideal for players who enjoy games like Mafia or Cash n Guns but are looking for something with a quicker setup and more fluid gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer more complex game mechanics or are averse to player elimination and betrayal. If you’re in the mood for a game that combines strategy, social deduction, and a healthy dose of fun, **Dead Last** is an excellent choice.

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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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