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

74 cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Donner Dinner Party

Shuffle the deck of cards.

Deal each player 1 character card and 3 action cards.

Place the reminder card within easy reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns playing action cards to perform various actions such as hunting for food, stealing from other players, or even eating their opponents. The game objective is to be the last player standing, avoiding being eaten by the other members of the party.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick and easy to learn

Dark humor and theme can be engaging for some players

Provides a unique twist on the bluffing and deduction game genre

Cons:

Player elimination mechanic can leave eliminated players bored

Limited replayability, as strategies can become repetitive

Theme may not be suitable for all players

Personal Thoughts on Donner Dinner Party

Donner Dinner Party offers a morbidly intriguing theme and a unique twist on traditional party games. However, the player elimination mechanic and limited replayability may not appeal to all players. The game’s build quality is decent, and its pricing is affordable for a party game. While it may not be suitable for all audiences, those interested in dark humor and bluffing games may find it worth their time. It is recommended for adult players who enjoy macabre themes, while those who prefer more lighthearted party games should probably skip this one. If you enjoy Donner Dinner Party, you may also like similar games such as Coup or The Resistance.

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