Inhuman Conditions (2020) Board Game

Inhuman Conditions is a board game designed by Mackenzie Schubert, released in in 2020. It is a unique blend of bluffing, deduction, party game, and science fiction elements, making it a stand-out choice for players looking for something different.

Game Components of Inhuman Conditions

Investigator and Suspect roles: One player is the Investigator, and the other is the Suspect.

Conversation prompts: Cards containing themes and questions for the conversation.

Penalty cards: Penalties for robots if they violate their constraints or try to kill the Investigator.

Role cards: Define the Suspect’s role (Human, Patient Robot, or Violent Robot) and their note (occupation or description).

Stamps and forms: For administrative tasks and recording the outcome.

Timer: A five-minute timer for the interview phase.

How To Setup Inhuman Conditions

To set up the game, players first decide who will be the Investigator and who will be the Suspect. The Suspect’s role and note are randomly determined, and a penalty card is selected. The Investigator chooses four questions from the provided prompts, which are centered around a specific theme. The Suspect must perform the penalty task a few times for calibration. The Investigator then records the Suspect’s name and note on a form and places the stamps accordingly. The five-minute timer is started, and the interview begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Investigator’s goal: Determine whether the Suspect is a Human or a Robot within the 5-minute conversation.

Suspect’s goal: If a Robot, avoid arousing suspicion or complete tasks to kill the Investigator; if a Human, speak freely without raising suspicion.

Conversation phase: The Investigator asks questions, and the Suspect responds while adhering to their role’s constraints.

Penalties: Robots must perform penalties if they violate their constraints.

Final decision: The Investigator makes a final determination at the end of the timer.

Player Experience

Playing Inhuman Conditions involves a deep dive into role-playing and social deduction. The game feels like a gamified version of the Voight-Kampff test from Blade Runner, where the Investigator must use psychological gambits to uncover the truth. The administrative tasks and calibration phase add to the immersive experience, making players feel like they are part of a chilling bureaucracy. However, the game can be challenging, especially for the Suspect, who must balance their responses carefully to avoid suspicion.

Pros

Immersive theme: The game’s setting and mechanics create a highly immersive and thematic experience.

Role-playing opportunities: Players can engage in significant role-playing, especially during the calibration and interview phases.

Accessibility: The game is available under a Creative Commons license and can be played online or via print-and-play.

Unique gameplay: Combines social deduction with conversational mechanics, making each game unique.

Cons

Limited tension: Some players find the game lacks the necessary tension, particularly due to the mercy in its mechanisms.

Complexity in rules: While the core concept is simple, the rules and setup can be somewhat complex.

Limited player count: Designed specifically for two players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Inhuman Conditions

Inhuman Conditions is ideal for those who enjoy social deduction games and role-playing. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the thematic depth and the challenge of conversational judo. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking high-tension gameplay or those who prefer games with larger player counts. The game’s unique mechanics and immersive setting make it a standout in its genre, but its execution may vary in terms of fun and coherence for different players.

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