Inside Job (2022) Board Game

Inside Job is a card game designed by Tanner Simmons and published by KOSMOS in in 2022. Set in the world of spies and secret agents, this game challenges players to uncover hidden roles and work together to achieve their objectives. With a mix of deduction, hand management, and hidden roles, Inside Job offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience for 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Inside Job

Player cards: Each player has a set of cards for playing tricks.

Mission cards: These specify the objectives for each trick, such as playing cards in increasing order or ensuring specific cards are on suit.

Intel Tokens: Used for wagering and adding an extra layer of strategy.

Special role cards: Include roles like the Bugged Agent and Mastermind to add variability and complexity.

Trump suit indicators: Determine the trump suit for each trick.

How To Setup Inside Job

To set up Inside Job, players first shuffle and deal the player cards. One player is secretly assigned the role of the Insider, while the others are Agents. The Mission Deck is shuffled, and the leading player draws two Mission cards, choosing one to play for the current trick. The chosen Mission card sets the objective and trump suit for that trick.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking: Players take turns playing cards to complete the mission objectives.

Hidden Roles: One player is the Insider, who can play off-suit cards and aims to win a specific number of tricks.

Mission Completion: Agents must complete a set number of missions to win.

Intel Tokens: Can be wagered to change the suit of a card, adding a layer of uncertainty.

Voting Mechanism: If neither the Insider nor the Agents achieve their goals, players vote to identify the Insider.

Special Roles: Additional roles like the Bugged Agent and Mastermind can be introduced to increase complexity and variety.

Player Experience

Inside Job offers a dynamic and fast-paced experience, blending the tactical depth of trick-taking with the suspense of social deduction. Players must navigate the uncertainty of not knowing who the Insider is, while also managing the specific mission objectives. The game is relatively quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes per session, making it easy to play multiple rounds.

Pros

Engaging Blend of Mechanics: Combines trick-taking and social deduction in a unique way.

Quick and Intuitive: Easy to learn and plays quickly.

Variability: Additional special roles can be added to keep the game fresh.

Social Interaction: Encourages paranoia and deduction among players.

Award-Winning: Won the 2024 ASTRA Play Award in the Geek Games category.

Cons

Player Count Sensitivity: Best played with 4-5 players; gameplay is less optimal with fewer players.

Potential for Overpowered Insider: The Insider’s ability to play off-suit can sometimes make the game unbalanced.

Complexity with Additional Rules: Adding all the rules at once can make the game feel overly complicated.

Personal Thoughts on Inside Job

Inside Job is ideal for fans of both trick-taking and social deduction games. It offers a fun, fast-paced experience that is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game is particularly suited for groups of 4-5 players looking for a game that combines strategy and social interaction. While it may not be perfect, especially with the potential imbalance favoring the Insider, the variability and special roles make it a compelling addition to any board game collection.

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