Insider Black (2020) Board Game

Insider Black is a party game designed by Hiroko Izumida and Jun Sasaki and published by Oink Games in in 2020. It falls under the categories of bluffing, deduction, and party games, making it a fun and engaging choice for game nights with friends and family.

Game Components of Insider Black

42 new, more difficult theme cards

3-minute hourglass

“Black rules” and “team rules” for varied gameplay

“Follower” role card for games with 6 or more players

5 “off-limits question” cards to restrict certain types of questions

Compatible with the original Insider game for team battles involving up to 11 players

How To Setup Insider Black

To set up Insider Black, first shuffle the theme cards and draw one for the current round. Each player receives a role card, with one player being the insider and, if there are 6 or more players, another player being the follower who supports the insider. The off-limits question card is randomly selected and applied for the round. Players then take turns asking questions to guess the correct answer to the quiz while trying to identify the insider.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must deduce who the insider is while trying to answer the quiz correctly.

Questioning Mechanics: Players ask questions to gather information, but must adhere to the restrictions set by the off-limits question card.

Team Play: When combined with the original Insider, players can form teams and compete to find the opposing team’s insider.

Time Pressure: A 3-minute hourglass adds a time limit, increasing the game’s intensity.

Objective: The main goal is to correctly identify the insider and answer the quiz question before the opposing team or players do.

Player Experience

Insider Black offers a dynamic and engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy social deduction and quick-thinking games. The addition of the follower role and off-limits question cards adds complexity and requires strategic thinking. The game is suitable for players aged 9 and above and is designed for 4-8 players, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or group events.

Pros

Increased Complexity: New mechanics like the follower role and off-limits question cards enhance the gameplay.

Team Play: Combining with the original Insider allows for team battles, increasing player interaction.

Time-Efficient: Games are short, lasting only 15 minutes.

High Replayability: With new theme cards and variable off-limits questions, each game is unique.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may need time to adjust to the advanced rules and mechanics.

Dependence on Original Game: While standalone, combining with the original Insider enhances the experience, which may be a drawback for those without the original game.

Personal Thoughts on Insider Black

Insider Black is perfect for those who enjoyed the original Insider and are looking for a more challenging and complex experience. It is ideal for groups of friends or family who enjoy social deduction and quick, intense gameplay sessions. The game’s ability to be played standalone or combined with the original adds versatility, making it a great addition to any board game collection. If you’re a fan of games that require strategic thinking and social interaction, Insider Black is definitely worth checking out.

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