Mascarade (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mascarade, designed by Bruno Faidutti, was released in 2013 by Repos Production. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, medieval, and party game, making it a versatile choice for game nights with friends and family. The game is set in a medieval masquerade ball, where players take on hidden roles and try to deceive each other to win the game.

Game Components of Mascarade

17 Mask cards, each representing a unique character like the King, Queen, Bishop, Judge, Thief, and more.

80 1-value Coins and 24 5-value Coins.

1 Justice board and 1 Bank insert.

9 Scenario sheets.

6 player aids.

How To Setup Mascarade

To set up Mascarade, each player starts with six coins and a random face-up role card that all players can see. After everyone has viewed each other’s cards, the cards are turned face-down. The first four players then perform an initial swap action, where they take their role card and another player’s role card, hold them under the table, and either swap them or pretend to swap them before returning the cards to their respective places. Any remaining components are set aside.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Variable Player Powers: Each character has a unique special ability.

Memory: Players must remember who has which character.

Bluffing: Players can claim to be any character, even if they are not.

Game Objective

The goal is to be the first player to gain 13 Coins.

Players can achieve this by using their character’s abilities, swapping cards, or bluffing about their character.

Each character’s ability varies, such as the King taking coins from the bank, the Bishop taking coins from the richest player, or the Fool swapping cards of other players.

Player Experience

Mascarade is a game of deception and misdirection, where players constantly swap and bluff about their characters. The initial turns create a chaotic mix of identities, making it challenging to keep track of who is who. As the game progresses, players must balance memory, deduction, and bluffing to accumulate coins. The game’s humorous and unpredictable nature makes it engaging and entertaining, but it can also be confusing for new players until they grasp the mechanics.

Pros

High Replayability: With multiple characters and random swaps, each game is unique.

Simple Yet Complex Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Great Artwork: The game features excellent artwork, adding to its thematic charm.

Wide Player Range: Supports 2 to 13 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.

Cons

Initial Confusion: New players may find the rules and gameplay confusing at first.

Memory Intensive: Requires good memory to keep track of the swaps and character abilities.

Potential for Lengthy Games: While games typically last 30 minutes, they can sometimes extend longer due to the complexity of the swaps and challenges.

Personal Thoughts on Mascarade

Mascarade is ideal for groups looking for a game that combines social interaction, strategy, and a dash of humor. It’s perfect for those who enjoy games like poker, where bluffing and deception are key. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer straightforward, rules-heavy games. For experienced gamers and newcomers alike, Mascarade offers a unique and engaging experience that challenges and entertains equally.

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