| | | | | | |

Mascarade (second edition) (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Mascarade is a popular card game designed by Bruno Faidutti that has seen a second edition release in in 2021. The game is set in a medieval setting and is known for its party game elements, making it a great choice for larger groups of players.

Game Components of Mascarade

  • 17 Mask cards
  • 80 1-value Coins
  • 24 5-value Coins
  • 1 Justice board
  • 1 Bank insert
  • 9 Scenario sheets
  • 6 player aids
  • 1 rulebook.

    How To Setup Mascarade

    To set up the game, each player starts with 6 coins and a mask. Players must read and remember all the masks before the game begins. The masks are then turned face down, and the game is ready to start.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:** Bluffing, Secret identity, Deduction, Betting and Bluffing, Hidden Roles, Memory, Variable Player Powers.
  • Actions:** On your turn, you can secretly look at your mask, exchange (or pretend to exchange) your mask with another player, or use your mask’s power.
  • Objective:** The first player to accumulate 13 coins wins the game. If a player loses all their wealth, the game ends, and the player with the most coins wins.

    Player Experience

    Mascarade is a game of deception and strategy where appearances are often deceiving. Players must don the right mask at the right moment, use its power effectively, and amass a fortune while navigating frequent mask swaps that can leave everyone uncertain about who is behind which mask. The game is highly variable, with 15 different characters, ensuring no two games are ever the same.

    Pros

  • High Variability:** With 15 different characters and the ability to create custom scenarios, the game offers a lot of replayability.
  • Easy to Learn:** The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to new players.
  • Social Interaction:** Encourages bluffing and deduction, enhancing social interaction among players.
  • Quick Games:** Games are relatively short, lasting between 15-30 minutes.

    Cons

  • Complexity in Large Groups:** With 4-12 players, the game can become chaotic and difficult to manage with larger groups.
  • Luck Factor:** The frequent mask swaps introduce a significant element of luck, which might not appeal to all players.
  • Initial Confusion:** New players might find the initial mask swap phase confusing until they get accustomed to the game mechanics.

    Personal Thoughts on Mascarade

    Mascarade is perfect for those who enjoy social deduction games with a healthy dose of bluffing and strategy. It’s ideal for larger groups looking for a quick, engaging game that doesn’t require a lot of setup. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with less luck involved or those who struggle with complex social dynamics in larger groups. Overall, Mascarade is a fun and challenging game that will keep you guessing and laughing with friends and family.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *