Not Alone (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Not Alone is a board game released in 2016 by designer Ghislain Masson and published by Geek Attitude Games. It is a sci-fi themed game that combines elements of bluffing, deduction, and hidden movement. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and immersive experience.

Game Components of Not Alone

10 Place cards representing locations on Artemia

Decks of Survival and Hunt cards

Will counters for the Hunted players

Markers for Rescue and Assimilation

Creature tokens and Hunt cards for the Creature player

Player aid cards

How To Setup Not Alone

To set up Not Alone, place the board, which is formed by arranging the 10 Place cards in two rows, at the center of the table. Initialize the Rescue and Assimilation tracks based on the player count. Shuffle and place the Survival and Hunt card decks near the board. Each Hunted player receives a starting hand of 5 Place cards (numbered 1-5) and 3 Will counters, along with a Survival card. The Creature player starts with a hand of Hunt cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases

Exploration: Hunted players place a Place card face down in front of them, allowing verbal discussion but no secret plans.

Hunting: The Creature places tokens on the board to guess the locations of the Hunted players and may play a Hunt card.

Reckoning: Resolve the actions based on the cards played and tokens placed.

Cleanup: Players discard their cards, and the Creature draws new Hunt cards.

Game Objective

Hunted Players: Survive until the Rescue counter reaches the Victory space by exploring Artemia using Place and Survival cards.

Creature Player: Assimilate the Hunted players by catching them, moving the Assimilation counter to the Victory space.

Player Experience

Not Alone offers a tense and immersive experience, particularly due to its asymmetrical design. The game scales well from 2 to 7 players, making it highly accessible. Players must use deduction, bluffing, and hand management to outguess each other. The Hunted players work together but make individual decisions, adding a layer of strategy and social interaction. The Creature player must appraise the discard piles and behavioral quirks of the Hunted to catch them.

Pros

Thematic and Immersive: The game’s theme and mechanics blend well to create a captivating experience.

High Replay Value: With expansions and promo cards available, the game remains engaging over multiple plays.

Accessible: Easy to learn and teach, with player aid cards and clear instructions on the cards.

Social Dynamics: Encourages interesting social interactions, including camaraderie and misdirection among the Hunted players.

Cons

Decision Density: Some players might find the decision-making process light and less complex compared to other games.

Repetitive Locations: The initial locations (1-5) become familiar quickly, which might reduce surprise over multiple games.

Slight Edge to the Creature: The game has a slight advantage for the Creature player, which can affect balance in some games.

Personal Thoughts on Not Alone

Not Alone is ideal for gamers who enjoy asymmetrical gameplay, cat-and-mouse mechanics, and thematic experiences. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that balance strategy with social interaction. While it may not be the most complex game, its simplicity and accessibility make it a great addition to any board game collection. If you’re looking for a game that combines tension, bluffing, and deduction, Not Alone is an excellent choice.

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