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Passengers (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Passengers is a board game designed by Joost Das and published by FableSmith. It was released in 2023 and is a game that involves bluffing, deduction, and negotiation. The game is set in a futuristic world where players take on the roles of passengers on a space cruise ship, each with their own hidden agenda.

Game Components of Passengers

  • Cloaked and masked passenger figures (Souls and Demons)
  • Two boats
  • Unique Gifts that grant special abilities
  • Voices (voting tokens)
  • Riverbank and Afterlands setting components
  • Player tokens and masks

    How To Setup Passengers

    To set up the game, players are divided into factions. Each player places passenger figures facedown in one of the two boats. When placing passengers, players collect unique Gifts that provide insights and special abilities. The setup involves strategic placement of passengers to either help the Souls reach the Afterlands or smuggle Demons across.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Social Deduction:** Players must deduce who among them is working to smuggle Demons.
  • Bluffing:** Players can share information, bluff, or remain silent to influence the vote.
  • Tactical Communication:** Deciding when to share information and when to keep it hidden is crucial.
  • Voting:** Players vote on which boat to send out to the Afterlands.

    Game Objective:

  • The goal is to ensure the boat with the most Voices (votes) is sent out.
  • For the Souls faction, the objective is to get as many Souls as possible to the Afterlands.
  • For the Demons faction, the objective is to smuggle Demons across without being detected.

    Player Experience

    Passengers generates a lot of discussion and tension as players never know what other players have placed until the very end. The game encourages strategic thinking, clever placement of passengers, and effective communication. It is praised for its engaging gameplay, amazing artwork, and the ability to create a fun and interactive experience even for players who do not typically enjoy social deduction games.

    Pros

  • Engaging Gameplay:** Encourages strategic thinking and tactical communication.
  • High Replayability:** Different placements and strategies each game.
  • Great Artwork:** Visually appealing components.
  • Player Interaction:** Promotes discussion and social interaction among players.
  • Unique Mechanics:** Expands on the social deduction genre with new mechanics.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for new players due to the bluffing and deduction mechanics.
  • Length:** Games can be lengthy due to the voting and discussion phases.
  • Player Count:** Requires a minimum of 4 players, which can be a barrier for smaller groups.

    Personal Thoughts on Passengers

    Passengers is ideal for groups of friends or gaming communities that enjoy social interaction and strategic gameplay. It is a great fit for those who appreciate the challenge of bluffing and deduction, and it offers a unique twist on traditional social deduction games. However, it may not be the best choice for players who prefer simpler, more straightforward games or those who are new to the social deduction genre.

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    • 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

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