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Secret Identity (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Secret Identity is a deduction party game designed by Johan Benvenuto, Alexandre Droit, Kévin Jost, and Bertrand Roux. It was released in 2022 by Funnyfox and has quickly gained popularity among gamers who enjoy hidden roles and voting mechanics.

Game Components of Secret Identity

  • 8 Personal Safes (player boards)
  • 64 Voting Keys
  • 8 Mystery Keys
  • 1 Main Board
  • 90 Double-faced Picto Cards
  • 150 Double-faced Character Cards
  • 8 Markers
  • 8 Scoring Tokens.

    How To Setup Secret Identity

    To set up Secret Identity, start by placing the main board on the table and setting up the eight character cards around it. Ensure that all players are familiar with the characters; if not, replace them with others from the 150 available character cards. Each player receives a colored board, a set of keys, and a scoring marker. The eight gold Mystery Keys are shuffled and placed face down in the middle of the table. Each player selects one Mystery Key, which indicates their secret identity for the round, and tucks it away secretly into their player board. Players are also dealt 10 Picto cards, which they will use to give clues about their character.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Guess the hidden identities of other players while trying to make them guess yours.
  • Gameplay:**
    – Each player selects up to six Picto cards to place on their board, with three spaces for icons that are like their character and three for icons that are not.
    – Players use these Picto cards to give clues about their secret identity.
    – After setting up the Picto cards, players make guesses by placing their colored keys into each other’s boards.
    – Players score points for each correct guess made about their character and each correct guess they make about other players’ characters.
    – The game consists of four rounds, with new characters and Mystery Keys used each round.

    Player Experience

    Playing Secret Identity is a delightful and challenging experience. The game requires strategic thinking and creative use of the Picto cards to give effective clues. Players must balance giving clear clues without making it too easy for others to guess their identity. The game encourages engagement and interaction among players, with minimal downtime as everyone works simultaneously to give clues and make guesses. The cooperative variant adds a new layer of strategy, where players work together to guess a single character’s identity.

    Pros

  • Engaging Gameplay:** Encourages active participation and creative thinking.
  • Variety of Characters:** Includes 150 double-sided character cards, ensuring a wide range of personalities to guess.
  • Cooperative Variant:** Offers a different gameplay experience where players work together.
  • Well-Designed Components:** The double-sided Picto cards and the player boards are well-crafted and functional.

    Cons

  • Limited Picto Cards:** Players must manage their Picto cards carefully as they do not get replenished, which can lead to challenges in later rounds.
  • Character Recognition:** Some players, especially younger ones, may not be familiar with all the characters, requiring adjustments during the game.
  • Catch-Up Rule:** While the catch-up rule helps players who are far behind, it may not be sufficient to keep all players engaged.

    Personal Thoughts on Secret Identity

    Secret Identity is an excellent choice for those who enjoy party games and deduction mechanics. It is ideal for groups of 3-8 players and works well in both competitive and cooperative settings. The game is particularly enjoyable in social gatherings where creative communication and teamwork are appreciated. However, it may be less suitable for players who prefer games with continuous resource replenishment or those who struggle with recognizing a wide range of characters. Overall, it offers a fun and challenging experience that keeps players engaged and laughing throughout the game.

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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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