Snakesss (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Snakesss is a party game designed by Phil Walker-Harding and published by Big Potato Games in in 2021. Known for his innovative game designs, Phil Walker-Harding has created a fun and engaging game that combines elements of bluffing, deduction, and trivia. With its humorous theme and hidden roles, Snakesss is sure to keep players entertained for hours on end.

Game Components of Snakesss

Character tokens (Ordinary Humans, Snakes, Mongoose of Truth)

Answer chips (A, B, C, and Snake)

Question cards with multiple-choice questions

Wooden Mongoose of Truth figurine

Scoresheet

Pen for scoring

How To Setup Snakesss

To set up Snakesss, start by determining the number of players, which should be between 4 and 8. Assign each player a set of answer chips and a character token, which will be either an Ordinary Human, a Snake, or the Mongoose of Truth. The Mongoose of Truth reveals their identity and takes the wooden mongoose figurine. The moderator shuffles the character tokens and deals them out. Each player keeps their character secret unless they are the Mongoose. The question deck is prepared, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roles: Players are assigned roles as Ordinary Humans, Snakes, or the Mongoose of Truth.

Question Phase: The moderator reads a question and its possible answers. Only the Snakes get to see the correct answer, which they must keep secret.

Discussion Phase: Players discuss the question for two minutes, with Snakes trying to mislead the others.

Voting Phase: Players place their answer chips face-down and then reveal them. Ordinary Humans and the Mongoose score points for correct answers, while Snakes score points for incorrect answers from other players.

Rounds: The game is played over six rounds, with roles shuffled and redistributed at the start of each round.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the six rounds wins.

Player Experience

Snakesss offers a highly interactive and social experience, with a strong emphasis on player interaction and deduction. The game’s obscure trivia questions create a level playing field, making it accessible to players with varying levels of general knowledge. The hidden roles and the need for Snakes to bluff and double-bluff add a layer of complexity and fun, encouraging active participation and lively discussions among players.

Pros

High Player Interaction: Encourages discussion and social deduction.

Unique Twist on Trivia: Combines trivia with deception elements.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that are quick to understand.

Best with Larger Groups: Ideal for 4-8 players, enhancing the social aspect.

Entertaining Questions: Obscure trivia questions that are fun and educational.

Cons

Potential for Repetition: Questions can become repetitive if the card deck is not expanded.

Moderation Can Feel Clunky: Manual moderation can sometimes feel a bit awkward.

Finite Lifespan: Once questions are seen, they can be remembered, reducing the game’s replay value within the same group.

Personal Thoughts on Snakesss

Snakesss is perfect for anyone who enjoys party games, trivia, and social deduction. It is an excellent choice for family game nights, friend gatherings, or any setting where interaction and fun are paramount. The game’s unique blend of mechanics ensures it stands out from other trivia games, making it a fresh and engaging addition to any game collection. However, it is particularly suited for groups of 4-8 players to fully leverage its social and deceptive elements.

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