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Suspicion (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Suspicion is a board game released in 2016 designed by Forrest-Pruzan Creative, Prospero Hall, and Brian Kirk. It falls under the categories of bluffing and deduction, making it a strategic and engaging game for players aged 10 and up. The game is published by Wonder Forge and supports 2-6 players, with the optimal player count being 4-5 for the best experience.

Game Components of Suspicion

  • 10 guest movers
  • 1 game board
  • 28 action cards
  • 12 answer cards
  • 10 invitation cards
  • 2 dice
  • 45 gem tiles
  • 1 deduction pad
  • 6 pencils
  • Instructions.

    How To Setup Suspicion

    To set up the game, each player is randomly dealt an identity card from a deck of 10 characters, which they keep secret. The remaining identity cards are placed in a draw deck. Each player also receives a set of “yes/no” cards and two action cards. The game board, a rectangle representing the mansion with 12 rooms, is laid out. Each room has one or two gems of different colors. The character tokens are placed randomly in the exterior rooms of the mansion. Gems of each color are set next to the board, and each player is given a deduction sheet.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Movement Phase:** Players roll two custom dice to move character tokens to adjacent rooms. Each die has five characters and one wild side.
  • Action Phase:** Players choose and execute one of their two action cards, which can include stealing gems, moving characters via secret passageways, peeking at invitation cards, or questioning other players.
  • Deduction:** Players use “yes/no” cards to answer questions about their character’s visibility to other characters.
  • Scoring:** The game ends when one type of gem is exhausted. Players score points for correctly deducing other players’ identities (7 points each) and for collecting gems (1 point each or 6 points for a full set of three different colored gems). The player with the most points wins.

    Player Experience

    Players take on the roles of jewel thieves at a masquerade party, navigating the mansion to steal gems while keeping their identities secret. The game requires strategic thinking and deduction to unmask other players. It is praised for its engaging gameplay, lightweight strategy, and the fun of collecting gems and solving the mystery. However, some players find the learning curve a bit steep, and the deduction sheets can be cumbersome, especially with more players.

    Pros

  • Engaging Gameplay:** Players find the game fun and addictive, with a good balance of strategy and deduction.
  • Lightweight Strategy:** Easy to learn but with enough depth to keep players engaged.
  • Quality Components:** Solid game board, durable pieces, and good-quality cards and tokens.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for families and groups of friends, promoting thinking and laughing together.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** Some players find the rules a bit complicated and hard to figure out.
  • Deduction Sheets:** Can be hard to keep secret and may lead to errors, especially with six players.
  • Visual Clarity:** Some colors on the board can be too similar in lower light environments.

    Personal Thoughts on Suspicion

    **Suspicion** is a great game for those who enjoy deduction and strategy, particularly fans of games like Clue. It’s an excellent choice for families with older children and for groups of friends who enjoy a fun, mystery-solving experience. While it may not be as complex as some other deduction games, it offers a delightful and engaging play experience that is easy to pick up but challenging to master. The game shines best with 4-5 players, where the deduction and strategy elements are more nuanced and exciting.

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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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