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Suspicious (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Suspicious’ is a board game released in 2021 that falls into the categories of bluffing, card game, deduction, party game, spies/secret agents, and word game. It is designed by Dujardin and Jumbo and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game involves hidden roles, deduction, real-time gameplay, and a traitor element, making it a thrilling experience for 4-8 players.

Game Components of Suspicion

  • Player tokens and non-player tokens**
  • Custom dice** with 10 suspect characters and a wild side
  • Action cards** with two actions each
  • Identity cards** for each of the 10 suspects
  • Gem tokens** of three different colors
  • Deduction sheets**
  • Yes and No cards** for questioning
  • Game board** featuring a mansion with 12 rooms

    How To Setup Suspicion

    To set up the game, each player draws an identity card from the deck of 10 suspects and keeps it secret. The unused identity cards are placed in a deck near the board. The tokens for all suspects are randomly placed in the exterior rooms of the mansion. Each player starts with two Action cards. The gem tokens are placed according to the rooms on the board, and each player receives a deduction sheet.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Movement and Action phases: Players roll the custom dice to move suspect tokens to adjacent rooms. Then, they choose one of their Action cards to perform two possible actions: steal a gem, pocket a specific jewel, move a player via a secret passageway, peek at an invitation card, or question another player about their character’s visibility.
  • Deduction: Players gather clues by asking questions and observing the movement of suspects. The goal is to uncover the identities of other players while keeping your own identity secret.
  • Scoring: Points are awarded for each gem collected, with bonuses for complete sets of gems and correctly deduced identities. The game ends when one of the gem stacks is depleted, and the player with the most points wins.

    Player Experience

    **Suspicion** offers a thrilling detective experience, where players must balance stealth and deduction. The game’s retro heist vibe and the interactive nature of moving suspects and stealing gems make it engaging. However, the game may appeal more to adults and older children due to its complexity and the need for strategic thinking.

    Pros

  • Engaging theme: A unique blend of Clue and the Pink Panther, offering a fun and mysterious atmosphere.
  • Interactive gameplay: The movement and action phases keep players actively engaged and guessing.
  • Deductive challenge: The game requires strategic thinking and deduction to uncover other players’ identities.
  • Simple to learn: Despite its complexity, the game is relatively easy to teach and learn.

    Cons

  • Limited character uniqueness: The characters, while suspicious, lack unique and iconic traits.
  • Deduction limitations: The deduction sheets can become cumbersome, especially with more players, and the game lacks the ‘What’ and ‘Where’ aspects of Clue.
  • Dependence on player count: The game’s enjoyment can vary depending on the number of players, with six players being less ideal due to deduction sheet limitations.

    Personal Thoughts on Suspicion

    **Suspicion** is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy deduction and mystery. While it falls short of the complexity and depth of Clue, it offers a fresh and engaging take on the whodunit genre. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic thinking and social interaction during gameplay. However, it may not be as captivating for younger children or those who prefer more straightforward games.

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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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