The Amberden Affair (2013) Board Game

The Amberden Affair is a murder/mystery board game designed by Michael Domeny and released in in 2013. It is a real-time game that involves hidden roles, pick-up and deliver mechanics, and simultaneous action selection. The game is designed for 3-6 players and has a playing time of around 45 minutes. The artwork for the game was done by Two Penny Games, LLC.

Game Components of The Amberden Affair

Player character cards

Miscreant card

Task cards

Item cards

Manor board

Tokens for tracking progress and health

How To Setup The Amberden Affair

To set up the game, players first place the Manor board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a character card, which outlines their unique abilities and strengths. The task cards, item cards, and tokens are distributed according to the rules. One player is secretly assigned the miscreant role, adding an element of intrigue and deception to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must figure out who among them is the miscreant.

Task Completion: Players complete tasks to earn points.

Item Usage: Items can be used to help or hinder other players.

Hidden Roles: One player is a miscreant with different objectives.

Objective: Honest players aim to complete tasks and identify the miscreant, while the miscreant seeks to sabotage the efforts and remain undetected.

Player Experience

In The Amberden Affair, players take on the roles of domestic servants in Amberden Manor, navigating a grand soiree while trying to uncover the imposter among them. The game is played over three rounds, each with a new miscreant, adding a layer of complexity and replayability. Players must balance completing their tasks with the need to suspect and deduce the true identity of the miscreant.

Pros

Interactive and Social: Encourages communication and deception among players.

Replayability: Different roles and tasks each game ensure varied experiences.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance task completion with social deduction.

Theme Immersion: The espionage and manor setting adds a rich thematic layer.

Cons

Complexity: New players may find the rules and roles confusing initially.

Player Count: Optimal with 4-6 players; fewer players may reduce the game’s impact.

Luck Element: Item and task draws can introduce randomness that affects gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on The Amberden Affair

The Amberden Affair is perfect for fans of social deduction games like “Mafia” or “Werewolf,” and those who enjoy strategic gameplay with a twist of deception. It is ideal for groups looking for an engaging and interactive experience that challenges both social skills and strategic thinking. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a purely competitive or linear gameplay experience.

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