The End Is Nigh (2017) Board Game

The End Is Nigh is a board game released in 2017, designed by Jacob Chaney and Justin Wallace. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, deduction, and humor. The game is known for its cooperative gameplay, memory challenges, and voting mechanics.

Game Components of The End Is Nigh

Player cards: Each player has a set of cards representing different characters.

Bunker cards: These determine the capacity and rules of the bunker.

Asteroid cards: These trigger the end game scenario.

Action cards: Used for deduction and influencing player decisions.

How To Setup The End Is Nigh

To set up the game, each player receives a set of character cards. The bunker cards are shuffled and drawn to determine the bunker’s capacity and any special rules. The asteroid cards are placed within reach of all players to signal the approaching end game. Action cards are distributed evenly among the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deduction mechanics: Players must deduce who among them has the most valuable skills to save in the bunker.

Social interaction: Players negotiate and manipulate each other to determine who stays and who goes.

Game objective: The goal is to ensure the most valuable characters are saved in the bunker before the asteroid hits.

Player Experience

The game offers a tense and interactive experience where players must balance their own survival with the need to make strategic decisions quickly. The social deduction aspect encourages negotiation, bluffing, and strategic thinking.

Pros

Engaging social interaction: Encourages negotiation and social manipulation.

Quick gameplay: Games are relatively short, lasting about 15-30 minutes.

Replayability: High variability due to different character and action cards.

Simple to learn: Easy rules make it accessible to new players.

Cons

Limited depth: Some players might find the game mechanics too simple.

Dependence on player count: Best with 3-6 players; fewer players reduce the social deduction element.

Personal Thoughts on The End Is Nigh

The End Is Nigh is ideal for those who enjoy social deduction games and quick, interactive gameplay. It’s perfect for groups looking for a light-hearted yet strategic game that can be played in a short amount of time. However, players seeking more complex game mechanics or those who prefer solo experiences might find this game less appealing.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.