The Menace Among Us (2019) Board Game

The Menace Among Us is a board game released in 2019 by Smirk & Dagger Games. Designed by Jeff Gum and illustrated by J Hause, this game falls under the categories of card game, deduction, and science fiction. With a runtime of 40-60 minutes and recommended for ages 14 and up, The Menace Among Us is a semi-cooperative game where players must work together to survive on a spaceship while also trying to uncover the traitor among them.

Game Components of The Menace Among Us

Character cards: Each player has a unique character with special abilities and a role.

Action cards: Players use these to repair the ship, increase oxygen, or sabotage the vessel.

Role cards: Determine whether a player is a loyal crew member or a traitor (the Menace).

Personal goal cards: Provide additional objectives that may contradict the main team goal.

Below Deck action cards: Random cards drawn from the ship’s AI, EMMA.

Oxygen and energy tracks: Track the ship’s vital resources.

Laser pistol: Used for accusing and voting to exile players.

Plastic tokens: For tracking wounds, oxygen, and energy.

How To Setup The Menace Among Us

Setup involves each player receiving a character card, role card, and a set of action cards based on their character and role. The decks are pre-made but shuffled to ensure a unique combination each game. Players also receive personal goal cards that add an extra layer of complexity. The game board is set up with the oxygen and energy tracks, and the Below Deck action cards are prepared according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Semi-cooperative gameplay: Players work together to repair the ship while some players (the Menace) sabotage the efforts.

Hidden roles: Players do not know who the traitors are.

Asymmetric deck-building: Each player’s deck is unique based on their character and role.

Action card play: Players play cards face down, which are then revealed and resolved.

Accusation and voting: Players can accuse and vote to exile suspected traitors.

Resource management: Manage oxygen and energy levels to keep the ship operational.

Character abilities: Special powers that can be used to help or hinder the mission.

Player Experience

The Menace Among Us offers a tense and exciting experience, similar to Battlestar Galactica but condensed into a 40-minute game. Players must deduce who the traitors are while managing the ship’s resources. The game encourages careful observation and strategic card play. The inclusion of personal goals adds a layer of complexity, making each player’s actions potentially ambiguous. Accusations and voting create a social deduction element, where players must balance the risk of exiling a loyal crew member against the need to eliminate the traitors.

Pros

Quick gameplay: Fits into a 40-minute time frame.

High replayability: Unique decks and personal goals ensure varied gameplay.

Engaging social deduction: Encourages careful observation and strategic accusations.

Intuitive gameplay: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Vibrant gray area: Actions can be interpreted in multiple ways, adding depth to the game.

Cons

Less enjoyable at lower player counts: The game is more stable and enjoyable with higher player counts.

Risk of losing oxygen: Exiling a loyal crew member can significantly harm the team’s chances.

Dependence on EMMA: Random draws from the ship’s AI can sometimes hinder rather than help.

Personal Thoughts on The Menace Among Us

The Menace Among Us is ideal for groups looking for a social deduction game with a cooperative twist. It’s perfect for fans of Battlestar Galactica who want a shorter, more streamlined experience. The game’s mechanics and personal goals make it appealing to both new and experienced players, as it balances simplicity with depth. It’s a great introduction to hidden role games, offering a lot of replay value and strategic depth in a compact package.

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.