The Pretender (2018) Board Game

The Pretender is a party game designed by Hazel Reynolds and published by Gamely Ltd in in 2018. It is a card game that involves deduction and humor, where players act out various scenarios to determine who the Pretender is among them.

Game Components of The Pretender

A set of cards, each with two categories and 10 entries per category.

One special card labeled “Pretender” 10 times.

A small instruction sheet.

How To Setup The Pretender

To set up the game, shuffle the cards and distribute them randomly among 4 to 6 players. Ensure the Pretender card is included. Before each round, choose one of the two categories and have the first player select an entry from that category. The Pretender receives no information about the specific entry, only the category.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 4-6 players.

Age Recommendation: 12 years and above, though younger players can also enjoy it with some guidance.

Play Time: Approximately 15 minutes per round, with the option to play multiple rounds.

Objective: The other players must identify the Pretender, while the Pretender must blend in and avoid detection or guess the correct entry to win.

Gameplay:
– Each player, including the Pretender, mimes the chosen entry.
– After all players have mimed, they discuss and vote on who they believe is the Pretender.
– If the Pretender is correctly identified and cannot guess the entry, the other players win. Otherwise, the Pretender wins.

Player Experience

The Pretender is a family-friendly game that encourages creativity and social interaction. Players must balance between miming clearly enough not to be suspected as the Pretender and subtly enough to avoid giving away the entry. The game fosters laughter and strategic thinking, making it an enjoyable experience for both adults and children.

Pros

Compact and Portable: The game comes in a small box, making it easy to take anywhere.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that can be learned quickly.

High Replay Value: Multiple rounds can be played, and the game remains engaging.

Encourages Creativity and Social Interaction: Players must think creatively and interact closely to succeed.

Cons

Potential for Repetition: As players become familiar with the entries, the game can become less challenging and less exciting over time.

Discussion Phase Can Be Delicate: Players must be careful not to give away too much information during the discussion phase, which can be a fine line to tread.

Personal Thoughts on The Pretender

The Pretender is an excellent choice for families, social gatherings, and anyone looking for a light-hearted yet engaging game. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy charades and social deduction games. While it may not be as complex as some other games, its simplicity and interactive nature make it a great addition to any game collection. It is ideal for breaking the ice and fostering a fun, competitive atmosphere among players.

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