Trial by Trolley (2020) Board Game

Trial by Trolley is a party game that was released in 2020 by Skybound Tabletop. Designed by Scott Houser, this game is meant for mature audiences and is perfect for a group of 3-13 players. The game revolves around a moral dilemma where players must choose between two groups of people to save from an oncoming trolley.

Game Components of Trial by Trolley

500 high-quality cards, including innocent, guilty, and modifier cards

A simple, heavy weight paper trolley track “game board”

Death tokens

Optional: dividers for the card decks (not included, but recommended)

How To Setup Trial by Trolley

To set up the game, players designate one player as the conductor and split the remaining players into two teams. Each team is assigned to one side of the track. Players draw cards: three innocent cards, three guilty cards, and three modifier cards per team. Each team places a random innocent card in the first slot on their side, adds another innocent card in the second slot, and places a guilty card on the opponent’s track. Finally, modifier cards are placed in the modifier slots on either side of the track. Once the board is set up, all players debate to convince the conductor which side should be spared.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 3-13

Game Category: Party Game, Adult Card Game

Mechanics: Card Drawing, Team Play, Negotiation, Argumentation

Objective: Teams must argue and convince the conductor to choose their side of the track, ensuring their characters are not killed by the trolley. The conductor decides which side dies based on the arguments presented.

Player Experience

Trial by Trolley is a game that thrives on player interaction and creative argumentation. Players enjoy the hilarious and often ridiculous scenarios presented by the cards, which can lead to lively debates and laughter. The game is easy to learn and can be taught even to intoxicated players, making it a great addition to any party. However, the experience can vary greatly depending on the group’s dynamics and the judge’s (conductor’s) engagement.

Pros

Fun and Engaging: The game generates a lot of laughter and creative arguments.

Easy to Learn: Simple instructions make it accessible to a wide range of players.

High Replayability: With 500 cards, the game offers numerous unique scenarios.

Social Interaction: Encourages team play and lively discussions.

Quality Cards: High-quality cards with humorous artwork.

Cons

Bias in Judging: The conductor’s bias can significantly impact the game’s fairness.

Imbalanced Cards: Some cards are perceived as imbalanced, making certain decisions too easy or too hard.

Variable Group Dynamics: The game’s enjoyment depends heavily on the players’ willingness to engage and argue creatively.

Potential for Boredom: The game can become less engaging after several rounds if the group’s enthusiasm wanes.

Personal Thoughts on Trial by Trolley

Trial by Trolley is ideal for groups of friends who enjoy humor, debate, and social interaction. It works best with larger groups where the energy and creativity of the players can shine through. While it may not be as nuanced as some other games, it excels in its ability to create a fun, argumentative atmosphere that can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. However, it’s crucial to have a group that is willing to engage fully and play to the game’s strengths, as it can fall flat with a less enthusiastic or biased group.

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