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Witch Hunt (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Witch Hunt is a party game designed by Kyle Brockman and published by Chocolate Pi Games in in 2016. It is a deduction game where players take on the roles of villagers trying to uncover who among them is a witch. With its variable player powers and print-and-play format, Witch Hunt offers a unique twist on the classic social deduction game genre.

Game Components of Witch Hunt

  • 22 poker-sized character cards
  • 22 poker-sized team cards
  • 8 jumbo-sized rule cards
  • 6 jumbo-sized moderator script cards
  • A notepad for the moderator
  • Tarot-sized cards for in-game reference

    How To Setup Witch Hunt

    To set up the game, one player is chosen to be the moderator, who is not involved in the game except to manage it. The moderator selects and shuffles the character cards, pairing each with a Villager or Witch card, and distributes them secretly to the players. The moderator also uses a notepad to keep track of the character roles and team affiliations. Jumbo-sized cards are placed on the table as reminders of the character roles.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Social Deduction
  • Variable Player Powers
  • Voting
  • Modular Board (through use of cards)

    Game Objective

  • Villagers: Eliminate all the Witches.
  • Witches: Eliminate all the Villagers or ensure the Witches outnumber the Villagers.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Day Phase: Players discuss and vote to hang a suspected Witch. If a majority is not reached, the Judge may execute someone.
  • Night Phase: Various characters perform their tasks in a specific order, including the Gravedigger, Demons, Angels, Witches, Priest, and others.
  • Character Powers: Each character has unique abilities, such as the Priest checking a player’s allegiance, the Gravedigger identifying dead players, and the Apprentice learning from other characters.
  • Afterlife: Dead players become Angels or Demons, influencing the game with protection or hexing abilities.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Witch Hunt** is a complex and engaging experience. The game requires strategic thinking and active participation from all players, as they navigate the intricate web of character powers and alliances. The dynamic nature of the game, where even dead players can influence the outcome, adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: The game offers a rich and challenging experience with multiple layers of strategy.
  • High Replayability: With numerous character powers and random assignments, each game is unique.
  • Engaging Mechanics: The use of Angels and Demons in the afterlife adds a fascinating twist to the traditional Werewolf genre.
  • Comprehensive Rules: Includes detailed rule cards, a FAQ, and an online web app to help manage the game.

    Cons

  • Complexity: The numerous character powers can be overwhelming for both the moderator and players.
  • Memory Demand: Keeping track of all the powers and their triggers is mentally taxing.
  • Potential for Errors: The complexity can lead to mistakes, affecting the game’s flow.

    Personal Thoughts on Witch Hunt

    **Witch Hunt** is a game tailored for an advanced audience who enjoy complex social deduction games. It rewards players who are willing to delve deep into its mechanics and relationships between characters. While it can be challenging and occasionally frustrating due to its complexity, the game offers a unique and highly engaging experience for those who persevere. If your group is patient and enjoys strategic depth, **Witch Hunt** might be the perfect addition to your gaming repertoire.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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