Ahhhh...Mascarade, a game designed by Bruno Faidutti, where confusion is so dense in the air, that even the one who caused it may be as confused as the rest. Confused? It's alright, some of us everyone is too.
GAME INFO
Components: 13 character cards, 1 blank Character card (Beggar), 1 Courthouse board, Coins to a total value of 194, 14 character tokens including the blank, 5 game aids, 1 rule book
No. of players: 4-13 players, with a three-player and two-player variant
GAMEPLAY
So depending on the number of players, the game adjusts itself so that it will make the game well balanced. You can even experiment with different cards, but there must be the Judge and at least one-third of characters brings money into the game.
Each player will be given an initial amount of 6 coins. Once the cards have been selected, each player will be given a card faced-up, and any excess cards are placed on the middle of the table faced-up as well. Once everyone has a good look of the cards on the table, flip all the cards.
In this game, the youngest player will start first, but whoever starts first is fine. The first player must take their card and either someone else's card or the card on the middle faced-down, then take it under table (that's why you cannot play this game with a glass table!) without looking and either swap them --- or not. Then the player returns the card back to their original positions. The next three players, going clockwise, must do the same swapping action.
After the first four actions have been completed, the players now have one of three actions to perform:
Swap cards --- or not: Players take their card and another card under the table (without looking) and swapping them or not. The cards are then replaced back to their positions.
Secretly look at their card: Yes, this is one of those games where looking at your card IS a turn.
Announce "their" character: Players can choose to announce themselves as one the character in play. (This is where the character tokens come in play, to remind players of what characters are in play and what they individually do.)
NOTE: It's possible to have no character's ability activated if the involved players have the wrong cards!
The game ends when a player reaches 13 coins or more, or when someone reaches bankruptcy (0 coins), and in both cases, the richest player wins, with tied victory being possible.
THE OPINIONATED GUY SPEAKS
First of all, I must say --- the artworks are so so gorgeous! Soo beautiful that I just gotta sleeve them all. The card size is the same size as Dixit cards (which are huge, in case you didn't know). The game also includes a blank character card, which is the Beggar card, so if you have a great idea for a character ability, you can add that in! Share your version of the Beggar card ability in the comment section below :)
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| Just look at the details! |
Secondly, this game is really game of simplicity, with only three types of action to take, but with so much depth! Deceptions and confusion is so dense in the air, you probably choke! (You've been warned)
Thirdly, this game plays itself very well with no matter the amount of players! In the three-players and two-players variant, you not only announce your character, but also point at the card you think is it. Meanwhile, the two-players variant also introduces a "protected card", which is the card closest to the player, so your opponent cannot take that card from you, but at the same time you cannot activate that card's ability. Much more depth!
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Three-players variant |
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| Two- players variant |
This game is played based on two abilities: information tracking and being able to lie with a straight face. An odd combination, but beautifully combined in this game.
Ultimately, this game is a great party game of confusion and deception, as players strive to win aimlessly, while onlookers will just laugh like nuts at how someone claims to be the King, but turns out to be the Queen!
Category: Light Game / Party Game
Ratings: 8.5/10 stars
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