One game that I played and would like to analyze is “Among Us” by InnerSloth, a popular social deduction game that took the internet by storm during the pandemic.
In terms of formal elements, “Among Us” is a multiplayer game that pits players against each other in a battle of wits and deception. The game is played by 4-10 players divided into two teams: the innocent crewmates, who are trying to identify and eliminate the sneaky impostors, and the deceitful impostors, who are trying to blend in and eliminate the unsuspecting crewmates. The objective of the game is simple: the crewmates must identify and eliminate the impostors before they are all killed, while the impostors must eliminate all of the crewmates before they are discovered. The rules of the game dictate how players can move around the spaceship, complete tasks, and call emergency meetings to discuss and vote on suspicious players.
One of the most notable elements of “Among Us” is the emergency meetings that are called when players suspect that there is an impostor among them. These meetings are intense moments of tension and deception, as players try to convince each other of their innocence or guilt while also trying to figure out who the impostor is. The thrill of trying to outsmart your opponents and the rush of being the one who finally uncovers the impostor make these meetings incredibly fun and exciting.
Compared to other games in its genre, “Among Us” differentiates itself through its focus on player interaction and deception. Other social deduction games may have similar mechanics, but “Among Us” puts a strong emphasis on these elements. The friends I played this were on their toes the entire time, which is something that is rare.
One moment of particular success for me in the game was when I was able to successfully eliminate an impostor during an emergency meeting. It was a satisfying moment of playing a good detective and also gaining respect from friends.
To improve the game, I would expand the map and types tasks. This would keep the game fresh and enhance the overall gameplay experience. It would also allow players to experience different gameplay scenarios and strategies, making each game unique and unpredictable. However, I understand that the rigid premise and tasks of the characters also makes for an easier onboarding for new players.
