The game my friends and I chose to play is called Spyfall and was created by Alexandr Ushan. It’s originally a board game, also available as an online game and as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The targeted audience is everyone ages 13+.
Spyfall is a social deduction game that is played with 3-8 players. In each round, one player is randomly selected to be the Spy, while the other players are given a location card that describes a specific place (e.g. a beach, a hospital, a space station, etc.). The goal of the non-Spy players is to identify who the Spy is, while the Spy’s objective is to figure out the location without revealing their identity. Players take turns asking each other questions related to the location card. The Spy must try to answer the questions in a way that suggests they know where they are, while the other players must try to ask questions that reveal their knowledge of the location without giving away its identity to the Spy.
Each round lasts for 8 minutes, and at any point during the round, a player can accuse someone of being the Spy. If the majority of the players agree, the accused player must reveal their identity. If they are the Spy, the non-Spy players win. If they are not the Spy, the Spy wins.
Games that are similar to Spyfall include Werewolf, The Resistance, and Among Us. One of the main things that sets Spyfall apart from other social deduction games is its unique premise. Unlike Werewolf or The Resistance, where players take on specific roles with assigned abilities, Spyfall places players in a shared environment and asks them to identify who among them is the Spy. This gives the game a different feel, as players are not sure who they can trust and must rely on deduction and bluffing to succeed. Another aspect that sets Spyfall apart is its accessibility. The game is easy to learn and can be played by both casual and hardcore gamers. It has a lighthearted theme and doesn’t require players to have a deep understanding of game mechanics or strategy.
Spyfall is fun starting off because game’s deduction and bluffing elements keep everyone on their toes, as players must carefully consider their questions and responses to avoid giving away too much information or revealing their true identity. Additionally, the game’s short rounds and multiple locations keep the gameplay fresh. But after a while, Spyfall becomes a bit boring, because it’s easy to figure out the strategy and the premise doesn’t really change.
One way that would make Spyfall more engaging would be to add props and costumes that can help players get into character and make the game more immersive. For example, if the location is a beach, players could bring beach towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses to help set the scene. This can also make the game more memorable and enjoyable.
A moment that was entertaining/a success was when the spy (Raagavi) decided to ask the first question, which made it seem like she wasn’t the spy. She also pointed out that one of the players was suspicious and other players believed her. This use of technique made the game a lot more entertaining.
Overall, spy fall is definitely very fun for a few rounds!
