The Presence
The Presence at your next game night?
Add The Presence to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Sam Gullman
- Publisher Purple Lantern Games
- Illustration Leonie Magnusson , Sergey Shirobokov
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You play a Victorian-era ghost story where a game can be fully cooperative or one-versus-all, but players don’t know which at first. One player is a spirit with unknown aims; the others are visitors who must interpret clues, cope with darkness and isolation, and decide whom to trust. The spirit moves ethereally across the house, leaving hints through its actions as secrets of the house are revealed.
Who Is This Game For?
For experienced groups who enjoy atmospheric deduction, social interaction and tension. With a 90-minute duration it is an extended experience and benefits from players familiar with hidden-role or team-based deduction games.
How It Works
The Presence blends Hidden Roles, Deduction, Hand Management and Action Points. One player controls the spirit while others control visitors; there are Variable Player Powers and Variable Phase Order. Visitors are constrained by doors and passageways on the board, the spirit can affect multiple locations and players learn from clues left by spirit actions.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Sam Gullman. The game merges Hidden Roles, Memory and a Finale Ending within a One-versus-Many framework set in spooky old houses, making uncertain loyalties the central tension.
Pro
- Strong asymmetry from One-versus-Many and Hidden Roles
- Deductive gameplay driven by clues and Memory elements
- Variable Player Powers and Phase Order increase replay variety
- Atmospheric horror theme with social tension
Contra
- 90-minute duration makes it an extended play session
- Not ideal for groups avoiding social confrontation
- Requires players comfortable with deduction and communication
Setting & atmosphere
A Victorian ghost-story set in an eerie house: visitors explore rooms and corridors while a spirit haunts the building in non-physical form. The theme is explicitly drawn from the game's description.
Tips for beginners
Discuss priorities as a group and treat clues carefully; experience with hidden-role games shortens the learning curve.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No — minimum player count is 2, so there is no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 90 minutes; first plays and setup may extend that time.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with hidden-role or deduction games is helpful; it leans toward a more experienced audience.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines Hidden Roles with Action Points, Hand Management and a Finale Ending, emphasizing uncertain loyalties and clue-based deduction.
Is this suitable for families?
Minimum age is 12; thematically and mechanically it fits older players or families with teen members.
What mechanic makes it special?
The pairing of Hidden Roles and Deduction with Variable Player Powers is the standout mechanical feature.
Fazit
The Presence is recommended for groups seeking an atmospheric, deductive horror session. It is less suitable for players wanting short, non-confrontational games.
The Presence at your next game night?
Add The Presence to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add The Presence to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
