The Thing: The Boardgame
- Designer Giuseppe Cicero , Andrea Crespi
- Publisher Pendragon Game Studio , ADC Blackfire Entertainment , Delta Vision Publishing , Galakta , Geekach LLC
- Illustration Davide Corsi , Riccardo Crosa
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take on roles in the Antarctic base from the film 'The Thing,' with one player secretly the Thing aiming to infect others. Humans must manage resources like food and generators to survive and prepare escape routes. The game creates tension through paranoia and voting while players perform actions in different base rooms influencing survival. Social deduction and teamwork are key.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players and horror fans aged 14 and up, with about 90 minutes playtime. It suits those who enjoy complex social interactions and hidden role mechanics. Prior experience with hidden role or traitor games helps but is not mandatory.
How It Works
The Thing combines Hidden Roles with Semi-Cooperative gameplay where one player is the Thing trying to infect others. Players vote and manage the base together, performing actions in various rooms. The traitor sabotages facilities to hinder humans. The balance of cooperation and betrayal drives the gameplay tension.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Andrea Crespi, The Thing won the 2022 UK Games Expo Best Boardgame (Strategic Style) Judges Award. It uniquely blends the film’s atmosphere with social deduction mechanics like Hidden Roles and Traitor Games, faithfully recreating the movie’s setting.
Awards
2022
Pro
- Atmospheric horror theme based on 'The Thing' film
- Combination of Hidden Roles, Semi-Cooperative Game, and Voting
- Solo mode and supports up to 8 players
- Winner of the 2022 UK Games Expo Best Boardgame (Strategic Style) Judges Award
Contra
- Relatively complex rules for beginners
- About 90 minutes playtime requires patience
- Recommended for ages 14 and up, not for younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the Antarctic research station Outpost 31 from the horror film 'The Thing,' players experience paranoia as an alien creature hides among them.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on team communication and closely observe player behavior to identify or conceal the Thing’s role.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, The Thing: The Boardgame supports solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 90 minutes plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with hidden role or deduction games is helpful but not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines the film’s horror theme with hidden roles and semi-cooperative mechanics in a detailed base setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and age recommendation of 14+, it’s better suited for older teens and adults.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Hidden Roles, Semi-Cooperative gameplay, and Voting creates a unique mix of cooperation and betrayal.
Fazit
The Thing is recommended for fans of horror and social deduction games with up to 8 players and solo mode. Those who appreciate paranoia and resource management will find a thematic experience here.
