Blood on the Clocktower, by Steven Medway and published by The Pandemonium Institute, is a social deduction game for 5-20 players. I remember going into Millennium Games with a friend, and when they saw this game, they picked it up immediately. They are cautious about buying new games. I’ve never seen them buy into the hype, so I knew this would be a good game. The game is large and intimidating; however, it is fun to play and easy to learn as long as you are not the storyteller.
Have you played it? I have enjoyed this game with the storyteller plus 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 players. I prefer to play this game with at least ten players. I am curious to try it at the maximum player count. Unfortunately, I am terrible at deception and social deduction games. I have an affinity for picking the demon role and getting caught quickly. Nonetheless, I do enjoy organizing and playing this game from time to time.
Unless you are the storyteller, you will receive a sheet explaining the possible roles you could draw from the bag. These roles are divided into townsfolk, outsiders, minions, and demons. The game cleverly scales the number of each type of player based on the total number of participants.
The game revolves around protecting the mysterious town of Ravenswood Bluff from a hidden group of evil minions and demon(s) trying to spread chaos and eliminate the townsfolk. Can the townsfolk work together and identify the demons before they are killed? Kudos to every storyteller, as the game would not be the same without them! Every playthrough is unique, and knowing your fellow players can help you deduce who is bad at lying or who might betray you for their own gain.
Components
The game has a very well written and detailed rulebook
Large book looking game box that serves as the storyteller’s grimoire. This will let the storyteller keep track of who is who including who is dead, who’s alive, who can act at night, and all other game conditions
Unique character tokens
Setup sheets
Character sheets for different scenarios
Not included but extremely necessary, a storyteller that has strong narrative and facilitation skills
Gameplay
If you’ve played Mafia, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, or any social deduction or hidden role party game like that, you’ll be able to play this game right away. I think the hardest part is making sure that there is someone willing to be the storyteller.
The game is divided into day and night phases. During the day, players discuss, strategize, and propose accusations. Players can also engage in private whispers, adding another layer of intrigue. Night falls, and the Storyteller secretly activates players' unique abilities. This allows the demon(s) and their minion(s) to plot against the townsfolk. Based on the gathered information and deductions, players vote to eliminate a suspected demon during the day phase. The game continues until either the townsfolk or evil team achieves their objective.
As you play this game more, you might find yourself wanting to share the storytelling responsibility. While being the Storyteller is fun because you orchestrate the game, it also means you don't get to participate in the discussions and deductions alongside everyone else.
Key Features
Variable roles and abilities: Every character has a unique ability, keeping the experience fresh and unpredictable
Storyteller-driven narrative: The Storyteller guides the game, creating a compelling narrative and adding elements of surprise and suspense
Hidden identities and social deduction: Players must deduce who is trustworthy and who is hiding a sinister agenda
Ghostly persistence: Even after elimination, players can continue influencing the game as ghosts. This let’s players that are no longer playing continue to be invested in the outcome of the game
Pros
Highly replayable: The variety of roles and modules ensures no two games are ever the same
Engaging social experience: Encourages cooperation, deduction, and persuasive storytelling
High player interaction: Keeps everyone involved throughout the entire game
Strong thematic atmosphere: Creates a truly immersive experience
Relatively easy to explain: The game is complex, yet simple to learn. The player sheets really help newcomers and experienced gamers when playing with different player counts or scenarios
Cons
Requires a large group: The game shines best with a high player count, which might be challenging to gather
Relies heavily on the Storyteller: A skilled and engaging Storyteller is crucial for a successful experience. In addition, the storyteller has to manage the game, and this can be daunting at times
High cost: The game can be considered expensive compared to simpler social deduction games
Learning curve: Even though the game is easy to explain, there are various character roles and unique abilities that can take time for players to effectively grasp and strategize against
Unfavorable Environment for Soft-Spoken Players: The game can be heavily influenced by strong personalities. Soft-spoken individuals might find it difficult to get their voices heard, leading to frustration and a less enjoyable experience
Conclusion
Blood on the Clocktower offers a unique twist on the social deduction genre. It fosters intense social interaction, deduction, and storytelling through a highly interactive and dynamic experience. However, it requires a large group and a skilled Storyteller to truly shine. If you're looking for a game that thrives with 10 or more players, this could be a fantastic choice.
While I'm not typically a fan of social deduction games, I found Blood on the Clocktower surprisingly intriguing and enjoyable. However, keep in mind that the experience can vary based on the number of players and the Storyteller's skill. Gameplay can range from a quick 20 minutes to over an hour.
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