Chameleon Review

The first thing that hooked me was the box. It’s a clever peek a boo window. It looks like nothing, and then, voila! You see the chameleon hidden in plain sight. Chameleon was designed by Rikki Tahta and published by Big Potato Games. The game plays 3-8 players. It was one of those games you keep seeing when browsing. Eventually, it ends up in your cart

We logged 16 plays in the few years we owned it. It had a good run. But we are currently on a mission to clear up the shelves. We’re being ruthless about games that aren't getting consistent table time. Bluffing games are not my forte. Party games are not my wife's. Since this one doesn't get consistent table time, it had to be rehomed

Objective

Everyone at the table knows the secret word. Except for the player holding the Chameleon card. The non chameleons need to identify the imposter. The chameleon’s goal is to blend in and avoid detection. And if they get caught? They get one final chance to guess the secret word and steal the win

How to Play

Set up:

1️⃣ Pick a topic card

2️⃣ Deal out secret code cards to everyone (here's where I pray that I don't get the You are the Chameleon card)

3️⃣ Roll the dice

Then, the fun begins:

1️⃣ Each player says one word to describe the secret word. The point is to be vague and the Chameleon tries to blend in

2️⃣ Once everyone has given a clue, decide as a group who the Chameleon could be

3️⃣ Point at the suspect. The player with the most points reveals their card. If they are the Chameleon, they get to try to guess the secret word

🏆 If a non Chameleon card is revealed or if the Chameleon gets the word correctly, they win

Who Is This For?

Casual groups. Anyone wanting a quick party game. If you like bluffing or social deduction games

Pros

⚡ Quick to teach

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Family friendly

🎲 High replayability

🍟 Snappy and fast to play

🔄 Plays well at any count, but it definitely shines at 6+

Considerations

📦 The original box feels a bit bigger than it should, but the components are small enough and the game is simple enough to take it on the go. Allegedly there is a travel edition, and I think I would like it

📉 After a few plays, the game gets predictable

🤥 Tough if you aren't good at bluffing, don't ask me how I know

Bottom Line

The Chameleon is a snappy, approachable social deduction game. Anyone can play this game and at any setting. If you are looking for something similar, check out A Fake Artist Goes to New York