Sometimes as a kid you can feel the need to watch out for your neighbor. You never know what they’re hiding, you never know what could be going on locked in the basement next door. These are the worries your imagination can bring up as a small child and it’s up to you and your friends to get in that basement, find out what’s going on and figure out the plot of your neighbor. Today we will look at a game that finds out what’s going on next door and who among you might be the traitor!
The Secret Neighbor Party Game is published by Arcane Wonders and designed by Wild Optimists. Art by Stephen Gibson and it is based in the world of Hello Neighbor designed by Tiny Build and Dynamic Pixels. It plays 5-10 players.
Overview
In The Secret Neighbor, you and your friends are competing against the Neighbors. The kids are trying to figure out who to trust and get them keys to unlock the basement. If the kids use the keys, they win! The Neighbors are trying to avoid detection and get others to vote them to open doors. If a Neighbor uses a key, they win!
Gameplay
The game is started with a Leader who will give out cards, moderate discussion, etc during the game. Basically they help the game runs smooth. The roles are passed secretly to each player and they will either be a Kid or a Neighbor. Then Object cards are passed to players based on player count. The keys are set aside based on number of players.
The game starts with everyone in a circle and the Leader instructs eyes closed then the Secret and regular Neighbors see each other. Then eyes are opened and the first phase begins!
Phase 1-Trading
This is where the game gets dynamic. Players will get up and walk around to trade Object cards. P{layers ultimately are trying to get a set of three cards. Trades are done quickly, as a 2 minute timer might be helpful here as well. Once all players are done, they sit down. Phase 1 is over when everyone is seated or the timer is done if you choose to go with the timer.
Phase 2-Powers
Here players that have collected 3 matching Object cards can use them. they can be used against other players or for collecting info. Players announce they want to use them, Leader decides order if multiple people want to use them at once. Players may also discard their hand to gain new cards. Once everyone has played their cards that want to and all hands are back to 4 cards, Phase 1 restarts and the Trading Phase begins again!
The Unlock Vote
Depending on the number of players, keys are kept in the middle of the play area until a player uses the Magnet to obtain a key. Once all keys are found a player can call for an Unlock vote anytime during the Powers Phase. Once a player has been nominated or seconded, a vote is placed for them to use the key. if the majority vote unlock, the player either opens one of the locks on the door if they are a Kid or refuse to if they are a Neighbor. If a Neighbor is voted, they win and if all the locks are opened by kids they win!
Impressions
Party games can be a hit or miss experience depending on the game and the people you play it with. Some games are ideal at a certain player count as well to be the best experience. The Secret Neighbor Party Game hits the right spot on a lot of these areas. It is a solid game from an interactive party experience. It has been enjoyable with adults and younger players alike. And it played well at player counts 6-8 for us. I did not play it at the ends of 5, 9 or 10 players but I imagine it plays well there as well.
This party game is a real party, as it requires players to get up and move. Now this can be a deterrent to some so keep that in mind if you are interested in this one. Players need to walk around and interact with each other quite a bit-shouting across the room won’t do it. So if you have a group that likes to move around and have a good time, this is a perfect fit.
The materials are great also, the cards and artwork are solid and the keys are big and chunky. If you are familiar with the IP that’s an even better thing here also, as some of the kids who have played the video game were.
Gameplay-wise this is a solid choice for something a little different than the standard hidden role games as it offers players a chance to use objects that can affect the game throughout. I like that there is some randomization for them in players hands but that you also have to work hard to wheel and deal, making relationships and alliances that you may need to lean into later in the game.
Overall I have to recommend this one to gamers looking for a deduction game with a little more meat on the bone, giving players a chance to really interact and move around to solve the puzzle. Playing both the Kids and the Neighbors is a fun challenge and one I look forward to diving into a bit more. The Secret Neighbor Party Game has found a place on my shelf, and I recommend you check this one out as well!
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