# The Menace Among Us

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2019
- **BGG Rating**: 6.9
- **BGG Rank**: #6648
- **Players**: 4-8 (Best with: 7)
- **Duration**: 40-60 min
- **Weight**: 1.78 / 5
- **Designers**: Jeff Gum
- **Artists**: J Hause
- **Publishers**: Smirk & Dagger Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Yayoi The Dreamer
- **Categories**: Card Game, Deduction, Science Fiction
- **Mechanics**: Semi-Cooperative Game, Traitor Game, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you're into that hidden traitor tension, but with a touch of hand management and bluffing, The Menace Among Us is a treat! It blends the urgency of a space survival game with the paranoia of who's on your side, offering an immersive experience full of twists. It's a game that shines with larger groups, where deduction and manipulation are even more delicious.Constant traitor tensionInnovative card mechanicsInteresting asymmetric powersIntense player interactionEngaging sci-fi themeBest with larger groupsInitial learning curveMight frustrate bluff-averse playersRECOMMENDED

## Description
Embark on a tense journey of intrigue and survival in deep space with The Menace Among Us! Your vessel is adrift, powerless, and bleeding oxygen, and the crew must unite to make urgent repairs before the air runs out. But, as always, not everything is as it seems: imposters are infiltrated among you, ready to sabotage efforts and eliminate the crew, either by force or by asphyxiation. The question is: can you identify them in time, or will you succumb to the menace lurking in plain sight?

This is an asymmetrical card game for 4 to 8 players, with matches lasting 40 to 60 minutes. At the start, each player receives a secret Agenda: it could be a loyal Crew member, a dangerous Menace, or a Coward who just wants to survive, no matter the side. Your Agenda defines your team and individual goals, as well as special abilities and the composition of your initial 13-card deck. Then, you choose a Character who adds 7 more cards to your deck, creating a unique combination, and grants two specialized Above Deck Actions. Gameplay focuses much more on how you use your cards and abilities than on direct accusations. 'Below Deck Actions' are played secretly and shuffled, where Menaces sabotage and the Crew tries to repair. If too few crew members risk going below deck, EmMA (Emergency Maintenance Assistant) helps, but can also introduce damaging cards, providing an excuse for the Menaces. Above Deck Actions, however, are visible to all, but cost vital resources like Energy and Oxygen. Distrust is key: did someone act strangely to fulfill a personal goal, or are they a Menace? You can vote to expose them, but if you're wrong, you waste precious oxygen. The Crew wins if they eliminate the Menaces and restore Energy to a safe threshold before oxygen runs out. The Menaces win if they prevent this or eliminate the Crew. Surviving and achieving your individual goal still earns commendation points!

## FAQ
### How many players can play The Menace Among Us?
The game is designed for 4 to 8 players, making it ideal for larger groups who enjoy a lot of interaction and deduction.

### What is the average game duration?
A game of The Menace Among Us typically lasts between 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and the intensity of the discussions.

### Is it a complex game to learn?
The complexity is moderate (BGG weight 1.7778/5). Basic rules are easy, but mastering card interactions and bluffing strategies takes a few plays. The learning curve is fun!

### What are the main objectives in the game?
The crew needs to restore the ship's power and eliminate the Menaces. The Menaces, in turn, want to prevent this or kill the crew. Additionally, each player has a secret individual goal to achieve.

### What are 'Below Deck Actions' and 'Above Deck Actions'?
'Below Deck Actions' are played secretly, where Menaces sabotage and the Crew repairs. 'Above Deck Actions' are visible to everyone, but usually cost vital ship resources.

### Is it a game for those who enjoy bluffing?
Absolutely! Bluffing is a crucial part of the experience, especially for the Menaces and the Coward. Deduction and the ability to deceive others are highly valued skills here.

### What's the difference between Agenda and Character?
Your Agenda defines your secret role (Crew, Menace, Coward) and your general objectives. The Character you choose afterward adds specific cards and abilities to your deck, helping you fulfill your Agenda or disguise your true identity.

## Price Comparison
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