They Live: Assault on Cable 54

Iconiq Studios · Board game · 2022

1–6 · best 4 Solo 120–200 min Weight 3.7/5

54.0 rating Ludopedia

6.5 rating BGG

Buy

54.0 rating Ludopedia

6.5 rating BGG

Buy Ask about Rules

Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

If you love a game with mystery, paranoia, and the vibe of the 'They Live' movie, this one's for you! The Hoffman Lenses are a brilliant touch that really immerses you in the plot.

Highlights

Iconic and functional Hoffman Lenses
Engaging plot and faithful theme
Unique narrative experience each game
High paranoia and deduction

Keep in mind

High language dependency
Complexity might scare some
1-2 player mode in development

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the dark and conspiratorial world of 'They Live: Assault on Cable 54'! Inspired by the cult 1988 film, this narrative adventure game throws you straight into a cooperative campaign where paranoia is the main ingredient. You and your friends (4-6 players) take on hidden roles: some are humans fighting for the resistance, others are alien invaders trying to sabotage everything. The brilliant twist? The legendary Hoffman Lenses come with the game and are essential for trying to figure out who's who, adding a layer of deduction and distrust that will keep everyone on edge! Your mission is to explore Los Angeles, gather resources and allies, and prepare for the final assault on the Cable 54 broadcast station before time runs out. Each character has their own story deck, with events and twists that change with every play, ensuring the experience is always unique. Will you manage to lead the resistance, unmask the aliens, and save humanity, or will the invaders take over the world? The tension mounts as the clock ticks down to midnight, culminating in final challenges that will require everything you've acquired. If you fail, the future is bleak... but if you win, the legend will be yours!

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–6 players

1 REC

2 OK

3 OK

4 BEST

5 BEST

6 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Iconiq Studios

Designer Andrew Aitcheson, Matt Lees

Artist Hugo Dourado, Makistony Carvalho

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions

How many players can participate?

The game is ideal for 4 to 6 players in its main campaign. A 1-2 player mode is currently in development.

How long does a game take?

Games can be lengthy, ranging from 120 to 200 minutes, depending on the number of players and campaign complexity.

Is the game difficult?

With a BGG weight of 3.67, it's considered an intermediate to advanced complexity game, requiring planning and strategy.

What are the Hoffman Lenses?

These are special glasses included with the game, used to try and reveal players' true identities (Human or Invader), serving as a core game mechanic.

Do I need to know the movie 'They Live' to play?

It's not mandatory, but familiarity with the film will certainly enrich the experience and immersion in the theme.

Does the game involve a lot of reading?

Yes, the game has a considerable language dependency, with significant text on story and event cards.

Is it a cooperative or competitive game?

It's primarily cooperative among the humans, but with an element of betrayal and sabotage, as some players are secretly Invaders.