Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you enjoy a tense two-player showdown with bluffing and alien invasion, "They've Invaded Pleasantville" is a classic 80s pick!
Highlights
- Guaranteed tension and bluffing
- Classic invasion theme
- Quick and intense matches
- Sci-fi simulation
Keep in mind
- Two-player only game
- Slightly dated rules
- Focus on area movement
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a silent invasion in "They've Invaded Pleasantville", a TSR minigame that throws you right into a tense battle between humans and disguised aliens. Released in 1981, this game is pure adrenaline for two players who enjoy bluffing and strategy. One player takes on the role of the Alien, secretly controlling Pleasantville citizens, turning them into alien zombies and expanding their domain. The other player is the Citizen, who needs to unmask the threat, convince the population, and fight against the alien-controlled before it's too late. Each turn is a dance of deception: the Alien player secretly moves pieces, swapping normal people for controlled ones, while the Citizen tries to identify and neutralize the infiltration. The fun lies in fooling the opponent, using the random movement of citizens as a distraction, and perhaps finding the alien base to end the invasion plan. It's a quick game, with 12 turns, ideal for those who enjoy classic sci-fi themes like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", and like a tense match full of twists. With simple yet effective components, it delivers a small-scale cold war experience where paranoia and deduction are your greatest weapons. Perfect for a focused and strategic game night.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Tactical Studies Rules (TSR)
Designer
Michael Price
Artist
Bill Willingham, Dave LaForce, Erol Otus, Jeff Dee, Jim Roslof
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
607owners
66wishlist
30want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can participate?
This game is designed exclusively for 2 players.
How long does a game session last?
A complete game lasts about 45 minutes, with 12 set turns.
What is the game's complexity?
The complexity is considered low to medium, with a BGG weight of 2.06. It's easy to learn but requires strategy.
Is it a traditional wargame?
It's classified as a wargame, but focuses more on infiltration, bluffing, and area control than direct combat.
What type of player is this game recommended for?
Recommended for fans of science fiction, classic alien invasion movies, and players who enjoy bluffing and deduction mechanics.
What are the main components?
The game uses cardboard chits to represent citizens and controlled aliens, along with a board depicting Pleasantville.
Does the game involve a lot of luck?
There's an element of luck in the random movement of citizens, but the Alien player's strategy and bluffing are crucial for victory.
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