Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Perfect for groups who love dark humor and absurd arguments; the fun is all in the persuasion!
Highlights
- High social interaction
- Extremely simple rules
- Acidic and irreverent humor
- Supports very large groups
Keep in mind
- Heavily dependent on group chemistry
- Humor may be too dark for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for the most absurd moral dilemma of your life! Trial by Trolley transforms the famous trolley problem philosophy experiment into a chaotic and hilarious party game. The premise is simple: there is a runaway trolley, and someone has to decide who gets crushed. In each round, one player takes on the role of the Trolley Operator (the judge), while the others split into teams fighting desperately for their lives.
The dynamic is all about manipulation and argumentation. Players use cards to build the tracks, placing people (or things) in the way. There are 'angelic' cards, which attempt to make your side look like the morally correct choice to be spared, and 'demonic' cards, used to sabotage the opposing track, making it an irresistible target for the murderous trolley. To spice things up, track modifiers add layers of absurdity to the situation.
The heart of the game isn't just in the cards, but in the persuasion. You'll have to convince the Operator that the death of your opponents is the only logical (or funniest) way out. The Operator ponders the bizarre scenario and decides which track will be destroyed. Those who survive win the round. Featuring the iconic art style of Cyanide & Happiness, the game is fast, cruel, and perfect for those who love dark humor and enjoy watching their friends try to save themselves through ridiculous arguments. It's less about complex strategy and more about who can be the most convincing — or the most sarcastic — person at the table.
The dynamic is all about manipulation and argumentation. Players use cards to build the tracks, placing people (or things) in the way. There are 'angelic' cards, which attempt to make your side look like the morally correct choice to be spared, and 'demonic' cards, used to sabotage the opposing track, making it an irresistible target for the murderous trolley. To spice things up, track modifiers add layers of absurdity to the situation.
The heart of the game isn't just in the cards, but in the persuasion. You'll have to convince the Operator that the death of your opponents is the only logical (or funniest) way out. The Operator ponders the bizarre scenario and decides which track will be destroyed. Those who survive win the round. Featuring the iconic art style of Cyanide & Happiness, the game is fast, cruel, and perfect for those who love dark humor and enjoy watching their friends try to save themselves through ridiculous arguments. It's less about complex strategy and more about who can be the most convincing — or the most sarcastic — person at the table.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
REC
5
BEST
6
REC
7
BEST
8
REC
9
REC
10
REC
11
OK
12
OK
13
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Skybound Tabletop, 999 Games, Broadway Toys LTD, CoolPlay, Explosm Games, Gameology (Gameology Romania), Gémklub, KADABRA, Kaissa Chess & Games, Lucky Duck Games, Magellan, MINDOK, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Ігромаг
Designer
Scott Houser
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
12,191owners
620wishlist
34want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is this game suitable for children?
No. The game features adult themes, dark humor, and violent situations (albeit in a comedic tone), making it suitable for adults.
How many people can play?
It's great for crowds, supporting anywhere from 3 to 13 players.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple, and you can explain it to your group in just a few minutes.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on how long you spend arguing and trying to convince the judge.
Is there a high language dependency?
Yes, since the game relies on reading cards and arguing, language dependency is moderate.
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