Werewolf-style hidden identity board games and party games are one of the most popular genres of games out there. So redone and remade and played with and reskinned and deconstructed that it almost becomes exhausting seeing the same basic mechanics repackaged in increasingly boring ways. So when you get a version that’s actually trying something different with the format it’s enough to make you sit up and pay attention. And that’s Pagan: Fate of Roanoke from Capstone Games, which takes much of the form of a game of Werewolf (secret witches, investigating townsfolk, etc.) and turns it into a much deeper strategy game between two players on (relatively) equal terms.
What’s In The Box?
- 50 Hunter Cards (Events, Allies, Locations, Investigation)
- 50 Witch Cards (Charms, Brews, Familiars, Enchantments)
- Hunter Tokens (30 Clues, 9 Evidence, 3 Action Pawns)
- Witch Tokens (30 Secrets, 20 Favors, 2 Action Pawns, 1 Familiar Action Pawn)
- 2 Influence Discs, 2 Player Aid Cards, 2 Scenario Cards
- 9 Villager Cards, 9 Suspect Cards, 3 Village Overview Cards
- 1 Village Board, 1 Enchantment Board, 1 Hunter Board and 1 Witch Board
While the production quality isn’t my favorite, Maren Gutt’s artwork is a total highlight for me in its ability to look creepy and cartoony at the same time. There’s lots of colors that are well-balanced with deep shadows and grotesque faces. It really helps make this a good game for Halloween. I also appreciate that it still sticks closer to an authentic 17th century vibe with the look. It’s not as realistic as Salem: 1692, but it’s not nearly as fanciful as others in the genre.
How’s It Play?
The game is a battle between a Witch (who is working to carry out a ritual to take control of the whole village) and the Witch Hunter (whos is trying to stop them). In between are nine villagers, each of them with secrets and strengths that make them great allies or dangerous enemies depending on their circumstances. The Witch Hunter is trying to figure out who is a witch, the Witch already knows who they are, and must use their more mundane abilities of invesitgation and interrogation to combat the witches bevy of potions, spells and familiars.
Mechanically, this is quite similar to a worker placement game. Each side has their own actions they can take while using their actions to “Activate” different villagers to fit their needs. This could be magical enchantment or getting things from allies in the case of the Witch. For the Hunter this could me a raid on their house to gather evidence or gain a new ally against the darkness. There’s plenty of little tricks and tools in your kit on either side and the developers have gone out of their way to make it as balanced as possible.
The Verdict?
I’m, of course, a sucker for this game and loved every minute of it. Great art and a highly thematic playstyle meant it’s got great legs as something I’ll be whipping out for the spooky season from here on out. However, its nature as a two-player only game limits how much you can play it a bit. The strategy aspects are super deep and the need to only account for one other person definitely helps the developers put in lots of options, but I do wish this could be something I could bring to parties. All in all, this is an excellent title for people looking for a deeper and more cozy horror game that really stretches out your brain without skimping on the spooky. And if you’re like me, it’s a refreshing break from the infinite games of Werewolf.
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You can grab Pagan: Fate of Roanoke from the Capstone Games shop, Amazon, or your FLGS at an MSRP of $44.99.
Images and review copy via Capstone Games and EMI Films
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