Game Review: Salem 1692

 Where Accusations Fly and Friendships Die...

If you’ve ever wanted to point at your best friend, shout “WITCH!” and send them to a metaphorical noose while giggling maniacally, Salem 1692 is your new favorite game. This deliciously dramatic social deduction game throws you headfirst into the chaotic hysteria of colonial Massachusetts, where trust is a liability and betrayal is basically a party trick. With a faux-leather magnetic box that looks like a dusty old book straight off a haunted library shelf, Salem 1692 sets the mood before you’ve even opened the lid—and once you do, it’s game on.

Each player takes on the role of an actual historical villager—think Pastor Parris, Mary Warren, or the infamous Tituba—and is secretly handed Tryal cards revealing whether they’re a witch or an innocent soul just trying not to get hanged. The twist? You can never play a card on yourself. That means you’re at the mercy of your fellow players, who may or may not want to save you from the rope. Cue the finger-pointing, double-crossing, dramatic gasps, and endless cries of “I swear I’m not a witch!” that only make you look more guilty.

The game really shines as the chaos ramps up. Players can hurl red accusation cards at each other, lock folks up in the Stocks, force them into an Asylum, or awkwardly tie them to someone else with a Matchmaker card (you haven’t lived until you’ve been romantically paired with a witch). Then there are the black cards: Night has everyone shut their eyes as witches secretly strike, while Conspiracy forces everyone to swap Tryal cards like a game of evil musical chairs. Suddenly, the innocent guy who’s been defending you all game might just be possessed—or at least, very suspicious.

And let’s give a shout-out to the theme here. Salem 1692 doesn’t just wear its history on its sleeve—it throws on a tricorn hat and starts yelling about spectral evidence. The character bios in the rulebook add a cool, creepy vibe, and the box looks amazing sitting on a shelf pretending to be an ancient tome. This isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. A dark, ridiculous, theatrical experience where your sibling throws you under the bus to win and you immediately demand a rematch.

Bottom line? Salem 1692 is an absolute blast. It’s fast, funny, and full of paranoia-fueled drama. Whether you're rooting out witches or causing chaos from the shadows, every round is packed with surprises and laugh-out-loud moments. Just remember: in this town, loyalty is for suckers and innocence won’t save you. So grab your pitchfork, practice your most outraged gasp, and get ready to burn some bridges… or witches.