- BGG rank
- BGG #2,297
- BGG rating
- 7.2
The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31
- 4–8 players
- 60–120 min
- Complexity 2.3/5
- 2017
- BGG rank
- BGG #5,603
- BGG rating
- 7.0
The Message
2009
Rules assistance for The Message
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 3–9 players
- 30–60 min
- 15+
- Complexity 2.4/5
For 3 players
Rules assistant for The Message
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
The Message is a board game released in 2009 for 3–9 players, 30–60 minutes per game, and ages 15 and up. Its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers, Hand Management, and Team-Based Game.
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About the game
Chinese-themed card game created by Qian Qi Animation. The card game uses the theme of the Chinese Movie The Message. 3 Kinds of Cards Identity: x9 Characters: x18 Function: x81 Its rules are similar to Shadow Hunter combined with Coach Ride To Devil's Castle. Initially, each player randomly select one of the three identities - Underground, Army, Passby. In addition, each player has one character out of 18 difference one to get difference special character ability. All function cards divided into three information - Red, Blue or Black (false information). Besides, all function cards can be used for its special function. During each round, each player draws two function cards. Then, the player transmit one of his function cards to other player as an information. Others player try to collect his requested information while avoid any False information (black). Apart from acting as an information card, function cards can be used for their special function to interrupt information, burnt away false information etc. Any player has received three black information will be dead. Underground will wins if he collects three Red information cards while Army wins if he collects three Blue information. Passby needs to achieve their special mission based on his characters in order to win.
Publishers
- Arclight Games
- Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
- Qian Qi Dong Man
Questions and answers
The Message supports 3–9 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for The Message is 30–60 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists The Message for ages 15 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
The Message has a complexity rating of 2.4 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
The Message belongs to these categories: Card Game, Deduction, and Bluffing. Its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers, Hand Management, and Team-Based Game. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The catalogue lists The Message as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.