Bristol 1350
- Players
- 1-9
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 7 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 40 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.6 / 5
- Year
- 2021
About the game
The dreaded Black Death has descended upon Bristol, and you're racing an apple cart out of town before the plague catches up with you. This semi-cooperative game blends racing, hidden roles, and social deduction: everyone shares a cart, but not everyone is willing to admit they might be carrying the plague. Roll rat and apple dice to move your cart down the street while quietly protecting your own skin. Part team effort, part selfish scramble, Bristol 1350 rewards players who can read the table as much as roll well. It's the fourth entry in Facade Games' Dark Cities series, following Salem 1692, Tortuga 1667, and Deadwood 1876.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team enjoys how quickly the tension ratchets up once someone starts hesitating to reveal information: that's when the real game begins. It plays fast for a hidden-role game, and the plague theme gives every decision a nervy edge without being grim. The semi-cooperative structure is the highlight: nominal teammates who are secretly looking out for themselves. It won't replace a deep strategy game, but as a quick, chatty, slightly mean party filler it earns its spot on the shelf.
What we like
- Hidden-role social deduction creates constant tension and clever bluffing.
- Semi-cooperative structure means teammates can't fully trust each other.
- Quick 40-minute playtime keeps the party pace moving.
- Thematic apple-cart race gives every roll narrative weight.
- High production with a magnetic book box, wooden pawns, and miniature carts.
Keep in mind
- Player elimination can leave unlucky players sidelined before the game ends.
- Downtime can build up as players deliberate over hidden information.
- Dice rolling introduces luck that can undercut careful deduction.
- New players may need a round to grasp the semi-cooperative mind games.
Who it's for
Great for groups of 4-9 who enjoy bluffing and hidden-role games like Bang! or Secret Hitler, best played with a chatty, socially competitive crowd aged 13 and up.
