Trial by Trolley*

Trial by Trolley is a party game that combines moral dilemmas with a humorous twist. In this game, players engage in lively debate and strategic card play to convince the trolley operator, who acts as the judge each round, to spare their group while sending the trolley hurtling towards their opponents.

Gameplay Overview

• Roles: Players alternate roles, with one acting as the trolley operator each round. The operator's decision is pivotal, as they choose which track the trolley will take, determining which group of characters will be doomed.

• Team Play: Players are divided into teams, each responsible for one track. Teams use their cards to make their track appear as innocent or appealing as possible while making the opposing track look less desirable.

• Card Dynamics: The game involves three types of cards:

  • Angelic Tracks: These cards have positive, often humorous attributes that are meant to make a track more appealing.
  • Demonic Tracks: Used to sabotage the opposing track by adding negative or less appealing attributes.
  • Track Modifiers: These can be applied to any track to sway the trolley operator's decision by modifying the existing track cards either positively or negatively.

Strategy and Interaction

• Persuasion and Debate: A significant part of the game revolves around players arguing and persuading the trolley operator to choose their preferred outcome. This interaction is not only strategic but also a source of comedy and surprise.

• Card Selection and Timing: Choosing which cards to play and when can significantly influence the trolley operator's decision. Players must think critically about how to use their cards to manipulate perceptions effectively.

• Adapting to Randomness: The random element of drawing and revealing cards adds unpredictability, requiring players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

Social and Replay Value

• Highly Social: Trial by Trolley is designed for 3-13 players and is best enjoyed in a casual, social setting where humor and light-hearted debate can shine.

• Replayability: The variety of cards and the dynamic nature of player interaction ensure that no two games are the same, providing high replay value.

Conclusion

Trial by Trolley offers an engaging mix of ethical dilemmas, strategic card play, and interactive humor, making it an excellent choice for parties or casual gatherings. The game's ability to provoke debate, coupled with its whimsical take on grim choices, makes it a standout choice for those looking to add a morally twisted yet entertaining game to their collection.