Traitor
The traitor mechanic introduces hidden betrayal into games. Some players secretly work against the group, creating tension and paranoia. Games like Battlestar Galactica and Shadows Over Camelot use this mechanic to add dramatic twists, as players must uncover who is sabotaging their efforts while completing shared objectives.
2 Players
Games designed for exactly two players are often tightly focused on direct competition, interaction, or collaboration. These games, like Twilight Struggle or Patchwork, are balanced to ensure an intense and engaging experience, often featuring mechanics that thrive on the dynamic interplay between two opposing forces.
Cooperative
In cooperative games, players work together to achieve a shared goal or overcome a common challenge. Everyone wins or loses as a team, making communication, planning, and teamwork essential. This mechanic shines in games like Pandemic or Spirit Island, where players must strategize collaboratively while managing limited resources and threats.
Solo/Solitaire
Solo games are designed for a single player, offering a personal and often puzzle-like experience. They frequently involve overcoming challenges created by the game’s system, such as automated opponents or goal-based scenarios. Examples like Friday and Terraforming Mars (solo mode) showcase how this mechanic can create deeply immersive gameplay.
Competitive
The competitive mechanic is a game structure where players oppose each other to achieve victory, aiming to outperform their opponents. It emphasizes direct or indirect rivalry and fosters strategic decision-making as players seek to win by accumulating points, completing objectives, or achieving set goals.
