Among Us is a 2018 online multiplayer social deduction game developed and published by American game studio Innersloth. The game was released on iOS and Android devices in June, 2018 and on Windows in November, 2018, featuring cross-platform play between these platforms. The game has since been ported for the Nintendo Switch in December, 2020. The game was inspired by the party game Mafia and the science fiction horror film The Thing.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Among Us is a social deduction game in which players take on one of two roles, most being Crewmates and a predetermined number being Impostors. The Crewmates' goal is to identify the Impostors and complete tasks around the map; the Impostors' goal is to covertly sabotage and kill the Crewmates before they complete all of their tasks. Players suspected to be Impostors may be eliminated via a plurality vote, which any player may initiate by calling an emergency meeting or reporting a dead body. Crewmates win if all Impostors are ejected or all tasks are completed, whereas Impostors win if there is an equal number of Impostors and Crewmates or if a critical sabotage goes unresolved.
Gameplay is divided into three phases. The first phase consists of a series of missions, with each mission requiring two players to complete. One player is assigned to execute the mission, while the other player is assigned to observe and provide feedback. After the mission is completed, the observer will vote to either eliminate or spare the executing player, with the observer's vote only counting in the event of a tie.
The second phase is the voting phase in which all players will vote on who they believe to be the Impostor. Players are given the following options: "I think I can tell who the Impostor is", "I can't tell who the Impostor is", and "I'm not sure". The player's vote will only count if the player is not an Impostor.
The third phase is the Impostor reveal phase, where the Impostors will be revealed. If all the Impostors are revealed, then the Crewmates win; if all the Crewmates are eliminated, then the Impostors win.
Graphics
The graphics in Among Us are done in a space-themed setting, with a neon aesthetic. The game features a variety of sci-fi and futuristic visuals, and also contains a map that is based on the horror film The Thing.
Replayability
Among Us is a game with a high replayability value, due to its different maps, modes and customizations.
Pros
- Among Us is a game that is easy to learn and difficult to master
- The game has a substantial replayability value due to its variety of modes and maps
- Among Us is enjoyed by players of all ages
- The game has a social aspect to it, as it encourages players to communicate
- The game is entertaining and thrilling
- The game is easy to access and free to play
- The game is quick to load and no need to download
Cons
- The game has had some technical issues, and has been subjected to many bugs
- The game has been criticized for its lack of a tutorial
- The game has also been criticized for its lack of an in-game chat system
- The game has been criticized for its lack of a safety system
- Players who are new to the game find it difficult to understand the game's story
Conclusion
Among Us is a great online multiplayer game that is easy to learn and fun to play for all ages, but has been subjected to some technical issues.
