Among Us

The unprecedented delayed success of Among Us is the most extraordinary thing about it, which isn’t quite the insult it sounds like. The game simply has a solid design that accomplishes its goals nicely. Its standard description as “Mafia in space” is accurate but reductive. The sci-fi setting introduces tools like security cameras and medical scanners to social deduction gameplay, and it makes the menial tasks of non-impostors a bit more interesting. The default settings are generally appropriate, but almost anything can be customized if you disagree. Any faults I can think of have something to offset them. With only three maps (and only one at launch), games can get a little stale, but the maps themselves are complex and thoughtfully designed. The controls are a little sloppy, especially on a touch device, but they don’t detract from the thrill of a successful assassination or accusation. And while the “standard Flash game” art style is rather bland, the minimalist audio is striking and memorable.