Bacchanalia is made of a deck of cards and a short manual. No preparation or experience is required to play the game, it is sufficient that one of the players has read the manual. A game usually lasts 2 ~ 3 hours, but there is an optional rule to set the duration of the game in advance.

The players objective is to reunite with their beloved and run away. Each player in turn draws a hand of cards and, based on the results of the draw, describes a scene from the story for her protagonists. Elements of the scene vary according to which god was more present in the draw. For instance, a scene dominated by Pluto will feature a violent crime in which the protagonist ends up somehow involved. Benevolent Venus reunites lovers. Bacchus brings thrill and excitement, and so on.

There is a clear winning condition (reuniting with the beloved and running away before your accuser catches you) but one player reaching it doesn’t prevent other players from doing the same – multiple winners are possible. Nonetheless a tragic end is always the most probable ending…