If there's a better aroma then I don't know what it is!
One of the problems with my monthly game meetings with James and Carl is that three is an awkward number for a good game. Most games can support 3 players, even traditionally 2 player games like FoW. You just divide up one side and have 2 vs 1, but it's still not really ideal. So I've been searcing for a while for a game that either supports 3 players in direct competition or cooperatively. I'm well aware that Nuts! is capable of this, but I just don't have the time to paint up enough figures and make terrain to keep it fresh. One further consideration is the transportation and setup times. I don't have space for a proper wargames table and so can't put on anything larger than DBA or CC:A/Battlecry, which are even more restrictively 2 player games! But I think I may have just found the answer...
I picked this up yesterday and had a thorough read of the rules last night. All I can say is that I wanted to punch out all the tokens and get playing there and then, but it was half ten already! I've not read any Lovecraft in a while but I do like the whole mythos he created and anything that is heavily influenced by his work (take Hellboy as a fine example). So the setting is perfect and the game is oozing in atmosphere. The mechanics seem very interesting and I particularly like the idea of the Doom counters building up to the point the Old One awakens. I think this will create an exciting and tense atmosphere, especially if you're up against a pretty hard enemy like Chtulu (I particularly like Azathoth who basically wins when he awakens...there's no final combat, just game over!). I intend to try a couple of solo games to get to grips with the rules so we're not scratching our heads too much when we try it out together and I'll post my thoughts on the actual gameplay when I get a chance.
Glad you picked up Arkham Horror, it is a solid game though I think it really blossoms when you add 1 expansion to it to really create more of a theme in the session.
ReplyDeleteKing in Yellow is an excellent small expansion that you could check out after giving the core game a dozen or so games. KiY is cheap and small but makes a strong impact on the game. The trick is to use expansion Mythos Cards only though when you play with an expansion.
If you turn out to like the game then I would advice on either dunwich or innsmouth horror expansions. Actually, go for Dunwich first since it contains "Madness & Injury" card decks which add another layer of Lovecraftian misery for your investigators :-)
(Innsmouth is also a superb expansion and wins on "cool factor, but Dunwich has a slightly sharper content which can boost the core game experience as well.
I have to admit I'm a bit prone to buying like mad when I like something so it will be a bit of a struggle to refrain from snapping up an expansion very soon. I think Dunwich would be my first big box choice, but it appears to be hard to get and I might just wait for the reprint which will hopefully be this year. In the meantime KiY looks like it will fill a void! Again, your reviews have been very helpful in this regard.
ReplyDeleteI had one really, really good game of this against the Elder God Yig. Apart from that, it's been a bit like filling out paperwork.
ReplyDeleteMansions of Madness has much more character, although admittedly takes more preparation.
Since buying Twilight Imperium I probably won't ever play Arkham Horror again.
I'm playing Twilight Imperium at my place with some of the G3 boys this weekend coming. We're full up, but you're welcome next time?