Miskatonic School for Boys (2016) Board Game

Miskatonic School for Boys is a board game released in 2016 by Fun to

It is a deduction and negotiation party game designed for 3-6 players, with the best experience for 4-6 players. Set in the eerie world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, players take on the roles of students at Miskatonic School for Boys, trying to uncover the dark secrets of the school.

Game Components of Miskatonic School for Boys

Student Cards: Each player receives a face-down student card, and additional cards are placed face-up on the table.

Hidden Trait Cards: These cards are either truthful or dishonest and influence player interactions.

Point Tokens: Used to track players’ grade points.

First to Wake Token: Determines the starting player.

How To Setup Miskatonic School for Boys

To set up the game, shuffle the student cards and deal one face-down to each player. Depending on the number of players, place a few student cards face-up on the table. Shuffle the hidden trait cards and distribute one face-down to each player, with an additional card placed face-up. The first to wake token is given to the player who starts the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deduction Mechanic: Players try to figure out which student they are in control of by asking questions about traits.

Hidden Traits: Players can be truthful or dishonest based on their hidden trait cards.

Questioning: Players ask each other questions about their traits to narrow down possibilities.

Lying Mechanism: Dishonest players can lie, while truthful players must tell the truth.

Grade Points: Correctly identifying one’s student earns grade points; incorrect or deceitful actions result in point deductions.

Game Objective: The first player to correctly identify their student earns the highest grade points, with the goal of achieving an A (six points) in the class.

Player Experience

**Miskatonic School for Boys** offers a unique twist on traditional deduction games. Players take on the roles of dark forces from the 5th dimension, trying to identify which human student they possess. The game is known for its hilarious and dynamic gameplay, making it easily accessible and quick to learn. The inclusion of truthful and dishonest trait cards adds a layer of complexity and bluffing, enhancing the social interaction and guessing aspects.

Pros

Unique Gameplay: Flips the traditional deduction mechanic on its head.

Social Interaction: Encourages bluffing and strategic questioning.

Quick to Learn: Easy to understand and start playing.

Hilarious Moments: The game’s design leads to humorous and unexpected situations.

Cons

Randomness: The game can be somewhat random due to the hidden trait cards.

Limited Depth: Some players might find the game mechanics too simple or shallow.

Personal Thoughts on Miskatonic School for Boys

**Miskatonic School for Boys** is perfect for those who enjoy social deduction games with a twist. It’s ideal for groups looking for a light-hearted, yet engaging game that doesn’t require a deep understanding of complex rules. The game’s theme and mechanics make it a great fit for fans of Lovecraftian horror who want to experience the genre from a different perspective. However, players seeking a game with more strategic depth might find it less satisfying.

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