Bedlam (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bedlam is a card game that was released in 2014 by designer Mike Foxall and artist Madhouse Ink. It is a humorous game that is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 30-90 minutes. The game involves elements of hand management, player elimination, role-playing, and take-that mechanics.

Game Components of Bedlam

Number of Players: 2-4

Playing Time: 30-90 minutes

Age Range: 13+

Designers: Sam Bowring, David Williams (II)

Artist: Mike Foxall

Publisher: Madhouse Ink

Game Category: Card Game, Humor

Components: Cards (including character, equipment, and action cards), rulebook

How To Setup Bedlam

To set up Bedlam, players start by reading the quick start instructions and the rulebook. Each player builds a character by selecting a race card (e.g., elf, human, gnome) and a class card (e.g., rogue, barbarian, fighter). They then choose starting equipment and a miniature corresponding to their character choices. The play area is set up with the initial deck of cards and map tiles, and players can begin their adventure.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Hand Management, Player Elimination, Role Playing, Take That

Objective: Players aim to navigate through the game’s challenges, solve puzzles, and eliminate other players to emerge as the winner. The game involves making ability checks, avoiding traps, and engaging in combat.

Player Experience

Bedlam provides a dynamic and engaging experience, blending elements of role-playing and competitive card play. Players must manage their hand effectively, make strategic decisions, and interact with the game’s humor-filled content. The game’s moderate complexity and varied mechanics keep players engaged and entertained.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines hand management, role-playing, and player elimination for a unique gameplay experience.

Humor: Incorporates humorous elements, making the game enjoyable and light-hearted.

Variable Playtime: Can be played within a flexible time frame of 30 to 90 minutes.

Easy Setup: Setup is straightforward with clear instructions.

Cons

Repetitive Elements: Some players may find certain mechanics or puzzles repetitive.

Map Clarity: Some map tiles can be difficult to decipher, leading to tactical challenges.

Balance Issues: Character abilities may not always align with the situations they encounter.

Personal Thoughts on Bedlam

Bedlam is ideal for players who enjoy card games with a role-playing twist and a dash of humor. It is suitable for any experience level, making it accessible to new players while still offering enough complexity for veterans. For those who enjoy competitive card games and are looking for a game that can be played in a relatively short time frame, Bedlam is a great choice. However, players seeking a deeply immersive RPG experience or those who prefer more complex puzzles might find it slightly lacking.

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