Night of the Grand Octopus (2014) Board Game

Night of the Grand Octopus is a board game released in 2014 by IELLO. Designed by Frédéric Morard and illustrated by Jean-Baptiste Reynaud, this game is categorized as a bluffing game with set collection and simultaneous action selection mechanics. The game is designed for 3-5 players, with a runtime of around 20 minutes and is suitable for players aged 7 and above.

Game Components of Night of the Grand Octopus

Game board featuring six university locations and one external location

4 different external location tiles with special abilities

Cultist and Offspring pawns for each player

Command clocks with rotating dials (dagger for Cultist, tentacle for Offspring)

Ritual component tokens

Cult power markers

Wooden pawns with stickers to be applied by players

Rulebook with setup instructions and variants.

How To Setup Night of the Grand Octopus

To set up the game, place the board in the middle of the play area and choose one of the four external location tiles to place beside it. Each player selects a cult color and receives the corresponding cultist pawn, offspring pawn, colored cube, and command clock. Players place their cultist pawns on the library space on the board. The component tokens are placed on their respective locations as described in the rulebook. The colored cubes (cult power markers) are placed on the Dagger of Power on the space equal to the number of players plus one.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Secret and Simultaneous Movement: Players use their command clocks to secretly choose where to move their Cultist and Offspring.

Area Control: Players aim to dominate locations to collect ritual components.

Negotiation: Players may negotiate when multiple cultists are in the same location.

Conflict Resolution: Conflicts involve cultists losing power points when facing Offspring.

Game Objective

Each player aims to collect four different ritual components to perform the ritual and gain the favor of the Grand Octopus.

The game ends when a player achieves this, with the winner determined by the player who has the component from the lowest numbered space in the university in case of a tie.

Player Experience

**Night of the Grand Octopus** is a light and fun game that is easy to learn but involves quite a bit of strategy. Players must think about their moves and predict their opponents’ actions, which can sometimes lead to analysis paralysis. The game’s art and components are well-crafted and immersive, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The game’s short duration and simple rules make it a great addition to any game night.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think ahead and predict opponents’ moves.

Immersive Theme: Well-designed components and artwork enhance the gaming experience.

Short Playtime: Games typically last under 30 minutes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 7 and above.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: Players might spend too much time deciding their moves.

Sticker Application: Players must apply stickers to the pawns themselves, which can be annoying.

Personal Thoughts on Night of the Grand Octopus

**Night of the Grand Octopus** is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, strategic game that doesn’t take too long to play. It’s ideal for those who enjoy games with a touch of bluffing and negotiation, and the Halloween-themed setting adds a delightful twist. While it may not be the best fit for hardcore strategists seeking complex gameplay, it is an excellent choice for a light, entertaining game night.

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