MindTrap II (1997) Board Game

MindTrap II is a board game released in 1997 as a sequel to the original MindTrap game. Designed by Richard Fast, it falls under the categories of Deduction, Party Game, Puzzle, and Trivia. The game is designed for 2 to 10 players, with the best experience recommended for 4, 6, or more than 11 players. With a runtime of around 60 minutes and an age recommendation of 12 and above, MindTrap II challenges players’ critical thinking skills through a series of riddles, puzzles, and brain teasers.

Game Components of MindTrap II

Game Board: Printed on paper or in tin-packaged editions

Puzzle Cards: Over 400 new mysteries, brain teasers, and puzzles

Additional Puzzles: Includes tangrams, stick puzzles, and shape puzzles

Characters and Scenarios: Features recurring characters like Detective Shadow, Sid Shady, and Dee Septor

How To Setup MindTrap II

To set up MindTrap II, begin by unpacking the game components. Place the game board in the center of the playing area. Shuffle the puzzle cards and distribute them evenly among the players or teams. Each player or team will also need a scorecard to track their progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player or team to reach the end of the scorecard by solving puzzles correctly.

Puzzle Types: Logic and lateral thinking puzzles, tangrams, stick puzzles, and shape puzzles.

Puzzle Solving: Players have a limited time to solve each puzzle. Lateral thinking problems are marked with a diamond and allow “yes/no” questions.

Scoring: Correct answers advance players along the scorecard.

Player Experience

Playing MindTrap II is an engaging and mentally stimulating experience. Players take on the roles of psychological detectives, solving a variety of puzzles that often include misleading information to distract from the simple solution. The game requires critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to question assumptions.

Pros

Challenging and Engaging: Provides a wide range of puzzles to keep players intellectually stimulated.

Replay Value: With over 400 puzzles, the game offers many hours of gameplay.

Team Play: Allows for both individual and team play, making it versatile for different social settings.

Educational: Enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Cons

Complexity: Some puzzles may be too complex or time-consuming for younger players.

Localized Language: Uses Canadian-English terminology and spelling, which might be confusing for players from other regions.

No Localization: Not localized for American, UK, or Australian markets, which could affect gameplay for some players.

Personal Thoughts on MindTrap II

MindTrap II is ideal for those who enjoy brain teasers, logic puzzles, and lateral thinking challenges. It is a great addition to game nights for families, friends, or coworkers looking to stimulate their minds. The game’s variety of puzzles ensures it remains interesting even after multiple plays, making it a valuable addition to any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for younger children due to the complexity of some puzzles.

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