IT: Evil Below (2019) Board Game

Released in 2019, “IT: Evil Below” is a board game based on the popular horror movie “IT” featuring Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Designed by Delaney Mamer and published by The Op Games, this game is set in Derry, Maine, where players must work together to defeat Pennywise and his evil minions.

Game Components of IT: Evil Below

Player tokens and character cards representing The Losers’ Club

Color-coded cards for various actions and challenges

Pennywise token and associated threat mechanics

Game board depicting Derry

Dice for resolving conflicts and challenges

Resource tokens

How To Setup IT: Evil Below

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a character from The Losers’ Club and places their token on the starting location. The Pennywise token is positioned according to the game’s initial setup instructions. Players then shuffle and distribute the color-coded cards, which are crucial for their actions and decisions throughout the game. Finally, players allocate the necessary resource tokens and dice.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Cooperative Play: Players work together as The Losers’ Club.

Push-Your-Luck: Players must balance risk and reward when confronting challenges.

Color-Coded Cards: These cards determine player actions, such as moving, collecting resources, and confronting Pennywise.

Threat Mechanics: Pennywise’s presence escalates the threat level, increasing the difficulty of challenges.

Game Objective

The objective is to outsmart Pennywise by collecting necessary resources, completing tasks, and ultimately defeating the clown. Players must coordinate their actions effectively to succeed.

Player Experience

In IT: Evil Below, players embark on a tense and cooperative adventure, navigating the eerie town of Derry while evading Pennywise. The game demands strategic thinking and teamwork, as each player’s actions can significantly impact the group’s success. The push-your-luck mechanics add an element of unpredictability, making each playthrough unique.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game deeply immerses players in the world of _It_, enhancing the horror experience.

Cooperative Strategy: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

Replayability: The random distribution of color-coded cards and the push-your-luck mechanics ensure varied gameplay.

Engaging Mechanics: The game’s mechanics, such as the escalating threat level, keep players on edge.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and complex.

Learning Curve: Understanding the game’s mechanics and strategies may take several plays.

Dependence on Luck: The push-your-luck element can sometimes feel overly reliant on chance rather than strategy.

Personal Thoughts on IT: Evil Below

IT: Evil Below is ideal for fans of cooperative games, horror themes, and strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy thematic immersion and the challenge of overcoming a formidable antagonist like Pennywise. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a simple, quick game, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those willing to invest time into mastering its mechanics.

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