Lost Ones (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Lost Ones is a cooperative board game released in 2022, designed by Matt Forsyth, Paperhead, and Steven Preisman. The game falls under the categories of adventure, exploration, fantasy, and horror, offering players a thrilling and immersive gaming experience. With a runtime of 45-90 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, Lost Ones has garnered attention for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging storytelling.

Game Components of Lost Ones

Map Tile cards: Used to build the game world.

Ability cards: Key to overcoming challenges.

Boon cards: Provide permanent rewards.

Foe and Bane decks: Introduce obstacles and penalties.

Plot, Lock, and Encounter tokens: Track progress and events.

Moon Clock card: Manages game phases.

Character standees and tokens: Represent players and the Nightmare.

Story Book and Adventure Guide: Contain narrative and rules.

How To Setup Lost Ones

To set up the game, start by placing Map Tile #1 in the center of the play area. Shuffle the Boon, Ability, and Foe decks, and place them alongside the Bane deck. Distribute the Plot, Lock, and Encounter tokens. Set the Moon Clock card with the Fate token on the 1st Phase spot. Each player selects a character and draws a specific number of Ability cards based on the number of players, which also determines the hand limit. Players place their character standees on Map Tile #1 and decide who will be the first player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Find the Hollows Tree and open a Gateway: Players must navigate through the Otherworld to find the Hollows Tree and return to their own world.

Gameplay Mechanics

Explore a Map Tile: Move orthogonally to a new tile and read the corresponding story from the Story Book.

Move: Move to a previously revealed Map Tile.

Complete a Story Encounter: Use Ability cards, Boon cards, etc., to overcome challenges.

Activate a Boon Card: Spend an action to use a Boon card’s single-use effect.

Nightmare Mechanic: The Nightmare follows the characters and ends the game if it reaches any character.

Player Experience

Playing **Lost Ones** feels like navigating through a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, with a blend of storytelling and strategic decision-making. The game is deceptively simple, with few components, but it offers a rich and complex experience. Players must carefully manage their Ability cards, avoid the Nightmare, and make crucial choices to progress. The game’s art is consistent and beautiful, enhancing the immersive experience.

Pros

Immersive Storytelling: Engaging narrative with interactive choices.

Dynamic Gameplay: Constant challenges and strategic decisions.

Versatile Play: Supports solo and cooperative play for 1-4 players.

Beautiful Art: Consistent and captivating art style.

Cons

Card Quality: Cards are prone to bending and nicking, recommending sleevings.

Rule Clarity: Some rules, especially regarding resets, can be unclear.

Component Punching: Cardboard items can be difficult to punch out.

Personal Thoughts on Lost Ones

**Lost Ones** is ideal for those who enjoy interactive storytelling and cooperative gameplay. It is particularly recommended for smaller groups or solo players, as it offers a more intimate and engaging experience. While it may not be as complex or large-scale as other games in its category, it serves as an excellent introduction to cooperative and storytelling-focused games. For fans of “Choose Your Own Adventure” style narratives and strategic gameplay, **Lost Ones** is a delightful and challenging adventure.

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