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Nightmarium: Revised Edition (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Nightmarium: Revised Edition is a card game designed by Konstantin Seleznev and published by Ares Games in in 2019. It is a fantasy-themed game that revolves around hand management and set collection mechanics. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with a recommended player count of 3 for the best experience. Players will find themselves immersed in a dark and mysterious world, where they must collect strange creatures known as ‘nightmares’ to gain points and outsmart their opponents.

Game Components of Nightmarium: Revised Edition

  • 1 rulebook
  • 108 Night Terror cards
  • 5 Reference cards
  • Includes the “Legions of Horrors” mini-expansion.

    How To Setup Nightmarium: Revised Edition

    To set up Nightmarium, each player starts with a hand of five cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. Players take turns performing two actions each, which can include drawing cards, discarding and replacing cards, or playing cards to assemble monsters. The game area is divided into individual player tableaus where monsters are constructed by combining leg, torso, and head cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Hand Management:** Players manage their card hands to create effective combinations.
  • Set Collection:** Cards are collected and combined to form complete monsters.
  • Special Abilities:** Each completed monster activates special abilities based on the icons on its cards.

    Game Objective

  • The game is won by the first player to complete five creatures. The objective can be adjusted to completing six or seven creatures, but this may prolong the game.

    Player Experience

    Nightmarium offers a fast-paced and tactical experience for 2-5 players aged 10 and above. The game typically lasts between 10-30 minutes. Players create terrifying monsters by combining Night Terror cards, each with unique abilities. The game encourages strategic thinking, as the order of activating special abilities can significantly impact the outcome. Players must balance building their own monsters while disrupting their opponents’ creations, adding a ‘take that’ element to the game.

    Pros

  • Engaging Gameplay:** Combining cards to create monsters and using special abilities adds a layer of strategy.
  • Portable:** Easy to take along to gaming nights or family trips.
  • Family-Friendly:** Despite the horror theme, the game is suitable for children and maintains a light-hearted tone.
  • Includes Expansion:** The “Legions of Horrors” mini-expansion adds extra cards and rules, enhancing gameplay variety.

    Cons

  • Potential for Lengthy Games:** If the winning quota is set too high, the game can become prolonged.
  • Dependence on Strategic Plays:** Requires careful planning and execution of special abilities, which might not appeal to casual players.

    Personal Thoughts on Nightmarium: Revised Edition

    Nightmarium: Revised Edition is ideal for those who enjoy tactical card games with a touch of horror and humor. It is suitable for families and gaming groups looking for a quick, engaging experience. The game’s mechanics and theme make it a great choice for fans of set collection and hand management games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a very straightforward or short game, as it requires strategic thinking and can become lengthy if not managed correctly.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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