Good & Bad Ghosts (1980) Board Game

Good & Bad Ghosts is a board game that was released in 1980 by designer Alex Randolph. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Bluffing, Children’s Game, Deduction, and Horror. The game is designed for 2 players and has a playtime of around 15 minutes.

Game Components of Good & Bad Ghosts

6 by 6 gridded board representing a haunted castle

16 ghost pieces (8 per player), with 4 good and 4 evil ghosts each

Dots on the back of the ghosts denote their alignment (blue for good, red for evil)

Exits at each of the four corners of the board.

How To Setup Good & Bad Ghosts

Players start by arranging their eight ghost pieces in two rows of four at their back edge of the board. The arrangement of good and evil ghosts can be any order, but only the player who owns the ghosts can see their alignment. The board is set up to represent a haunted castle with exits at each corner.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move one ghost one square, either horizontally or vertically.

Capture: A ghost can capture an opponent’s ghost by moving to its square; the capturing player then learns the alignment of the captured ghost.

Objective: Win by capturing all four of the opponent’s good ghosts or by moving one of your good ghosts through one of the exits at the opponent’s side. Lose if you capture all four of the opponent’s evil ghosts.

Player Experience

Good & Bad Ghosts offers a unique blend of strategy and bluffing. Players must deduce the alignment of their opponent’s ghosts based on movement patterns and attempt to deceive their opponent into capturing evil ghosts. The game is praised for its accessibility, tactical nuance, and engaging presentation. It is described as “a very challenging game for all ages” and is recommended for families and strategic players alike.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and deduction.

Bluffing Mechanics: Adds an element of psychological warfare.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Awards and Recognition: Winner of the 1986 Årets spil “Best Family Game Award” and recommended for the 1982 Spiel des Jahres.

Cons

Limited Players: Designed for only two players.

Short Playtime: Games can be as short as 5-25 minutes, which might be too brief for some players.

Luck Factor: Some movements can be influenced by guesswork rather than pure strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Good & Bad Ghosts

Good & Bad Ghosts is an excellent choice for those who enjoy strategic games with a touch of bluffing and deception. It is particularly suited for families or for players looking for a quick, challenging game. The game’s unique mechanics and simple setup make it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for groups larger than two players or those seeking longer game sessions.

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