The Light in the Mist (2022) Board Game

The Light in the Mist is a board game released in 2022, designed by Jack Fallows and featuring artwork by PostCurious. It falls under the categories of Adventure, Deduction, Fantasy, Murder/Mystery, and Puzzle. The game is known for its cooperative gameplay, deduction elements, and solo/solitaire options, making it an engaging experience for 1-4 players.

Game Components of The Light in the Mist

A complete tarot deck with 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards.

An instruction booklet.

Two sealed solution packets with backpack and journal images.

Optional collector’s edition exclusives: wooden box, stamped velvet bag, and newspaper clipping.

How To Setup The Light in the Mist

To set up the game, players start by reading the instruction booklet, which provides an overview of the game and its mechanics. The game begins with the discovery of a friend’s mysterious disappearance, leading players to use the tarot deck left behind to uncover memories and solve puzzles. Players draw a major arcana card, gather the necessary minor arcana cards based on the symbols, and read the corresponding wisdom entry to start solving the puzzle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Non-linear puzzle solving: Players can solve 20 out of 22 puzzles in any order, with only the first and final puzzles requiring a specific sequence.

Card manipulation: Using major and minor arcana cards to find hidden messages and solve logic and word problems.

Story progression: Uncovering memories and story pieces through puzzle solutions.

Game Objective

Solve puzzles to uncover the memories of the missing friend and ultimately find out what happened to her.

Player Experience

Playing **The Light in the Mist** is an immersive experience that combines puzzle-solving with a compelling narrative. The game is suitable for 1-4 players and is designed for those aged 14 and older. It offers over five hours of gameplay, with puzzles varying in difficulty from simple to challenging. Players appreciate the freedom to tackle puzzles in any order, which allows for a unique story progression each time. The game’s artwork and storytelling are highly praised for their quality and emotional depth.

Pros

High-quality cards and artwork: The tarot deck is functional and visually stunning.

Varied and challenging puzzles: Puzzles cater to different skill levels, including logical, spatial, word, observational, and deduction puzzles.

Engaging narrative: The story is emotionally compelling and well-written, dealing with serious topics like friendship, substance abuse, and family relationships.

Non-linear gameplay: Allows players to solve puzzles in any order, making the game flexible and engaging.

Cons

Puzzle difficulty: Some advanced players may find the puzzles not challenging enough.

Repetitive storytelling: The narrative can get repetitive, especially in the vision passages for certain puzzles.

Hint system: Requires an internet connection to access hints, which might be inconvenient for some players.

Personal Thoughts on The Light in the Mist

**The Light in the Mist** is ideal for puzzle enthusiasts and those who enjoy narrative-driven games. It is particularly suited for solo players or small groups of up to four players. The game’s unique blend of tarot card mechanics, beautiful artwork, and an engaging story makes it a standout in the puzzle game genre. While it may not be as challenging for advanced puzzle solvers, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for most players. If you’re looking for a game that combines intellectual challenge with a deep and emotional story, **The Light in the Mist** is an excellent choice.

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