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Arkham Horror (1987) Board Game

ByMichail

Arkham Horror is a cooperative board game based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, known for its horror and supernatural themes. Originally released in 1987 by Chaosium, the game has undergone multiple revisions and reprints over the years. Designed by Charlie Krank, Richard Launius, Sandy Petersen, and Lynn Willis, Arkham Horror has become a cult classic in the board gaming community.

Game Components of Arkham Horror

  • Board:** A map of the town of Arkham
  • Cards:** 99 playing cards with various events
  • Monsters:** 50 monster counters
  • Investigator Cards:** 8 investigator cards
  • Pawns:** 8 pawns
  • Markers:** Various markers including a doom counter
  • Rulebook:** 1 rulebook and 2 investigator rule sheets
  • Additional Components:** 56 money bills, 16 clip markers, and other miscellaneous items like the “Arkham Gazette” folder.

    How To Setup Arkham Horror

    Setting up Arkham Horror involves placing the game board, which features the town of Arkham and otherworldly locations at the top. Each player selects an investigator card and places their pawn on the board. The game starts with a random gate opening, and three monsters are drawn from the bag and placed on the board. Players also draw initial skill cards and items. The Mythos deck, which drives the game’s events, is shuffled and ready for the first draw.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Investigator Phase:** Players move their investigators, rolling 2D6 to determine movement distance. They can enter buildings, encounter monsters, or visit locations to gain items and spells.
  • Mythos Phase:** A card is drawn from the Mythos deck, causing a new gate to open, releasing monsters, and applying various effects to the game.
  • Gates and Other Worlds:** Players must travel through gates to other worlds, face encounters, and return to Arkham to close the gates.
  • Doom Track:** The doom counter increases with each gate opening; if it reaches its maximum, the Ancient One awakens, and the game is lost unless players can defeat it in later editions.
  • Victory Condition:** The game is won by closing all open gates. If too many gates are open or the doom counter reaches its maximum, all players lose.

    Player Experience

    Playing Arkham Horror is a cooperative and strategic experience that requires teamwork and careful planning. Each turn is divided into investigator and Mythos phases, creating a dynamic where players must balance their actions with the ever-changing threats from the Mythos deck. The game is filled with random events and encounters, making each playthrough unique and challenging. Players must manage their investigators’ sanity and strength, as well as the terror level of Arkham, to succeed.

    Pros

  • Cooperative Gameplay:** Encourages teamwork and strategy among players.
  • Immersive Theme:** Deeply rooted in Lovecraftian lore, providing a rich and atmospheric experience.
  • High Replayability:** Random events and encounters ensure no two games are the same.
  • Award-Winning:** Won the “Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Boardgame of 1987” award at the Origins Awards.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate rules and multiple components.
  • Outdated Components:** The 1987 components may feel flimsy and cheap by modern standards.
  • Time-Consuming:** Games can be lengthy, requiring significant time commitment from players.

    Personal Thoughts on Arkham Horror

    Arkham Horror is ideal for fans of cooperative board games, Lovecraftian horror, and those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the blend of role-playing elements and board game mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game experience. Despite its age, Arkham Horror remains a classic that offers a unique and engaging gaming experience for dedicated players.

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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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