Shaky Manor (2017) Board Game

Shaky Manor, released in 2017, is a fun and thrilling action/dexterity game designed by Asger Harding Granerud and Daniel Skjold Pedersen. The game is published by Blue Orange in the EU and features artwork by Etienne Hebinger. Shaky Manor is suitable for children aged 6 and above, making it a perfect family game night option.

Game Components of Shaky Manor

Cardboard haunted house trays sectioned into a 3×2 grid of rooms

Meeple players

Treasure chests

Challenge cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Shaky Manor

To set up Shaky Manor, players start by preparing the haunted house trays. Each player receives a tray, and the Challenge cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach. The objective rooms indicated on the Challenge cards are identified, and players are ready to begin. The setup is straightforward, making it easy for players to dive into the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Dexterity: Players shake and tilt their trays to move the Meeple players and Treasure chests.

Puzzle-solving: Organize pieces inside the trays to meet the goals on the Challenge cards.

Racing: Compete to be the first to position the Meeple player and Treasure chests correctly.

Game Objective:

Position your Meeple player and 2 Treasure chests into the room indicated on the Challenge card.

Complete the challenge before other players do.

Player Experience

Playing Shaky Manor is a fun and chaotic experience. Players stand around the table, shaking and tilting their trays, trying to maneuver their Meeple players and Treasure chests into the correct rooms. The game requires a mix of luck, dexterity, and strategic thinking, making it engaging for both children and adults.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: The shaking mechanism adds a unique and entertaining element.

Simple to Learn: Easy setup and rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages.

Quick Games: Rounds are typically short, allowing for multiple plays in one session.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The outcome can be heavily influenced by chance.

Limited Replayability: The game’s challenges might become repetitive after several plays.

Potential for Frustration: Some players might find the dexterity aspect challenging or frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Shaky Manor

Shaky Manor is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted, interactive game. It’s perfect for those who enjoy dexterity games and are not averse to a bit of luck influencing the outcome. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it excels at providing a fun, communal experience that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

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