Ghostel (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ghostel is a board game released in 2017 and designed by Tyler Johnson. It is a dice rolling and worker placement game that can be played by 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 14 and above. The game is published by Tinkerbot Games and falls into the category of dice games.

Game Components of Ghostel

Game board

Guest cards

Phobia cards

Nightmare tokens

Character cards

Dice

Rulebook

How To Setup Ghostel

To set up Ghostel, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a character card and places their corresponding token on the board. Shuffle and distribute the guest cards, ensuring each guest has a phobia card. Players also receive a set of nightmare tokens. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the board is set according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Cooperation: Players work together to manage the hotel but also have individual objectives.

Phobia Mechanic: Players prey on the phobias of guests by turning into their worst nightmares.

Resource Management: Manage nightmare tokens and dice rolls to achieve goals.

Objective: The primary goal is to keep the guests from escaping while fulfilling individual player objectives.

Player Experience

Ghostel offers a unique blend of cooperative and competitive elements, making it an engaging experience for players. The game thrives on the dynamic of preying on guests’ phobias, which adds a fun and eerie twist. Players must balance their individual goals with the need to cooperate to keep the guests under control, creating a lively and interactive gameplay environment.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The horror theme and phobia mechanics make the game stand out.

Balanced Mechanics: A good mix of cooperation and competition keeps players engaged.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide range of ages, including families.

Quick Game Sessions: Games typically last 60 minutes.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Some players might find the game repetitive after multiple playthroughs.

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be a bit time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Ghostel

Ghostel is an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy horror themes and semi-cooperative gameplay. It is well-suited for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, interactive experience. However, seasoned gamers seeking high complexity or deep strategy might find it less appealing. Overall, Ghostel is a cracking little game that deserves a place in any sensible player’s collection.

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