All Manor of Evil (2019) Board Game

All Manor of Evil is a board game released in 2019 that falls under the horror genre. Designed by Chris Byer and Mike Rivin, this game is published by Kolossal Games and is suitable for players aged 14 and above. With a runtime of 30-45 minutes, this game allows for 1-5 players, making it a great option for both solo and group play.

Game Components of All Manor of Evil

Action cards (four types: Pilfer, Deceive, Study, Inspect)

Relic cards with monetary and madness values

Madness tokens

Awakening tokens

Elder God cards

Room cards representing different areas of the mansion

First player token

Clock cards

How To Setup All Manor of Evil

To set up the game, each player receives a set of four action cards. A deck of Relic cards is placed next to a board representing the rooms of the mansion, with each of the four rooms receiving a card from the Relic deck. Elder God cards are placed above the board, ready to be awakened. Each player also receives a hidden role that modifies gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Selection: Players choose one action card each round, resolving them in initiative order. If multiple players choose the same action, they gain madness tokens.

Relic Collection: After resolving actions, players must steal a relic from one of the two rooms listed on their action card.

Madness Management: Players must manage their madness levels, as the player with the most madness at the end of the game is devoured and eliminated.

Elder Gods: Relic cards can trigger the awakening of Elder Gods. If an Elder God awakens, it changes the game’s rules, and if more than one awakens, all players are devoured.

Game End: The game ends when two special Clock cards are drawn from the Relic deck or when an Elder God awakens. Players then score points based on the monetary value of their relics, with the highest total winning.

Player Experience

Playing All Manor of Evil is a delightful yet challenging experience. The game requires strategic thinking and memory as players need to keep track of their relics, madness levels, and the awakening status of the Elder Gods. The hidden roles and variable setup ensure that each game is unique, keeping players engaged and guessing. While the game can be played with 1-6 players, it is most enjoyable with 4-5 players, as the interaction and competition are more pronounced.

Pros

Round-to-Round Energy: Each round feels different due to the various effects and game state changes.

Good Player Interaction: Players must constantly interact and strategize to gain an advantage.

Hidden Victory Positions: The game’s design keeps players guessing about their opponents’ relic collections and strategies.

Thematic Integration: The Lovecraftian theme is well-integrated, adding to the game’s atmosphere and tension.

Cons

Replayability: The game is only slightly replayable without expansions.

Rule Clarifications: The rulebook can be vague in some areas, leading to discussions at the table.

Single and Two-Player Modes: These modes can be dull due to the use of dummy players.

Personal Thoughts on All Manor of Evil

All Manor of Evil is perfect for fans of the Lovecraftian universe and those who enjoy strategic card games with a touch of horror. It’s an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for groups of 4-5 players. The game’s unique blend of sanity management, relic collection, and Elder God awakening mechanics makes it a compelling and engaging experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking extremely complex or long-playtime games, as each session typically lasts around 30-35 minutes.

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