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Betrayal at Mystery Mansion (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Betrayal at Mystery Mansion is a board game that was released in in 2020. It is a spin-off of the popular Betrayal at House on the Hill game, but with a different theme and setting. In this game, players take on the roles of various characters exploring a mysterious mansion filled with secrets and hidden dangers. As they explore, a betrayal mechanic can trigger, pitting one player against the rest as a traitor.

Game Components of Betrayal at Mystery Mansion

  • 1 Secrets of Survival book & Monster’s Tome book**
  • 28 tiles (including 2 starting tiles)**
  • 5 character cards (Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, Fred)**
  • 5 character standees (Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, Fred)**
  • 10 Clue, 14 Item & 25 Event cards**
  • 5 plastic bases & 1 timer track**
  • 100 Tokens**
  • 8 dice & 25 plastic clips**

    How To Setup Betrayal at Mystery Mansion

    To set up the game, players begin by selecting their characters and placing the corresponding standees on the starting tiles. The tiles are then arranged to form the mansion and its grounds. Each player receives their character card and a set of items. The Clue, Item, and Event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The Secrets of Survival and Monster’s Tome books are kept separate, as they contain critical information that will be revealed during the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Exploration: Players explore the mansion and its grounds, revealing new tiles and encountering clues, items, and events.
  • Clue Gathering: Players collect Clue cards to uncover the mystery.
  • Haunt Trigger: When enough Clue cards are collected, the Haunt begins, and one player may switch sides to play as the Monster.
  • Cooperative/Competitive Play: Before the Haunt, players work together; after the Haunt starts, one player may become the antagonist.
  • Objective: The objective is for the remaining players to stop the Monster before it carries out its sinister plan.

    Player Experience

    Players experience a dynamic and varied game each time they play, thanks to the 25 different haunts based on popular Scooby-Doo episodes and movies. The game is praised for its fun and balanced gameplay, making it an enjoyable family board game. However, some players find the rules a bit confusing, especially those familiar with other versions of Betrayal.

    Pros

  • Variety in Gameplay: Each game offers a unique experience due to the multiple haunts and random tile placement.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for children as young as 8, making it a great family game.
  • Quick Playtime: Games typically last between 25-50 minutes.
  • Balanced Gameplay: The game is well-balanced, ensuring fun for both children and adults.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: Some players find the rules confusing, especially for those new to the Betrayal series.
  • Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 3-5 players, which can be a limitation for larger families or groups.
  • Quality of Components: Some components, such as the plastic clips, have been criticized for their design and functionality.

    Personal Thoughts on Betrayal at Mystery Mansion

    **Betrayal at Mystery Mansion** is an excellent choice for families and fans of Scooby-Doo looking for a fun, cooperative/competitive board game. It simplifies the mechanics of the original Betrayal at House on the Hill, making it more accessible to younger players. However, it may not be the best fit for experienced gamers seeking more complex scenarios or those who prefer games with more sophisticated component design. Despite some minor drawbacks, it remains a entertaining and engaging game for its target audience.

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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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