Betrayal Legacy (2018) Board Game

Betrayal Legacy is a unique board game that is a legacy version of the popular Betrayal at House on the Hill. It was released in 2018 and designed by Scott Okumura and Ben Oliver. The game takes players on a journey through multiple generations of a family, uncovering dark secrets and experiencing thrilling adventures.

Game Components of Betrayal Legacy

Cardboard tiles and tokens

Plastic coated cards

Dice

Four paper booklets (Survivors Guide, Traitor’s Tome, and others)

Plastic player tokens (pre-painted)

Stickers for permanent changes

Rulebook with additions each session

How To Setup Betrayal Legacy

To set up Betrayal Legacy, players begin by constructing the haunted house using tiles, each representing different rooms and areas of the house and its grounds. The game includes various decks of cards (items, events, omens) that are drawn as players explore the house. The setup involves placing the starting tiles, distributing character cards, and preparing the necessary booklets and dice. As the game progresses, the setup evolves with each session, incorporating new elements and changes based on the previous game’s outcome.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Players explore the house and grounds, uncovering new rooms and drawing cards.

Omen System: Drawing omen cards triggers a haunt roll, which can initiate the endgame.

Haunt Phase: The game transitions from cooperative to competitive as one or more players become traitors, using the Traitor’s Tome while the others use the Survivors Guide.

Legacy Campaign: The game spans 13 sessions, each taking place in a different year from 1666 to 2004, with players playing as family members across generations.

Permanent Changes: Stickers and destroyed components create a unique game with each playthrough.

Objective: Survive the horrors of the house or, as the traitor, defeat the other players.

Player Experience

Betrayal Legacy offers a dynamic and immersive experience, blending horror and strategy. Players navigate the haunted house, collecting items and encountering events that build towards a climactic haunt. The game’s narrative evolves over the legacy campaign, with each session adding to the storyline and changing the game environment. The social element is significant, as players must work together until the haunt is triggered, at which point alliances are broken and the game becomes competitive.

Pros

High Replayability: The game offers a unique experience each time, even after the legacy campaign is completed.

Engaging Storyline: The narrative spans generations, providing a rich and evolving story.

Improved Mechanics: Compared to the original Betrayal at House on the Hill, the game has clearer rules and better gameplay flow.

Flexible Player Count: Accommodates 3-5 players, making it suitable for various group sizes.

Customizable Endgame: The game becomes a customized version of Betrayal after the legacy campaign.

Cons

Complex Rules: Three rulebooks can be overwhelming, leading to debates over rule interpretations.

Balance Issues: Some haunts favor the traitor or humans, leading to potential imbalance.

Player Elimination: Fast and loose attitude towards player elimination can be off-putting for some players.

Component Issues: Clips on character cards can be problematic, and some components may feel flimsy.

Personal Thoughts on Betrayal Legacy

Betrayal Legacy is ideal for fans of horror-themed games and those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences. It is best suited for players who appreciate complex, evolving gameplay and are comfortable with a mix of cooperative and competitive elements. While it may not be perfect for younger players due to thematic content and rule complexity, it is a great choice for groups looking for a deep, immersive gaming experience. The game’s unique legacy mechanics and high replayability make it a standout in the board game genre.

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