Captive (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Captive is a solo board game that was released in 2014 by Makaka Editions. Designed by Emmanuel Quaireau, the game is known for its immersive storytelling and challenging gameplay. With a focus on memory and narrative choice, Captive offers a unique gaming experience for players looking for a solo adventure.

Game Components of Captive

Graphic Novel Book: The core component, featuring comic panels with clues, riddles, and traps.

Character Sheet: Tracks possessions, special abilities, coins, and victory points.

Stats: Includes health, vitality, time, and inventory management.

Ransom Money and Gun: Initial items for the player character.

Hidden Clues: Small numbers and items hidden in the artwork for discovery.

How To Setup Captive

To set up *Captive*, you begin by creating your character, allocating stats to dexterity, health, and stamina. You receive initial items such as ransom money and a gun. The game starts with your daughter’s kidnapping, leading you to a creepy mansion where you must navigate through the story, making choices based on the comic panels and clues you discover.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Choose Your Own Adventure: Players make choices that guide the story, navigating through comic panels.

Character Stats and Management: Track health, vitality, time, and inventory.

Hidden Clues: Discover hidden items and clues in the artwork.

Time Mechanism: Time advances with each hourglass symbol, affecting the story.

Vitality System: Vitality drops with injuries; reaching zero results in death.

Objective: Rescuing your daughter while unraveling the mystery of the mansion.

Player Experience

Playing *Captive* is an immersive experience, reminiscent of childhood choose-your-own-adventure books but with a darker, more intense theme. The game requires careful observation of the comic panels to find hidden clues, which are crucial for progressing through the story. The gameplay is challenging, with many opportunities for instant death, which can be frustrating but also rewarding when you finally find the right path. The artwork is well-done, and the story is engaging, though the random nature of some choices can lead to repetitive gameplay.

Pros

Immersive Story: Engaging narrative with a strong focus on discovery and investigation.

Visual Clues: Hidden clues add a layer of depth to the gameplay, making it feel like a true investigation.

Replay Value: Multiple paths and outcomes ensure different experiences each time.

Nostalgic Value: Appeals to fans of choose-your-own-adventure books and graphic novels.

Cons

Random and Unpredictable: Some choices lead to instant death without clear warning, which can be frustrating.

Complex Navigation: The labyrinthine layout of the house can make it difficult to remember previous paths.

Repetitive Gameplay: Wandering in circles and repeated deaths can make the game feel drudgery-like at times.

Personal Thoughts on Captive

*Captive* is ideal for fans of graphic novels, choose-your-own-adventure books, and those who enjoy immersive, story-driven games. It offers a unique blend of exploration and puzzle-solving, although it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more streamlined or less punishing experience. The game’s strength lies in its atmosphere and the joy of discovery, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a challenge and are willing to invest time and effort into unraveling its mysteries.

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