CHAINsomnia (2018) Board Game

CHAINsomnia is a cooperative board game that was released in in 2018. It is designed for 1-4 players and has a runtime of 40-60 minutes. The game is set in a fantasy world where players must work together to explore and uncover the mysteries of the modular board. With elements of adventure and exploration, CHAINsomnia offers players a unique and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of CHAINsomnia

Character boards: Each player selects one of 6 unique characters with special powers.

Room tiles: Used to create the castle map as players explore.

Item cards: Include Equippable and Consumable items that provide passive powers or single-use effects.

Event cards: Encompass Bad Dreams, Auspicious, and Ominous events, as well as Nightmare cards that act as checkpoints.

Dice: For conducting skill checks.

Action Point (AP) tracker: Integrated into the character boards to manage chain lengths and AP.

Wake Up tile: The final goal tile that players must reach to win.

How To Setup CHAINsomnia

To set up CHAINsomnia, start by placing the central room tile on the table with all players’ characters on it. Shuffle the Room tile deck and place the Wake Up tile at the bottom. Each player chooses a character and places their character board on the table. The Item card deck, Event card deck, and dice are also prepared and made accessible. The game is ready to begin once the initial room is set up and each player has their character board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Cooperative gameplay: Players work together against the game.

Action Point system: Players have varying AP based on their chain length.

Chain management: Players can manipulate their chain lengths to manage AP.

Room exploration: Players draw Room tiles to expand the castle map.

Event resolution: Players draw Event cards that introduce challenges or benefits.

Skill checks: Conducted using dice rolls and associated skills.

Game Objective

Explore the castle: Players navigate through Room tiles to reveal the castle map.

Overcome Bad Dreams: Clear Bad Dreams that block rooms or trap players.

Reach the Wake Up tile: One player must reach the Wake Up tile to win the game.

Manage chain lengths: Keep chain lengths under control to maintain AP.

Player Experience

CHAINsomnia offers a highly interactive and cooperative experience where players must work together, discussing and managing their actions carefully. The game encourages teamwork, as players need to stay adjacent to each other to share items and manage chains. The variable AP system and the need to balance risk and reward during exploration create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Pros

Smooth cooperative mechanics: Easy for new players to join and play.

High replayability: Variable Room tiles and Event cards ensure different experiences each game.

Engaging theme: The narrative of escaping a demon’s castle is immersive and engaging.

Strategic depth: Managing chains and AP adds a layer of strategy.

Cons

Potential for repetitive gameplay: Once the game is beaten, some players may find it less challenging.

Dependence on teamwork: Players must work together closely, which can be challenging if players have different strategies.

Personal Thoughts on CHAINsomnia

CHAINsomnia is ideal for fans of cooperative games who enjoy strategic teamwork and dynamic gameplay. It is suitable for players aged 14 and above, and games typically last between 40-60 minutes. The game’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility makes it a great introduction to cooperative games for new players, while still offering enough depth for experienced gamers. However, players who prefer competitive games or those looking for a highly complex strategy may find it less appealing.

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