Comanauts (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Comanauts is a cooperative board game designed by Jerry Hawthorne and published by Plaid Hat Games in in 2019. It is set in a science fiction world where players take on the roles of Comanauts, diving into the mind of a comatose patient to explore their innermost thoughts and fears. The game is a unique blend of storytelling and dice rolling, with players working together to unravel the mysteries of the patient’s subconscious.

Game Components of Comanauts

70 standees (20 player avatars with unique abilities and 50 enemies)

A large 100-page adventure book with illustrations, maps, and directions

Dice for rolling

Various tokens and markers

How To Setup Comanauts

Setting up Comanauts involves preparing the adventure book, distributing the player avatars, and organizing the standees and tokens. Players select their avatars and place them within the designated areas in the adventure book. The book serves as the game board, with each page representing a different scenario or “Comazone” within Dr. Strobal’s subconscious. The setup can be a bit complex due to the detailed nature of the game, but following the instructions in the adventure book helps guide players through the process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to explore Dr. Strobal’s subconscious.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving encounters and actions.

Storytelling: The game is heavily narrative-driven, with each page of the adventure book presenting new scenarios and challenges.

Variable Player Powers: Each of the 22 avatars has unique abilities.

Objective: Players must navigate through 11 different Comazones to locate and overcome the Inner Demons holding Dr. Strobal hostage, ultimately aiming to revive him from his coma.

Player Experience

Playing Comanauts is an immersive experience, with players delving into the twisted and sometimes bizarre world of Dr. Strobal’s subconscious. The game offers a mix of exploration, danger, and emotional depth, as players encounter various scenarios and challenges that reflect the doctor’s inner struggles. The game’s narrative is engaging, and the diverse range of avatars adds a layer of role-playing to the gameplay. However, the complexity of the rules and the convoluted rulebook can make the initial setup and learning curve challenging.

Pros

Immersive Narrative: The game features excellent writing and beautiful illustrations, enhancing the player’s immersion.

Diverse Avatars: 22 unique avatars with different abilities add variety to the gameplay.

Cooperative Challenge: Players work together to overcome challenges, making it a strong cooperative game.

Solo Play Option: The game is fully cooperative and can also be played solo, which is appreciated by solo players.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rulebook can be convoluted, leading to confusion and a steep learning curve.

Clunky Mechanics: Some mechanics feel clunky and can detract from the immersion.

Long Setup and Playtime: The game setup and playtime can be longer than expected, typically ranging from 90 to 120 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Comanauts

Comanauts is a game suited for players who enjoy narrative-driven cooperative games and are willing to invest time into understanding the complex rules. It is particularly recommended for fans of Jerry Hawthorne’s Adventure Book system, as it builds upon the mechanisms introduced in Stuffed Fables. While it may not be the strongest game in the series, its unique theme and immersive storytelling make it a compelling choice for those looking for a mature and emotionally engaging board game experience.

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