Deep Madness (2018) Board Game

Deep Madness is a cooperative board game set in a sci-fi horror world where players take on the roles of researchers exploring an underwater research facility. The game was designed by Roberto Chaudon, Joseph Diaz, DRock-ART, and Gautier Giroud, and published by Diemension Games in in 2018. With its mix of adventure, fighting, horror, and science fiction elements, Deep Madness offers a unique gaming experience for up to 6 players.

Game Components of Deep Madness

66 detailed miniatures

Variety of room tiles

Investigator and monster cards

Sanity and madness tokens

Consciousness cards

Devoured track timeline

Monster spawn markers

Equipment and item tokens

How To Setup Deep Madness

Setting up Deep Madness involves choosing a chapter and the corresponding investigators. The map is set up according to the chapter’s requirements, and the introductory narrative is read aloud. Each room tile is placed as indicated, and the devoured track is initialized. Players select their investigators and begin the game with the first turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together against hordes of monsters.

Devoured Track: Advances each turn, triggering negative effects like room corruption and monster spawns.

Investigator Actions: Each investigator can perform three actions per turn (move, attack, lock doors, search for items).

Sanity System: Investigators use sanity tokens for rerolls and other effects; spent sanity can lead to madness cards.

Monster AI: Each monster type has unique behaviors and movements.

Game Objective: Complete chapter-specific objectives before time runs out or all investigators die.

Player Experience

Playing Deep Madness is an immersive and challenging experience. The game is extremely difficult, requiring careful planning and strategy to succeed. Players must manage their sanity carefully to avoid drawing madness cards, which impose negative effects. The game’s horror theme is enhanced by detailed miniatures and narrative elements. The advancing devoured track adds a sense of urgency, filling the board with monsters that players must navigate.

Pros

High Production Quality: Detailed miniatures, room tiles, and engaging narrative.

Immersive Theme: Lovecraftian horror setting with varied monster behaviors.

Challenging Gameplay: Forces players to strategize and work together.

Replayability: Multiple chapters and scenarios to play through.

Cons

Complex Rules: Overwhelming setup and rules for new players.

Long Playtime and Setup: Games can be lengthy, and setup is time-consuming.

High Difficulty: May be frustrating for casual or competitive players expecting quick wins.

Personal Thoughts on Deep Madness

Deep Madness is ideal for serious gamers who enjoy cooperative gameplay and are willing to invest time and strategy into their gaming experience. It is not recommended for casual players due to its complexity and high difficulty level. However, for those who appreciate a thematic challenge and are ready to face the horrors within, Deep Madness offers an exciting and immersive experience.

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