Ebola Monkey Hunt (1998) Board Game

The Ebola Monkey Hunt board game, released in 1998, is a unique and controversial game that gained attention for its theme and gameplay mechanics. Developed by Placebo Press, the game revolves around players hunting down monkeys infected with the deadly Ebola virus. While the topic may be sensitive, the game has garnered a cult following for its bold approach to board game design.

Game Components of Ebola Monkey Hunt

Grid map of a research facility

Game pieces for each player

Monkey tokens (one for each of the four monkey stations)

Dice for rolling

Rulebook

How To Setup Ebola Monkey Hunt

To set up the game, players first place the grid map of the research facility on the table. Each player chooses a game piece and places it at the starting point on the map. The four monkey stations are marked on the map, and each station has a monkey token associated with it. Players then determine who goes first, usually through a random method like rolling the dice.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The first player to collect one monkey from each of the four monkey stations and return them to the starting point wins.

Mechanics:

Pick-up and Deliver: Players must visit each monkey station to pick up a monkey.

Roll and Move: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces they can move on their turn.

Player Movement: Players navigate through the research facility, avoiding obstacles and challenges.

Player Experience

Playing Ebola Monkey Hunt involves a mix of strategy and luck. Players need to balance the risk of moving through the facility with the need to collect all four monkeys. The game allows for player regeneration and rejoining, adding a layer of complexity and replayability. The interaction between players is minimal, but the competitive aspect of being the first to collect all monkeys keeps the game engaging.

Pros

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: The roll-and-move and pick-up-and-deliver mechanics are easy to learn but challenging to master.

Replayability: The random nature of dice rolls and the regeneration feature ensure that each game is unique.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 12 and up, making it a good option for family game nights.

Cons

Limited Interaction: Players mostly focus on their individual goals with minimal direct interaction.

Luck-Based: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can lead to frustration if luck is not on your side.

Personal Thoughts on Ebola Monkey Hunt

Ebola Monkey Hunt is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, competitive games with simple rules. It is a good introduction to board games for younger players and can also serve as a quick, fun game for adults looking for a casual gaming experience. However, players seeking complex strategies or deep player interaction might find this game too straightforward.

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