Frankenstein’s Bodies (2014) Board Game

Frankenstein’s Bodies is a board game released in 2014 by YAY Games. Designed by Andrew Harman, the game falls into the fantasy and horror categories, drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley’s classic novel, “Frankenstein.” The game challenges players to build their own monster using body parts collected throughout the game.

Game Components of Frankenstein’s Bodies

Player cards: Representing body parts and actions.

Body boards: For constructing the bodies.

Deck of cards: Containing various body parts and event cards.

Score tracking system: To keep track of points.

Rulebook: Detailed instructions for setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Frankenstein’s Bodies

To set up the game, each player selects a set of body boards and a starting hand of cards. The deck is shuffled and each player draws a set number of cards. The game area is organized with the body boards and the deck of cards centrally placed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card drafting: Players select cards from the deck to build their bodies.

Resource management: Managing the cards to optimize body construction.

Strategy: Balancing the need to complete two bodies while disrupting opponents.

Objective: The goal is to complete two fully functional bodies to impress Frankenstein, or to be the first to do so before the deck is shuffled for a second time.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of surgeons in Frankenstein’s lab, competing to build the most impressive bodies. The game is filled with strategic decisions and a bit of luck, as players must navigate the availability of body parts and deal with unexpected events. The interaction is high, with opportunities to disrupt opponents’ plans, adding a social and competitive element.

Pros

Interactive and social: Encourages player interaction and competition.

Strategic depth: Requires planning and resource management.

Thematic fun: The Frankenstein theme adds a unique and engaging element.

Variable gameplay: Different card draws ensure each game is unique.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the number of cards and rules.

Length: Games can take up to 70 minutes, which might be too long for some players.

Luck factor: The random draw of cards can sometimes hinder strategic plans.

Personal Thoughts on Frankenstein’s Bodies

**Frankenstein’s Bodies** is ideal for fans of strategic card games and those who enjoy a thematic and immersive gaming experience. It is particularly suited for groups of friends or families with older children who can appreciate the complexity and strategy involved. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers looking for a quick, simple experience.

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