Horrified (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Horrified is a cooperative board game designed by Prospero Hall and published by Ravensburger in in 2019. The game is set in a classic monster movie universe, where players work together to defeat iconic monsters such as Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Wolfman. With its horror movie theme and strategic gameplay, Horrified offers a unique gaming experience for players aged 10 and up.

Game Components of Horrified

Game Board: Colorful, well-laid out, and easy to read.

Player Tokens: Cardboard tokens that are well-made.

Custom Dice: A nice touch adding to the game’s appeal.

Monster Mats and Figurines: Initially cheap and flimsy, but can be replaced with Funko Pop Universal Monsters Series mini figures for improvement.

Cards: Flimsy and require sleeving for regular play.

Item Tokens: Used to survive monster attacks, solve puzzles, and fight monsters.

Villager Tokens: Need to be escorted to safe locations for rewards.

Monster Cards: Each monster has unique requirements and special powers.

Player Character Cards: Each character has special abilities and a specific number of moves per turn.

How To Setup Horrified

To set up *Horrified*, players select 2 to 4 monsters from a roster that includes Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the combined threat of Frankenstein’s Monster and The Bride. Each monster has its own setup cards detailing how to defeat it. Players also receive their random hero character cards, each with unique abilities and move counts. The game board is laid out, and item tokens are scattered across various locations. Villager tokens are placed according to the game’s setup instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions: Players can move, activate their unique player power, interact with tokens, trade with other players, and interact with specific locations and monsters.

Item Collection: Players gather item tokens to defend against monsters, solve puzzles, and fight monsters directly.

Monster Movement: After each player’s turn, monsters move and attack, requiring players to discard items to ward off damage.

Villager Escort: Players must escort villagers to safe locations for rewards.

Defeating Monsters: Each monster has unique requirements for defeat, such as destroying coffins for Dracula or solving the Mummy’s hieroglyphic number puzzle.

Game Objective: Players win by defeating all the monsters. The game is lost if the terror level reaches the maximum or the monster deck runs out.

Player Experience

*Horrified* offers a fun and engaging experience, particularly suitable for families and casual gamers. The game is simple enough for kids to understand and plays quickly, usually in under an hour. The gameplay is less complex than games like *Pandemic*, but still challenging and rewarding. The variety of monsters and multiplayer options (up to five players) add significant replayability.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages with a non-violent approach to defeating monsters.

High Replayability: Multiple monsters and combinations ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick gameplay make it accessible to new players.

Engaging Theme: The Universal Monsters theme is fun and visually appealing.

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and strategy.

Cons

Component Quality: Flimsy cards and cheap plastic figurines (though replaceable with better alternatives).

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to advanced gamers seeking deeper mechanics.

Narrative Limitations: Lack of a strong narrative might disappoint some players.

Personal Thoughts on Horrified

*Horrified* is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, cooperative experience. While it may not satisfy the cravings of advanced gamers seeking complex mechanics, its simplicity and thematic depth make it a great addition to any home collection. The game’s accessibility and replay value ensure it will see plenty of table time, especially around Halloween or any time you’re in the mood for a monster-themed adventure.

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