Horrified: American Monsters (2021) Board Game

Horrified: American Monsters is a standalone expansion for the original Horrified board game, which was released in in 2021. This expansion introduces new monsters inspired by American folklore and horror stories, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay experience. With a cooperative gameplay style, players must work together to defeat the monsters and save the town from terror.

Game Components of Horrified: American Monsters

Game board featuring the town of Cross Creek

Six sculpted monster miniatures (Bigfoot, Mothman, the Jersey Devil, the Chupacabra, the Banshee of the Badlands, and the Ozark Howler)

Investigator tokens and Citizen tokens

Item tokens and Monster cards

Bonus Perk cards

Frenzy token and Terror Level track

Rulebook

How To Setup Horrified: American Monsters

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Item tokens are drawn and placed on the board according to their specified locations. The group decides on the difficulty level by choosing 2-4 monsters to face, and the corresponding Monster mats are laid out in Frenzy Order. The Monster deck is shuffled and placed next to the board, and the Citizen tokens are set aside to be placed on the board during gameplay. Players then choose their Investigator tokens and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to defeat the monsters.

Variable Player Powers: Each Investigator has unique abilities.

Modular Board: The board changes with each game due to the random placement of Item tokens.

Token Collection: Players collect tokens to defeat monsters.

Game Objective: Defeat all the monsters before the Terror Level reaches its maximum or the Monster deck runs out of cards.

Player Experience

Playing **Horrified: American Monsters** involves strategic teamwork and constant reassessment of plans. Players need to communicate effectively to protect the town from the various monsters. Each monster has unique defeat criteria, requiring different strategies. The game’s scalable difficulty allows for adjustments to suit different player skill levels.

Pros

Ease of Entry: Simple rules make it accessible to both new and experienced gamers.

High Replayability: Different monster combinations and random elements ensure unique play experiences.

Thematic Presentation: Beautifully designed game board, player pieces, and monster miniatures capture the classic horror movie aesthetic.

Solo Gameplay Option: Includes rules for solo play, adding versatility.

Cons

Anticlimactic Victories: Defeating monsters can feel less satisfying due to the straightforward nature of the final steps.

Inverse Tension: The game can become easier as monsters are defeated, reducing tension.

Similar Actions: Some monsters’ defeat mechanics feel repetitive, involving similar token collection and usage.

Personal Thoughts on Horrified: American Monsters

**Horrified: American Monsters** is a great introduction to cooperative games, especially for families or new gamers. It offers a fun and thematic experience with its beautifully crafted components and scalable difficulty. However, experienced gamers might find the gameplay a bit too straightforward and lacking in intense strategic depth. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy cooperative games with a strong thematic presence and are looking for a game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players.

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