Lobotomy (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Lobotomy is a board game released in 2017, designed by Slawek Kosciukiewicz and featuring artwork by Titan Forge Games. It falls under the categories of Adventure, Exploration, Fighting, Horror, and Miniatures. The game is designed for 1 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 14 and up.

Game Components of Lobotomy

Game Board: Represents the Melville City Psychiatric Hospital.

Patient Cards: Each player controls one or more patients.

Item Cards: Various items to aid or hinder players.

Event Cards: Introduce challenges and story elements.

Miniatures: Represent patients and hospital staff.

Tokens and Dice: For tracking progress and resolving actions.

How To Setup Lobotomy

Setting up Lobotomy is a lengthy and somewhat tiring process. The game dominates the table with its extensive components. Players start by placing the game board, which represents the hospital, and then distribute the patient cards, item cards, and event cards. Each player chooses their patient and receives starting equipment. The game also requires setting up various token tracks and placing miniatures on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative and Competitive Elements: Players can work together or against each other.

Modular Board: The hospital’s layout changes with each playthrough.

Deck Building: Players collect and use item cards to progress.

Event Management: Players must navigate through event cards that introduce challenges.

Objective: Players aim to escape the hospital or complete specific objectives based on their patient’s goals.

Player Experience

Playing Lobotomy can be an immersive and challenging experience. The game’s horror theme and dynamic events create a tense atmosphere, making each playthrough unique. The cooperative and competitive mechanics allow for diverse gameplay experiences, catering to different player preferences.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The horror setting and dynamic events immerse players in the game.

High Replayability: Modular board and event cards ensure varied playthroughs.

Complex Gameplay: Suits players who enjoy deep, strategic games.

Flexible Mechanics: Allows for both cooperative and competitive play.

Cons

Lengthy Setup: The setup process is extensive and time-consuming.

Complex Rulebook: The rulebook can be overwhelming for new players.

Table Space: The game requires a large amount of table space.

Personal Thoughts on Lobotomy

Lobotomy is for players who appreciate complex, immersive horror games with deep mechanics. It is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative or competitive gameplay and are not deterred by lengthy setup processes. While it may not suit casual gamers due to its complexity and setup time, it offers a rich and varied experience for dedicated board game enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a game that provides a bigger horror experience without a Cthulhu theme, Lobotomy is a solid choice.

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