Mad Love (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mad Love is a card game released in 2018, designed by Daryl Toh Liem Zhan and illustrated by Imp House LLC. It falls under the categories of card game, deduction, horror, memory, and pattern recognition. The game is designed for 2 players and has a quick runtime of 5-10 minutes, making it a great option for a fast-paced gaming experience.

Game Components of Mad Love

18-card deck

Simple rulebook

Card grid (Dreamscape) setup

How To Setup Mad Love

To set up *Mad Love*, players draw two cards from their decks, memorize them, and then place them face down in a 2×2 grid in the middle of the table, known as the Dreamscape. This grid is the central area where players will manipulate cards throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to escape a terrifying Lovecraftian Dreamscape.

Grid Movement: Players push face-down cards into the Dreamscape, either in columns or rows, affecting their partner’s hand or discard pile.

Hand Management: Players manage their hand based on the actions triggered by the cards pushed out of the Dreamscape.

Memory and Deduction: Players rely on memory to track card locations and deduce the best actions to take.

Objective: Fill the love meter by collecting love cards while avoiding too much madness, which can lead to losing the game.

Player Experience

*Mad Love* offers a unique and intimate gaming experience, particularly suited for date nights. The game is quick, lasting only 5-10 minutes, and is highly portable. Players must communicate non-verbally, adding a layer of challenge and fun. The artwork is notable for its blend of playfulness and grotesque, eldritch themes. However, the game’s simplicity means it can become too easy after a few plays, with most challenges resolves quickly, except when Ghast cards randomize the Dreamscape.

Pros

Quick and Portable: Ideal for short gaming sessions.

Intimate Experience: Suited for date nights or close partnerships.

Unique Artwork: Blends playfulness with eldritch horror themes.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn and start playing.

Cons

Too Easy: The game becomes relatively simple after initial plays.

Limited Challenge: Except for rare instances with Ghast cards, the game lacks sustained challenge.

Lack of Player Information: No cards to help deduce the remaining cards in the deck.

Personal Thoughts on Mad Love

*Mad Love* is perfect for couples or close friends looking for a quick, cooperative game that doesn’t require complex strategies or extensive setup. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy horror themes and need a game that can be played in short bursts. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly challenging or complex gaming experience.

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