Miskatonic University: The Restricted Collection (2019) Board Game

Miskatonic University: The Restricted Collection is a board game inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the fictional Miskatonic University. Players take on the roles of researchers exploring the university’s restricted collection, gathering forbidden knowledge and artifacts while trying to maintain their sanity.

Game Components of Miskatonic University: The Restricted Collection

Library Deck: Contains various cards such as Grimoire Fragments, Sigil Pieces, and other special cards.

Player Boards: Each representing a professor, with slots for Students, Sigils, and Fragments.

Sanity Cards: Black and red cards with varying point values.

Defense Cards: Optional cards to prevent duplicate card penalties.

Students: Cards that can be lost if a player is expelled from the round.

Lore Cards: Awarded for collecting specific sets of Grimoire Fragments and Sigil Pieces.

How To Setup Miskatonic University: The Restricted Collection

To set up the game, each player chooses a professor board and places it within reach. The Library Deck is shuffled and placed within the Restricted Collection area. Sanity cards are set up with one steadily increasing black Sanity award and random red Sanity awards. Each player starts with a set of Defense cards if using the optional rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing Cards: Players draw cards from the Library Deck or choose to leave the Restricted Collection.

Collecting Sets: Players aim to collect three different Sigil Pieces or five different Grimoire Fragments to gain Lore cards.

Sanity Management: Players must balance collecting Lore with maintaining their sanity, as drawing duplicate cards can expel them from the round.

Risk vs Reward: Players who leave the Restricted Collection early gain lower Sanity points, while those who stay longer risk expulsion but can gain higher Sanity points.

Game Objective: The player with the highest total of Lore and Sanity points after five rounds wins.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of professors at Miskatonic University, competing to become the Head of the Library Committee by bravely venturing into the Restricted Collection. The game is fast-paced, with simple rules that players can understand within a few rounds. Games typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a travel or party game. The unique game space style and art add to the immersive experience.

Pros

Fast and Simple: Easy to learn and play, with games completing within 30-45 minutes.

Unique Theme: The horror theme and academic setting provide a unique gaming experience.

Compact Design: The game comes in a neat book-shaped box, making it perfect for travel.

Social Interaction: Supports up to five players, enhancing the social aspect of gameplay.

Cons

Limited Strategy: The game is more about risk-taking than strategic thinking.

Repetitive Mechanics: The gameplay can feel repetitive, with minimal depth beyond the initial rounds.

Luck-Driven: The game’s outcome is heavily influenced by the luck of the draw.

Personal Thoughts on Miskatonic University: The Restricted Collection

**Miskatonic University: The Restricted Collection** is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, light-hearted games with a touch of horror and academic intrigue. It’s perfect for travel or as a party game due to its compact size and quick gameplay. While it may lack deep strategy, it offers an exciting gamble-like experience that can be quite entertaining for those willing to wager their sanity.

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