Monster Trap (2011) Board Game

Monster Trap is a children’s board game released in 2011 by designers Markus Brand and Inka Brand. It is published by 999 Games and is known for its action/dexterity gameplay. The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a runtime of approximately 20 minutes. With its colorful artwork by Michael Menzel and Andreas Resch, Monster Trap aims to engage young players in a fun and fast-paced gaming experience.

Game Components of Monster Trap

Game board featuring a mansion with corridors

Vertical and horizontal sliders

Monster tokens

Monster cards

Hourglass timer

Location cards (for advanced play)

Eye tokens

How To Setup Monster Trap

To set up the game, place the mansion board between two players, ensuring each can reach both the vertical and horizontal sliders. The other players will manage the hourglass timer. The monster cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach. The sliders are set to their starting positions on the edges of the board. For each round, the players responsible for the hourglass will shout “On your monster, get set, go!” and flip the hourglass over to start the timer.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Capture as many monsters as possible by pushing them into the monster trap before the hourglass runs out.

Mechanics:
– Players control either vertical or horizontal sliders to move the monsters.
– Communication is key as players must coordinate their slider movements.
– Reveal a monster card to identify the target monster.
– Move the monster token using the sliders to push it into the trap.
– If the monster falls over or leaves the maze, it escapes, and the process must be restarted.
– Collect monster cards successfully trapped and place them in the team’s discard pile.
– Teams take turns, with the game ending when the deck of monster cards is depleted.

Player Experience

Playing Monster Trap is a lively and interactive experience that encourages teamwork and quick thinking. The game is fast-paced, with the hourglass timer adding an element of urgency. Players must work together seamlessly to maneuver the monsters into the trap, making it a great game for developing communication and coordination skills. The addition of location cards in advanced play adds another layer of complexity, requiring players to navigate the monsters through specific locations before trapping them.

Pros

Encourages Teamwork: Promotes collaboration and communication among players.

Fast-Paced: The hourglass timer creates a thrilling and energetic gameplay experience.

Develops Skills: Enhances coordination, dexterity, and problem-solving abilities.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and adults alike, making it a great family game.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May be too simple for older or more experienced gamers.

Component Dependency: The game relies heavily on the sliders and hourglass, which can be prone to wear and tear.

Repetitive: Some players might find the gameplay repetitive, especially in longer sessions.

Personal Thoughts on Monster Trap

Monster Trap is perfect for families with young children or for those looking for a light-hearted, cooperative game. It’s an excellent choice for introducing children to the world of board games due to its simple yet engaging mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for gamers seeking complex strategies or deep gameplay. Overall, it’s a fun and interactive game that brings people together and promotes teamwork in a playful manner.

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