Mountains (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mountains is a board game released in 2018 by designer Michael Menzel and published by HABA. It falls under the adventure, bluffing, card game, and negotiation categories, offering a unique gaming experience to players aged 8 and above. The game features mechanics such as memory, push your luck, and set collection, adding layers of strategy and excitement to each playthrough.

Game Components of Mountains

Game board featuring an Antarctic mountain

Equipment cards with varying numbers (2-6 and some 10s)

Madness cards (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3)

Relic tokens

Injury cards

Leadership tokens

Penalty die

Sled tile

Sand timer

Player tokens

How To Setup Mountains

To set up the game, place the mountain-shaped board in the center of the playing area. Each player selects a token and places it at the base of the mountain. Shuffle the equipment card deck and deal a set number of cards to each player. Prepare the madness cards, relic tokens, injury cards, and leadership tokens. Determine the starting player, who will act as the leader for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to ascend the mountain.

Card Management: Players use equipment cards to meet challenge requirements.

Time Pressure: A sand timer limits the time for players to discuss and place cards.

Madness Mechanic: Madness cards impose various constraints on player actions, increasing in severity with each tier.

Objective: The goal is to collect relics while minimizing injuries and managing madness to successfully descend the mountain.

Gameplay Phases

Movement: Players move their tokens up, down, or sideways on the board.

Encounter: The leader flips over a tile, revealing challenges that require specific card combinations.

Resolution: Players collectively place cards to meet the challenge requirements.

Draw: Players draw back up to their hand limit.

Optional Rest Phase: Players can choose to rest, which shuffles the discard pile back into the deck but costs a leadership token.

Player Experience

**Mountains of Madness** is often described as a party game rather than a heavy survival game. The gameplay is chaotic and fun, particularly during the Encounter phase, where the time limit and communication restrictions create a frantic and hilarious environment. As players ascend the mountain, the madness mechanic adds a layer of unpredictability, making each challenge unique and challenging.

Pros

Unique Madness Mechanic: Adds a fun and unpredictable element to the game.

High Replayability: Different challenges and madness effects ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Interactive and Social: Encourages teamwork and communication among players.

Thematic Integration: The game’s theme of ascending an Antarctic mountain and dealing with madness is well-integrated into the mechanics.

Cons

Time Pressure Can Be Overwhelming: The 30-second timer can be stressful and may not suit all players.

Simple Core Mechanics: Without the madness mechanic, the game might feel too straightforward.

Leadership Tokens Management: Managing these tokens can feel necessary rather than strategic.

Personal Thoughts on Mountains

**Mountains of Madness** is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games with a unique twist. It’s perfect for groups looking for a fun, interactive experience that combines strategy with a bit of chaos. The game is not for those seeking a deep, complex survival game but is great for anyone who enjoys social, fast-paced gameplay with a hint of Lovecraftian madness.

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