Mountains of Madness (2017) Board Game

Mountains of Madness is a board game designed by Rob Daviau and released in 2017 by IELLO. It is based on the horror novel by H.P. Lovecraft, where players take on the roles of explorers in Antarctica. The game is known for its real-time element, where players must communicate and work together to survive the horrors they encounter.

Game Components of Mountains of Madness

Game board featuring an Antarctic mountain

Tiles with challenges and rewards

Player cards representing four basic resources (symbols)

Madness cards with various levels of disruption

Leadership tokens

Relic cards

Wound cards

Sand timer

How To Setup Mountains of Madness

To set up the game, players first construct the mountain by laying out tiles randomly. Each player receives a hand of resource cards and a set of leadership tokens. The madness cards are shuffled and placed within reach. The goal is to ascend the mountain, completing challenges and collecting relics while managing madness and injuries.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to overcome challenges.

Resource Management: Players must coordinate to play the right combination of cards to meet the challenges listed on the tiles.

Time Pressure: A 30-second sand timer limits discussion after the tile is flipped.

Madness Mechanics: Players can gain madness cards that disrupt their ability to communicate and coordinate, affecting gameplay significantly.

Objective: The team must reach the mountain peak, collect relics, and escape safely while minimizing wounds and madness.

Player Experience

Playing **Mountains of Madness** is a unique blend of strategic planning and chaotic communication. The game requires players to discuss and strategize quickly before the sand timer runs out, all while dealing with the unpredictable effects of madness. As the game progresses, challenges become more difficult, and the impact of madness increases, making each round more intense and challenging.

Pros

Innovative Madness Mechanics: Adds a fun and unpredictable layer to the game.

Strong Cooperative Elements: Encourages teamwork and communication.

Quick Learning Curve: Simple to understand but challenging to master.

Thematic Integration: Well-aligned with the Lovecraftian theme.

Cons

Variable Player Experience: Can be frustrating for timid players or those who struggle with quick communication.

Limited Longevity: Some players may find the game repetitive after several plays.

Simplistic Base Mechanics: The core card-playing mechanism is straightforward but can be overshadowed by the madness effects.

Personal Thoughts on Mountains of Madness

**Mountains of Madness** is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games with a twist of unpredictability. It is particularly suited for groups that appreciate the challenge of managing chaos and communicating effectively under pressure. However, players seeking a deeply complex strategy game or those who prefer solo experiences may find it less appealing. The game’s unique blend of serious theme and absurd gameplay elements makes it a standout in the Lovecraftian genre, but it may not appeal to everyone.

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