Mythos Tales (2016) Board Game

Mythos Tales is a deduction board game based on the works of famous horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. It was released in 2016 by 8th Summit and quickly gained popularity among fans of horror, mystery, and cooperative games. The game designers, Hal Eccles, Will Kenyon, Jason Maxwell, and Tim Uren, did a fantastic job of capturing the eerie and immersive atmosphere of Lovecraft’s stories.

Game Components of Mythos Tales

Maps of Arkham

Newspapers

Directory for players

Numbered paragraphs for storytelling

Quiz questions

Time marker

Various story-based elements and props

How To Setup Mythos Tales

To set up Mythos Tales, players begin by selecting one of the eight available stories. Each story comes with its own set of numbered paragraphs, maps, and other relevant materials. Players then choose their roles, which can include forensic scientists, occultists, private investigators, and more. The game materials are distributed, and the time marker is set to track the progression of the investigation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Storytelling Mechanic: Players read through numbered paragraphs to follow up on leads.

Investigation: Players explore locations in Arkham, each ticking down the time marker.

Quiz: At the end of the investigation, players are presented with a quiz to answer questions about the case.

Scoring: Points are awarded for correct answers and deducted for story-based elements like encountering monsters.

Objective: The goal is not necessarily to win but to engage with the story and uncover its mysteries.

Player Experience

Mythos Tales offers a deeply immersive experience, focusing on discovery and detection rather than combat. The game is highly narrative-driven, with an emphasis on gradual revelations and the exploration of Arkham’s dark underbelly. Players feel like detectives piecing together clues from various sources, including maps, newspapers, and directories. The game can be played with 1-8 players, both cooperatively or competitively, and also functions well as a solitaire experience.

Pros

Engaging Narrative: The game excels in storytelling, capturing the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of Lovecraftian horror.

Social Interaction: It encourages socialization and discussion among players.

Tactile Appeal: The use of maps, newspapers, and directories adds a tactile element to the game.

Rules-Light: Easy to learn and play, making it accessible to a mixed group of players.

Solitaire Friendly: Can be enjoyed by a single player relying on their own wits.

Cons

Predictable Stories: While engaging, the stories follow a predictable template familiar to fans of Mythos fiction.

Limited Replayability: While you won’t see everything in one pass, replayability is somewhat limited.

Unlikely Leaps of Logic: Sometimes requires making unlikely guesses to progress.

Personal Thoughts on Mythos Tales

Mythos Tales is ideal for fans of narrative-driven games, especially those familiar with the Lovecraftian universe or the Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective series. It’s perfect for groups looking for a game that encourages discussion and collaboration, and its rules-light nature makes it easy for new players to join in. However, players seeking a high-replayability game or those who prefer more complex mechanics might find it less appealing. Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and the atmospheric terror of H.P. Lovecraft’s world.

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