Nightmare Forest: Alien Invasion (2017) Board Game

Nightmare Forest: Alien Invasion is a cooperative board game released in 2017 by SolarFlare Games. Designed by Joel Lopez, this game falls under the science fiction category and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. With a runtime of 20-60 minutes, it can accommodate 1-6 players, making it a versatile choice for game nights.

Game Components of Nightmare Forest: Alien Invasion

184 cards (including forest cards, gear cards, and ability cards) sized 63.5 x 88mm.

Custom dice for player actions and combat.

Character cards for player customization.

Forest cards that create a unique map for each game.

Timer token for tracking game duration.

Various tokens for tracking experience, level, and gear.

How To Setup Nightmare Forest: Alien Invasion

To set up the game, players first create the forest by placing forest cards face down according to the number of characters. Each player selects and customizes their character by randomly drawing one gear card and choosing one of two ability cards. The timer token is placed on the desired difficulty level (nine turns for easy, eight for regular, and seven for hard). Players start outside the forest, each next to a forest card, ready to begin their mission.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to eliminate the alien threat.

Card and Dice Mechanics: Players use dice to perform actions such as moving, attacking, and searching for gear. The number of dice increases as players level up.

Character Customization: Players can customize their characters with unique ability cards and gear.

Dynamic Forest: The forest is created differently each game using forest cards.

Objective: Clear the forest of aliens before the timer runs out or all players are defeated.

Player Experience

Players are immersed in a fast-paced, tense environment where decisions are crucial. The game requires teamwork and strategic allocation of dice to manage actions effectively. With each game lasting less than 40 minutes, players experience a quick setup, easy rule set, and high replayability. The game’s randomness, including dice rolls and card draws, adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games can be set up and played in under 40 minutes.

High Replayability: Each game is unique due to the random generation of the forest and character abilities.

Meaningful Decisions: Players must make strategic decisions on how to allocate their dice.

Customization: Players can customize their characters with different gear and abilities.

Tension and Excitement: The game is full of tension, especially as the timer ticks down.

Cons

Luck-Based: The game relies heavily on dice rolls, which may not appeal to players who prefer less randomness.

Light Game: It may not satisfy players looking for a more complex, epic gaming experience.

Personal Thoughts on Nightmare Forest: Alien Invasion

**Nightmare Forest: Alien Invasion** is perfect for those who enjoy quick, cooperative games with a lot of action and decision-making. It’s ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, engaging experience without the commitment of a long, complex game. However, heavy gamers who prefer more intricate mechanics and longer gameplay sessions might find it too light. If you enjoy adapting to changing game conditions and the thrill of dice rolls, this game is a great addition to your collection.

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