Nyctophobia (2018) Board Game

Nyctophobia is a unique horror board game that was released in 2018 by Pandasaurus Games. The game was designed by Catherine Stippell and features artwork by Peter Wocken. Nyctophobia stands out from other board games due to its innovative gameplay mechanic that requires players to wear blackout glasses while navigating through the game board in complete darkness.

Game Components of Nyctophobia

Blackout Glasses: To simulate blindness for the hunted players.

Game Board: A maze-like board with concave spaces and barriers representing trees.

Player Pieces: Small white plastic barrels with distinct shapes on each end for identification.

Rock Tokens: Used for gaining information or as a weapon.

Heart Tokens: Representing health for the hunted players.

Noise Tokens: Indicate the location of sounds made by the hunted players.

Vampire/Hunter Cards: For the hunter’s actions and movements.

Familiar Token: Represents a character that the hunted players need to protect and return to the car.

How To Setup Nyctophobia

To set up Nyctophobia, start by assembling the board, which consists of interlocking pieces that create a maze. Place the barriers (trees) on the board to create the maze structure. Each hunted player chooses a piece and places it on the starting space. The hunter places their piece on the designated starting space. Distribute the rock tokens and heart tokens to the hunted players. The familiar token is placed on the board according to the scenario being played.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Hunted Players: Must navigate through the dark maze, avoid the hunter, and return the familiar to the car.

Hunter: Must chase and eliminate the hunted players or prevent them from returning the familiar.

Gameplay Mechanics

Movement: Hunted players move two spaces per turn, feeling the board to navigate.

Actions: Hunted players can throw rocks, hide, sprint, or call for help.

Hunter Actions: Move towards noise tokens or nearest hunted player, use cards for various actions like hypnotic spells or stalking.

Interaction: Hunted players rely on touch and memory to navigate, while the hunter uses sight to track and eliminate them.

Player Experience

Playing Nyctophobia is an immersive and tactile experience. Hunted players wear blackout glasses, forcing them to rely on touch to navigate the maze. This creates a sense of disorientation and tension, as players must form a mental map of the board through touch alone. The hunter, who can see, must use a deck of cards to determine their movements and actions, adding an element of unpredictability.

Pros

Unique Gameplay: The use of blackout glasses and tactile navigation provides a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.

Immersive Atmosphere: The game effectively creates a sense of fear and suspense.

Variety in Gameplay: Different scenarios, such as the Vampire Encounter version, offer variations in gameplay.

Thematic Engagement: Players are encouraged to get into character, especially the hunter, to enhance the experience.

Cons

Component Issues: Pawns can get stuck in the board, disrupting the game flow.

Reflection Issue: Seeing one’s own reflection in the blackout glasses can be unsettling.

Limited Replay: Players may not be willing to play multiple games in a row due to the disorienting nature of the game.

Personal Thoughts on Nyctophobia

Nyctophobia is for players looking for a unique, immersive gaming experience that combines physical sensation with psychological tension. It is ideal for those who enjoy horror-themed games and are willing to engage in a cooperative/competitive setup where one player takes on a significantly different role. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional or less physically demanding games. The game’s design and mechanics make it a great choice for those interested in exploring new ways of interacting with a board game.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.