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Pocket Madness (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Pocket Madness is a card game that was released in 2016 by Arclight Games. Designed by Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc, the game is set in the horror genre and is suitable for 2 to 4 players. With a runtime of approximately 30 minutes and an age rating of 8+, Pocket Madness is a fast-paced and engaging game that challenges players’ hand management and set collection skills.

Game Components of Pocket Madness

  • 63 Location cards: Each card has a number from 6 to 12, indicating the number of copies in the game.
  • 6 R’lyeh cards**, **7 Arkham Asylum cards**, **8 Lomar cards**, **9 Innsmouth cards**, **10 Valley of the Kings cards**, **11 Dunwich cards**, and **12 Underworld cards**.
  • 7 Portal cards: Each with unique powers.
  • 40 Madness tokens: Represented by green cubes.
  • Face-up and face-down Location cards: Part of the deck setup.

    How To Setup Pocket Madness

    To set up the game, start by placing the 7 Portal cards face-up and accessible to all players. Next, shuffle the Location cards and deal 2 cards to each player. Remove 17 Location cards from the deck unseen and set them aside face-down. Flip the Location deck over to be face-up, then integrate the 17 face-down cards back into the deck. Finally, splay the entire Location deck across the table, keeping the face-down cards hidden among the face-up ones.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Draw Cards: Players can draw 1-3 cards from the central offer in ‘card order’.
  • Open a Portal: Meld sets of identical cards to claim Portal cards and use their one-time powers.
  • Publish Research: Meld runs of seven sequential cards to force opponents to take Madness tokens.
  • Use Portal Powers: Utilize the special abilities of the Portal cards to disrupt opponents or gain advantages.
  • Game Objective: The goal is to get rid of all your Location cards as quickly as possible to avoid accumulating Madness tokens. The game ends when a player accumulates 10 or more Madness tokens, and the player with the fewest tokens wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing Pocket Madness involves a mix of strategy and luck, as players navigate the complex setup of face-up and face-down Location cards. Each turn, players must decide whether to draw cards, meld sets or runs, or use Portal card powers. The game can feel like a balance between Gin and Rummy, with the added twist of Sanity management through Madness tokens. Players appreciate the art and the portable nature of the game, though the theme implementation is considered somewhat thin.

    Pros

  • Portable and Well-Produced: The game comes in a compact box and features nice artwork.
  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy to teach and play.
  • Strategic Depth: Players can strategize with Portal card powers and melding decisions.
  • Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 30 minutes.

    Cons

  • Thin Theme Implementation: The Lovecraftian theme feels pasted on rather than deeply integrated.
  • Complex Setup: The initial setup with face-up and face-down cards can be time-consuming and confusing.
  • Luck-Dependent: Drawing the right cards at the right time can significantly influence gameplay.
  • Less Control with More Players: Games with more players can lead to less control and more randomness.

    Personal Thoughts on Pocket Madness

    Pocket Madness is ideal for those who enjoy abstract card games with a hint of strategic planning. While the Lovecraftian theme may not be deeply integrated, the game’s mechanics and artwork still offer an engaging experience. It is particularly suited for players who like quick, portable games that can be played in a short amount of time. However, those seeking a deeply thematic experience or more control over gameplay may find it less appealing.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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