Primate Fear (2013) Board Game

Primate Fear is a card game released in 2013 by Gigantoskop. It was designed by Peter Hansson and features artwork by Peter Svärd. The game falls into the categories of Card Game and Humor Zombies, offering a unique twist on traditional board games with its playful theme.

Game Components of Primate Fear

Junk Cards: Each card has a height value and often special abilities.

Attack Cards: Include throwing, hand, and sneak attacks.

Frankenmonkey Tableau: Used to assemble the undead monkey.

Climbing Height Board: Tracks the players’ and Frankenmonkey’s progress.

Player Meeples: Represent the players climbing the junk tower.

Monkey Meeple: Represents Frankenmonkey.

Various Junk Items: Such as sarcophagi, graveyard gates, possessed cars, and the ancient idol of Cthulhu.

How To Setup Primate Fear

To set up the game, players begin by shuffling the junk card deck and distributing a starting hand to each player. The Climbing Height Board and Frankenmonkey tableau are placed within reach of all players. Each player places their meeple at the base of the Climbing Height Board, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Junk Card Placement: Players stack junk cards to climb higher on the Climbing Height Board.

Special Abilities: Many junk cards have unique effects, such as the Hearse restricting non-Horror cards or the Demonic Elevator allowing placement anywhere in the pile.

Attack Mechanics: Players use attack cards to destroy opponents’ junk cards, which can lead to a chain reaction of destruction.

Frankenmonkey Assembly: Cards with the monkey paw icon add parts to the Frankenmonkey tableau. Once complete, Frankenmonkey starts climbing the board.

Objective: The goal is to be the last player standing or to reach level 25 on the Climbing Height Board before being caught by Frankenmonkey.

Player Experience

**Primate Fear** is not a deep strategic game but rather a fun, frantic experience where players pile up junk to escape an undead monkey. The game is known for its quick playtime and humorous take on horror themes. Player elimination is a significant part of the game, as Frankenmonkey captures and eliminates players it overtakes on the Climbing Height Board.

Pros

Fast-paced and Fun: Quick gameplay with a lot of action.

Humorous Theme: A unique blend of horror and junkyard elements.

Interactive Mechanics: Players can sabotage each other’s towers using attack cards.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand rules make it accessible to new players.

Cons

Lack of Depth: Not suitable for players seeking complex strategy.

Player Elimination: Some players may find it frustrating to be eliminated early.

Luck Element: Dice rolls and card draws can significantly influence the game.

Personal Thoughts on Primate Fear

**Primate Fear** is ideal for groups looking for a light-hearted, entertaining game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s perfect for casual gamers who enjoy humor and quick, interactive gameplay. However, it may not appeal to those seeking deep strategic gameplay or who dislike player elimination mechanics. If you have a group of friends who can appreciate the absurdity of escaping an undead monkey by stacking junk, then **Primate Fear** is a great addition to your gaming collection.

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