Psycho Killer (2020) Board Game

Psycho Killer is a card game released in 2020, designed by Michael Wilkinson and illustrated by Escape Tabletop Games. The game falls under the categories of Horror, Humor Movies/TV/Radio theme, and Party Game, making it perfect for fans of these genres. With a runtime of 15-30 minutes and suitable for players aged 13 and above, Psycho Killer is a great addition to any game night lineup.

Game Components of Psycho Killer

78 Psycho Killer game cards

9 “Play by your own rules” cards

1 Rule page and card list

Cards with a slight linen finish and a slight gloss.

How To Setup Psycho Killer

To set up the game, players simply need to shuffle the deck and deal a starting hand to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The game’s insert, made from thick cardboard, is designed to hold the cards neatly, with spaces for expansions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their card hands to avoid injury and attacks.

Take That: Players can use cards to screw over their friends.

Hot Potato: The Psycho Killer card can be passed around, causing chaos.

Objective: The goal is to have the lowest number of injury points by the end of the game. Each turn, players play cards from their hand and draw a card from the deck. If a Psycho Killer card is drawn, it must be played unless evaded. Players with weapon cards in their hand are attacked, and these cards are added to their injury piles. The game ends when the last Psycho Killer is drawn.

Player Experience

Psycho Killer is designed to be a quick and fun filler game that captures the essence of retro horror and slasher films. Players use every cliche in the book to outmaneuver their friends and survive the psycho killer. The game is easy to learn, with clear rules and a QR code linking to a quick video tutorial. However, mastering the strategy may take a few more plays.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s retro slasher movie theme is highly engaging and visually appealing.

Easy to Learn: The rules are clear, and the QR code tutorial makes learning the game straightforward.

Quick Gameplay: Games are short, lasting only 15-30 minutes.

Fun Interactions: The take-that mechanics ensure a fun and interactive experience with friends.

Cons

Strategy Depth: The game may lack deep strategic elements, making it more of a light-hearted party game.

Card Quality: While the cards are of good quality, some players might prefer them to be slightly thicker.

Rulebook Design: The rulebook design is somewhat inconsistent with the box art, though this is a minor complaint.

Personal Thoughts on Psycho Killer

Psycho Killer is perfect for groups of friends looking for a quick, fun, and light-hearted game experience. It’s ideal for those who enjoy card games with a humorous twist and are fans of retro horror themes. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it excels as a party game that can be played multiple times in one sitting. If you’re looking for something to fill a short gaming session with laughter and excitement, Psycho Killer is an excellent choice.

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