Terrible Monster (2015) Board Game

Terrible Monster is a card game released in 2015 by Studio GG. Designed by Shun Taguchi, this game is meant for 2 players and has a runtime of about 10 minutes. It falls under the categories of Fantasy and Fighting, with a focus on hand management mechanics.

Game Components of Terrible Monster

Deck: A small deck of 16 cards, including 3 monster cards and 13 spell cards.

Life Tokens: Each player starts with 4 life tokens.

Counter Tokens: Each player begins with 2 counter tokens, and there are additional counter tokens placed next to the deck.

Art and Theme: The game features a 1950s pulp monster theme with striking artwork.

How To Setup Terrible Monster

To set up the game, shuffle the deck and deal 5 cards to each player. Each player receives 4 life tokens and 2 counter tokens. Place the remaining cards face down on the table. The first player is limited to playing only one card on their first turn, while subsequent turns involve drawing a card and playing up to two cards from their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their hand of cards to optimize their strategy.

Card Types: Monster cards remain in play with ongoing effects, while spell cards take effect immediately and are then discarded.

Countering: Players can use counter tokens to block opponents’ card effects, with the option to counter a counter using two tokens.

Objective: Reduce the opponent’s life points from 4 to 0 to win. Alternatively, playing the Terrible Monster card can instantly win the game if it survives until the next turn.

Player Experience

Terrible Monster offers a fast-paced and strategic gameplay experience. Despite its small deck, the game is surprisingly deep, requiring players to be on their toes and strategically use their counter tokens. The game’s theme of monster summoning and swamp magic is engaging, and the artwork enhances the overall experience. However, the game’s randomness and limited strategies might not appeal to everyone.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The 1950s pulp monster theme is well-implemented and visually appealing.

Fast Play: Games are quick, lasting around 10-15 minutes.

Portable: The game is highly portable due to its small size.

Simple Setup: Setup is quick and straightforward.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers a surprising amount of strategic depth.

Cons

Randomness: The game involves a degree of randomness that might not appeal to all players.

Limited Tokens: The quality of the counter and life tokens could be improved.

Derivative Feel: Some players may find the game too similar to other dueling card games like Magic: The Gathering.

Personal Thoughts on Terrible Monster

Terrible Monster is ideal for players looking for a quick, strategic dueling game that can be played in between larger games. It is particularly suited for fans of microgames and those who enjoy combat-focused card games. While it may not offer the complexity of larger card games, its unique theme and fast gameplay make it a fun and challenging addition to any gaming collection. If you’re a fan of Love Letter or Magic: The Gathering but want something more compact and fast-paced, Terrible Monster is definitely worth checking out.

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