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The House on the Borderland (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

The House on the Borderland is a board game based on the classic horror novel of the same name by William Hope Hodgson. The game takes players on a thrilling journey through a mysterious house filled with otherworldly creatures and terrifying events. Designed by Commode Ministrels in Bullface, Manifester, and Victoria Shen, the game offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of horror and fantasy.

Game Components of The House on the Borderland

  • Game board
  • Noise tiles
  • Swine-creature tokens
  • Character tokens (The Recluse, Mary, and Pepper the dog)
  • Borderland deck cards
  • Mystery tokens
  • The Recluse’s diary
  • Dice

    How To Setup The House on the Borderland

    To set up the game, players place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each character token (The Recluse, Mary, and Pepper) is positioned on the board according to the initial setup rules. Noise tiles are placed face-down on designated areas of the board. The Borderland deck and mystery tokens are also prepared and set aside.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Dice Rolling:** Used for resolving combat and other interactions.
  • Card Drawing:** Noise tiles and Borderland deck cards are drawn to introduce events and challenges.
  • Token Placement:** Swine-creatures and other tokens are placed on the board based on the cards drawn.

    Game Objective

  • The primary objective is to survive until the final event, “The Luminous Speck,” is drawn.
  • Additional goals include:
    – Keeping the three characters alive.
    – Gaining mystery tokens.
    – Completing entries in The Recluse’s diary.

    Player Experience

    The game offers a unique and unpredictable experience due to its random elements. Players control The Recluse, his sister Mary, and their dog Pepper, navigating through the house and defending against swine-like humanoid creatures. The game’s simplicity in actions (moving and fighting) is balanced by the complexity and randomness introduced by dice rolls and card draws. The events that cause The Recluse to travel through the Borderland, such as visiting The Plain of Silence and The Sea of Sleep, add a rich thematic layer to the game.

    Pros

  • Unpredictable Nature:** Keeps the game interesting with each playthrough.
  • Thematic Depth:** Successfully adapts the cosmic horror elements from the novel.
  • Simple yet Engaging Rules:** Easy to follow without becoming overwhelming.
  • Multiple Win Conditions:** Allows for different strategies and replayability.

    Cons

  • Limited Actions:** Characters have restricted actions, which might feel repetitive to some players.
  • Luck-Based:** The game’s outcomes are heavily influenced by dice rolls and card draws, which can be frustrating for players who prefer more strategic control.

    Personal Thoughts on The House on the Borderland

    This game is perfect for fans of cosmic horror and solitaire board games. It is particularly appealing to those who enjoy thematic games with a strong narrative connection to their source material. The simplicity of the rules makes it accessible to new players, while the randomness and multiple win conditions ensure it remains engaging for veterans. If you’re looking for a game that captures the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere of Hodgson’s novel, The House on the Borderland is an excellent choice.

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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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