The Testimony of Jacob Hollow (2003) Board Game

The Testimony of Jacob Hollow is a card game released in 2003 by Third World Games. It falls under the categories of Exploration and Horror, where players take on the roles of investigators exploring a mysterious town full of secrets and horrors. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players, with a runtime of about 45 minutes. Players must navigate the town, uncovering clues and avoiding dangers, to solve the mystery of Jacob Hollow.

Game Components of The Testimony of Jacob Hollow

Cards: 110 cards divided into three decks – characters (6), locations (14), and terror (90). Cards are printed on slightly flimsy cardstock with rounded corners and feature a standardized layout for ease of use.

Dice: 12 six-sided dice, 6 in pink and 6 in yellow, used to track life and mind (sanity) respectively.

Rules: Printed on a six-folded sheet of paper in black and white, including explanatory pictures of the cards.

How To Setup The Testimony of Jacob Hollow

Setup involves each player receiving one character card and five terror cards. Characters have either 5 life and 4 mind or vice-versa. The game begins with players taking turns in sequence, allowing them to stay at their current location, move to a new location, or join another player’s location.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Locations: Players can stay, move to a new location, or join another player’s location. Locations are discarded if no players are present.

Encounters and Combat: Players engage in combat using dice flips, with the outcome determining damage or rewards.

Investigations: After encountering a location, players can investigate by flipping dice and adding their mind value to meet the investigation target. Successful investigations yield points and mark the location as explored.

Actions: Cards with various effects, including “React” cards that can be played out of turn to influence flips and combat.

Objective: The game continues until a player reaches 10 Investigation Points, at which point they win.

Player Experience

In The Testimony of Jacob Hollow, players immerse themselves in the mysteries of the town of Castle Bay, navigating through locations, facing terrifying encounters, and competing to uncover secrets. The game’s abstract location system and the suspenseful dice-flipping mechanics create a tense and engaging experience.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of exploration, combat, and investigation keeps players engaged and invested in the game.

Visual Appeal: Attractive card designs with a standardized layout make the game easy to follow.

Replayability: Multiple characters, locations, and terror cards ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Missing Components: The lack of markers for current location and Investigation Points can make tracking game state cumbersome.

Rule Clarity: While the rules are generally clear, some elements, such as location management, can be somewhat abstract and confusing.

Personal Thoughts on The Testimony of Jacob Hollow

The Testimony of Jacob Hollow is ideal for fans of Lovecraftian themes and those who enjoy card games with exploration and combat elements. It’s a great choice for groups looking for a game that balances strategy and luck, with a moderate level of complexity. However, players who prefer games with more tangible components and clearer rules may find some aspects of the game slightly frustrating. Overall, it offers a unique and thrilling experience for those willing to dive into its eerie world.

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