The Thing board game is based on the 1982 science fiction horror film directed by John Carpenter. The game captures the suspense and paranoia of the movie, where players must work together to survive against a hidden alien threat among them. Released in 2010, The Thing board game has gained a following among fans of the film and board game enthusiasts alike.
Game Components of The Thing
Game Board: Represents Outpost 31 with various rooms from the film.Character Cards: Each player has a unique character with different abilities.Action Cards: Include “use,” “repair,” and “sabotage” cards that dictate room actions.Infection Mechanism: Tokens and rules for infection and assimilation.Suspicion Track: Tracks players’ suspicion levels.Blood Bags: Used for blood tests to identify the alien.Helicopter Escape Mechanism: Allows for a dramatic escape attempt.Husky Tokens: Represent the dogs that can spread infection.
How To Setup The Thing
Setting up the game involves placing the game board, distributing character cards, shuffling and dealing action cards, and initializing the base’s status (boiler, generator, etc.). Players must also determine who will start as the Thing. The setup requires careful attention to the rulebook, which, despite its complexity, is essential for a smooth game experience.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Hidden Role: One player is initially the Thing, while others are humans.Infection Mechanism: Players can become infected when in the same room as the Thing or through the huskies.Action Resolution: Players submit action cards, which are mixed with a random card to resolve actions in rooms.Sabotage: The Thing can sabotage critical base functions.Blood Tests: Players can use blood bags to test each other for infection.Suspicion System: Players can vote to increase suspicion on others, affecting their ability to play cards.Helicopter Escape: Players can attempt to escape via helicopter, with the lowest suspicion player having the first choice.Base Management: Players must keep the base operational by managing the boiler, generator, and food supply.
Player Experience
Playing The Thing: The Board Game is an immersive experience that replicates the paranoia and tension of the film. Players must navigate the base, perform critical tasks, and manage the risk of infection. The game encourages cooperation but also fosters mistrust as players suspect each other of being the alien. Each round involves strategic planning, social interaction, and the constant fear of being assimilated or betrayed.
Pros
Faithful to the Film: Captures the atmosphere and tension of John Carpenter’s The Thing.Engaging Mechanics: Infection, sabotage, and action resolution mechanics create a dynamic game.High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player roles ensure different experiences.Social Interaction: Encourages discussion, mistrust, and strategic collaboration among players.Thematic Immersion: Players feel like they are part of the film’s narrative.
Cons
Complex Rulebook: The rulebook is poorly written, leading to confusion and the need for frequent clarifications.Steep Learning Curve: Many rules and mechanisms to assimilate before playing smoothly.Long Setup Time: Initial setup can be time-consuming due to the complexity of the game.
Personal Thoughts on The Thing
The Thing: The Board Game is ideal for fans of the film and those who enjoy hidden role games with a strong social interaction component. It is best suited for players who appreciate complex game mechanics and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. The game’s ability to recreate the tense and paranoid atmosphere of the film makes it a must-play for anyone looking for a deeply thematic gaming experience.
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