This House Is Haunted (2014) Board Game

This House Is Haunted is a board game released in 2014, designed by Gabriel Gomez and published by Brain Punch Games. It falls under the categories of card game, exploration, horror, and humor, making it a unique and diverse gaming experience. The game is designed for 4-8 players and has a cooperative gameplay style with a simulation mechanic.

Game Components of This House Is Haunted

Home Room: A designated area with a table (Charm Circle) and space for three card piles (draw deck, discard pile, Collection Plate).

Haunted Rooms: Multiple rooms or locations in the house/apartment, each with a draw pile of cards.

Cards: Leader card, Seal cards, Demon Mark cards, Curse cards, Hex cards, and Haunting cards.

Decorations: Suggested decorations include candles, spooky music, and name cards for each player.

How To Setup This House Is Haunted

To set up the game, you first establish a “Home Room” with a table and necessary card piles. Next, select 3 to 8 other rooms to be “Haunted Rooms,” each with its own draw pile of cards. Remove the Leader card and shuffle the remaining cards. Draw 13 cards for the Home Room draw pile and distribute the rest evenly among the Haunted Rooms. Players are assigned to rooms by the Leader, who can strategize to either help or hinder the players’ progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Room Assignment: The Leader assigns players to different rooms to search for Seal cards or to get trapped.

Card Drawing: Players enter their assigned rooms one at a time, draw a card, and follow its instructions.

Phase 2: Return to Home Room: Players return to the Home Room, reveal Curse cards, and add cards to the Collection Plate.

Collection Plate Resolution: The Leader shuffles and reveals cards from the Collection Plate, resolving Seal, Demon Mark, Curse, Hex, and Haunting cards.

Objective: Players aim to seal off the evil in the house while the Leader may try to keep the gateway open.

Player Experience

This game is an immersive experience that gets players up and moving around the house, creating a spooky atmosphere with candles and music. Players must work together to seal off the evil presence but can also face the risk of becoming trapped or possessed. The dynamic shifts as players return to the Home Room, revealing Curses and contributing to the Collection Plate, adding an element of surprise and tension.

Pros

Immersive Experience: The game encourages physical movement and interaction, enhancing the horror theme.

High Replayability: Different card draws and room assignments ensure a unique experience each time.

Strategic Depth: The Leader’s decisions and player actions create a complex and engaging game.

Cons

Setup Complexity: The game requires careful setup and distribution of cards.

Potential Frustration: Players can get trapped, and the game can end with significant card loss if all players are trapped.

Personal Thoughts on This House Is Haunted

**This House Is Haunted** is ideal for those who enjoy interactive, immersive gaming experiences and are fans of horror themes. It’s best suited for groups of 3 to 8 players who are willing to engage in a dynamic game that combines mystery, strategy, and a touch of fear. The game’s unique setup and gameplay mechanics make it a standout for those looking for something beyond the typical board game experience.

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