| | | | | | | |

Tides of Madness (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Tides of Madness is a card drafting game that is a sequel to Tides of Time, both designed by Kristian Čurla. Released in 2016 by Edge Entertainment, this game is set in the Cthulhu Mythos universe, adding a horror element to the gameplay. With stunning artwork by a team of talented artists, Tides of Madness offers a unique and immersive gaming experience for two players.

Game Components of Tides of Madness

  • Cards:** 18 cards representing elder ones and places from the Lovecraftian mythos, along with suited and unsuited cards.
  • Madness Tokens:** Used to track players’ sanity.
  • Victory Points:** Awarded for fulfilling card abilities.
  • Box and Rule Sheet:** Artwork extends to the inside of the box and the rule sheet, maintaining the Lovecraftian theme with handwritten rules and textured paper stock.

    How To Setup Tides of Madness

    To set up the game, each player starts with a hand of five cards. The game does not require complex setup, as players simply need to draw their initial cards and begin the drafting phase. The gameplay is structured into rounds, each consisting of drafting, scoring, and refresh phases.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Drafting Phase:** Players draw five cards, choose one, and pass the remaining cards to the other player. This continues until all cards are chosen.
  • Scoring Phase:** Players total up Madness tokens and Victory Points. If a player accumulates 9 Madness tokens, they immediately lose the game.
  • Refresh Phase:** Players choose one card to keep in play and one to remove from the game. New cards are drawn to restore the starting hand of five cards.
  • Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most Victory Points over three rounds while managing Madness tokens to avoid losing due to insanity.

    Player Experience

    Tides of Madness offers a tense and engaging experience, particularly for fans of the Lovecraftian mythos. The game combines strategic card drafting with the risk of losing sanity, adding a layer of excitement and unpredictability. Players must balance the desire for high-scoring cards against the risk of accumulating too many Madness tokens.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme:** The game deeply embeds the Lovecraftian mythos, making it appealing to fans of H.P. Lovecraft’s works.
  • Strategic Depth:** The addition of Madness tokens introduces a new layer of strategy, making each decision critical.
  • High-Quality Components:** The card artwork and overall design are memorable and frame-worthy.
  • Quick Playtime:** The game takes approximately 20 minutes to play, making it a great option for quick gaming sessions.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count:** The game is designed for only 2 players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.
  • Risk of Early Loss:** A player can lose immediately if they accumulate 9 Madness tokens, which might be frustrating for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Tides of Madness

    Tides of Madness is ideal for fans of card drafting games and those who enjoy the Lovecraftian theme. It is a great addition to any collection for those looking for a quick, strategic game that can be played with a friend. The game’s balance between scoring points and managing sanity makes it a compelling and replayable experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with larger player counts or more complex setup procedures.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *