Unconscious Mind (2024) Board Game

The Unconscious Mind board game was released in 2024 by Fantasia Games. Designed by Laskas, Jonny Pac, Yoma, and Antonio Zax, this game delves into the themes of dreams and nightmares, exploring the depths of the human psyche. With stunning artwork by Andrew Bosley, Vincent Dutrait, and Yoma, Unconscious Mind promises an immersive experience for players aged 12 and up.

Game Components of Unconscious Mind

1 Meeting Board

1 Map Board

4 Insight Dials

4 Clientele Dials

4 Player Boards

7 Goal Tiles

9 Treatise Dials

60 Technique Tiles

6 City Recall Overlay Tiles

5 Professor Meeples

1 First Player Token

4 Inkpot Markers

4 Coffee Markers

5 Reputation Markers

8 Treatment Markers

52 Insight Tokens

4 Scoring Markers

24 Idea Tokens

16 Bright Idea Tokens

1 Fireworks Standee

1 Grief Layer Dispenser Box

24 Grief Layer Cards

2 Rulebooks (Core & Solo)

12 General Client Cards

12 Advanced Client Cards

24 Manifest Dream Cards

24 Latent Dream Cards

4 Letter Cards

24 Map Tokens

36 Research Cards

4 Reference Booklets

6 Solo Row Cards

6 Solo Column Cards

9 Solo Technique Tiles.

How To Setup Unconscious Mind

To set up **Unconscious Mind**, players need to arrange the central Meeting Board, Map Board, and each player’s individual board. Each player selects a player board and places the corresponding Insight Dial, Clientele Dial, and Treatise Dials on their board. The game also involves setting up the rondels, distributing Idea tokens, and preparing the various card decks such as Manifest Dream Cards, Latent Dream Cards, and Research Cards. The First Player Token is given to the player who goes first, and the Coffee Markers and Reputation Markers are placed within reach of all players. Detailed setup instructions can be found in the Core Rulebook included with the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place one or two Idea tokens on the central Meeting Table to access various actions.

Engine Building: Players add tiles to their player board to enhance their capabilities.

Multiple Rondels: The placement of Idea tokens advances the rondel’s inkpot, activating tile effects.

Cascading Effects: Actions trigger subsequent effects on the player’s board.

Open Drafting: Players draft and play cards to advance their therapeutic techniques.

Programmed Movement: Moving around the city of Vienna to access different locations.

Set Collection: Collecting Insight resources to treat clients.

End Game Bonuses: Scoring points based on the reputation and clientele built during the game.

Solo / Solitaire Game: Includes solo mode with specific Solo Row and Column Cards[5.).

The objective is to become the most distinguished contemporary of Sigmund Freud by formulating new therapeutic techniques, establishing a practice, growing your clientele, and helping clients resolve their grief through dream analysis.

Player Experience

**Unconscious Mind** offers a rich and thematic experience, immersing players in the world of early psychoanalysis. The game features stunning artwork by Vincent Dutrait and Andrew Bosley, enhancing the surrealistic and historical setting. Players engage in discussions, publish theories, and navigate the city of Vienna, all while managing their clients’ dreams and insights. The game’s complexity and depth make it appealing to fans of medium-heavy Euro games.

Pros

Thematic Integration: The game’s mechanics and theme are deeply intertwined, creating a cohesive experience.

High-Quality Components: Top-notch production quality and artwork.

Deep Gameplay: Engaging worker placement, engine building, and cascading effects.

Solo Mode: Includes a well-designed solo mode.

Historical Context: Set in the early days of Freudian psychoanalysis, adding a unique historical layer.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous mechanics and components.

Setup Time: Extensive setup required before the game can begin.

Price and Add-ons: The pricing structure for add-ons can be confusing and misleading.

Personal Thoughts on Unconscious Mind

**Unconscious Mind** is ideal for fans of Euro games who appreciate deep gameplay mechanics and strong thematic integration. It is suited for players who enjoy worker placement, engine building, and managing complex systems. While it may be challenging for new players, the game’s unique blend of historical context and surrealistic elements makes it a standout in the board game community. If you’re interested in a game that combines intellectual depth with engaging gameplay, **Unconscious Mind** is definitely worth considering.

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