Mansions of Madness - New CoC Boardgame from FFG

[fatolaf]

A nice look into what the evil keeper does on his turn

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=1747

[fatolaf]

Press release from FFG explaining the delay..

With over fifteen years of creating the most immersive and thematic gaming experiences available, Fantasy Flight Games has built a reputation for components of the highest quality. Whether exploring a dungeon's depths in a world of high fantasy, maneuvering a massive fleet through a hostile galaxy, or battling otherworldly horrors in the streets of Arkham, players have learned to expect a level of aesthetic detail that captures the imagination.

It's with these high standards in mind that we announce an updated estimate for the release of Mansions of Madness, the board game of occult horror and mystery. Some of the initial monster molds resulted in figures that did not meet our expectations of excellence, and consequently had to be redone. While this decision will ensure a product of the highest quality, it will also result in a delay.

Mansions of Madness will be available during the first quarter of 2011. We realize that this is beyond the range of dates we originally announced. However, we're confident that once you see the final product, you'll agree it was well worth the wait.

[fatolaf]

A look at the puzzles investigators may face during a game...

A hiss that sounded half serpentine and half feline jolted Jenny Barnes from her concentration. She looked over her shoulder but saw only shadows down the hall, dancing to the music of the wind whipping through the curtains. She scowled and turned back toward the tangle of wires that barred her from opening the mysterious door. Afraid of getting electrocuted, she parted the wires carefully, trying to trace a cohesive path. But then the hiss came again.

Determined not to let her mind play tricks on her, she kept her eyes on the colored wires. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone...or something was watching her struggle with this elaborate electronic lock. Watching and laughing.

In Mansions of Madness, players explore many different locations where sinister individuals are hiding their deadly secrets. These individuals often resort to extreme methods to protect their secrets, such as creating elaborate puzzles to challenge the minds of those they see as inferior. Yet many investigators possess cunning wits, and manage to solve even the most daunting these mental traps. However, the question must be asked, what is worse? Being defeated by such a puzzle, or being devoured by the shapeless entity that lies beyond the locked door?

Our delve into the many workings of Mansions of Madness, the macabre board game of exploration, storytelling, and investigation for 2-5 players, has thus far shown us how to construct the story, how to equip investigators, the makeup of an investigator's turn, and how the keeper operates. Today we'll take a look at one of the game's most unique aspects: the puzzles.

Puzzling Situations

During their exploration, investigators are bound to come across a situation where they must think their way out. Brute force can only get you so far when you are dealing with an evil presence that fights its battles in the mental arena. Some investigators are better off with a gun or an axe, while others opt for brains over brawn. The latter type of investigator excels when it comes to solving the traps and locks that will surely plague their way.

Puzzles can come into play through exploration or attempting to move through a door. As we mentioned in our preview of the investigator's turn, one of the available actions to investigator players is exploring. When exploring a room, it is possible for an Obstacle card with a puzzle to be revealed, forcing the active investigator to attempt the puzzle before continuing their exploration. Likewise, if an investigator attempts to move through a door, it is possible that the door is locked and can only be opened by solving a puzzle.

When a puzzle card is revealed, it will explain how the puzzle is set up. Puzzles come in three main types: wiring, lock, and rune. Players can attempt to solve the puzzle by using puzzle actions. These actions include swapping adjacent puzzle pieces, rotating puzzle pieces 90 degrees, or discarding a puzzle piece and drawing a new one. The number of puzzle actions a player receives is equal to his investigator's Intellect. Needless to say, the more intelligent an investigator is the quicker (fewer turns) he can solve the puzzle. Investigators can also use Skill Point tokens to add their Luck to their Intellect when trying to solve a puzzle, as explained in our investigator preview

Figuring it Out

Here is a detailed example of how to attempt a puzzle:

Now that you know how to tackle the many puzzles that await you in the crumbling manors or ominous cemeteries, prepare yourself for the other dangers that lie behind those locked doors. We haven't yet seen monsters, combat, or the true dangers of insanity..

(A completed rune puzzle)

[fatolaf]

Slipped again I'm afraid, now due out in March....

[fatolaf]

FFG VIDEO

New video from FFG explains more, with release date, only a few weeks away...

[Veldemere]

Is the club considering getting one?

[fatolaf]

Is the club considering getting one?

OH yes....

[fatolaf]

The Rules are now online.....

[fatolaf]

And finally it's here, released on Monday28th, in stock on the 1st..

Pre-order now to get it at 15% off RRP as it will be going up in price after release..

17.5% discount for OG members who pay cash, PM me for an invoice...

[Draig]

This looks quite good fun actually. Not really a huge fan of the Lovecraft theme but I'll give this one a go if we crack out the club copy.