Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Call of Cthulhu => Topic started by: zobo1942 on June 23, 2011, 04:59:08 PM
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Hello all,
I stumbled upon this game yesterday, and am seriously thinking about picking it up. It seems that there are 24 cthulhu-esque monster miniatures, as well as 8 investigators.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=136
Anyone know anything about this game? I've played Arkham Horror, and this it's quite cool - this looks rather enjoyable...
Thanks for your input!
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You can read all about it, inlcuding user comments and session reports, on BoardGameGeek.com:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/83330/mansions-of-madness
I'm interested in this game, too, and from what I read about it, it's physical components are of great quality, as usual with Fantasy Flight Games. The miniatures seem to be especially nice and could be used in a game of Strange Aeons or similar (the Shoggoth model has two front legs, though :'( )
Two things that received negative attention from users is the cumbersome and anti-climatic combat mechanic somehow resolved via flipping lots of cards and one specific scenario which seems to be broken and apparently didn't receive much playtesting, resulting in a Keeper insta-win, so if you do pick up this game, be sure to check if there's anything to do in advance before your session becomes a frustrating experience.
Edit: On a side note, the Investigator miniatures are directly linked to the characters from Arkham Horror. Chances are that a coming expansion for Mansions of Madness will bring the rest of the investigators from the Arkham Horror basegame.
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I'm not exactly sure why this thread was moved, as I was looking at using the miniatures for Strange Aeons.
Anyway, thanks for the link - I'm off to look at it!
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A few older topics:
General discussion (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=22489.0)
Miniatures discussion (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=26959.0)
Malebolgia's investigators (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=27646.0)
I have the game. Only played once this far, though. First thoughts are that it's noticeably story-heavy for a boardgame. Actually, about as close to a RPG as you can get with fixed cardboard pieces. A fine experience if you can appreciate the storytelling part. The scenarios all have different plots, goals and gradually emerging twists, whereas Arkham Horror is essentially a chaotic battle game revolving around its fixed, well known goal.
On the other hand, the scripted storylines mean that the scenarios only have limited replay value. I wouldn't recommend it as a daily exercise. Wading repeatedly through the same scenario and optimising your moves there misses the point. I'd say that as a GM you should read one scenario, set it up for multiple different groups over time (if possible), and avoid spoiling yourself with the other stories. You can take turns with the GM role and specialise on different plots to maximise the surprise value. For daily gaming, get some other game with tight mechanics, wooden cubes, resources and ships.
Of course, there is a remote chance that FFG will release an expansion some day...
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The game is a blast and a half. I've played it inside and out. The game also has a lot of room for what can only be some killer expansion sets. Well worth the investment!!!
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I just picked up a copy myself, can't wait to get it on the table.
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fanfavorite - what are the miniatures like? The pictures look really good, but what about the scale?
Any info you can provide would be much appreciated!
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Scale fits with Ral Parta Cthulhu Minis. Nice Sculpts. The Investigators are better than the monsters I think. You should try the game too. Buying it only for the miniatures isnt a good investment.
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I've played it three times, the same scenario twice but differnt set up. I loved it and didn't mind card turning at all, for me it add a level of suspense compared to other quicker systems... depends what you like. Following on from Fanfavourite I would say there will be expansions because that is what FF do! JUst look at AH!
Some of the figures are great, others not so - the Chthonian is amazing while the maniac is a giant! Perhaps that's pushed him over the edge!
Here is another great LAF thread:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=29858.0
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I purchased the game immediately upon its release, and have played it six times, always as the 'keeper'. It is good fun. Biggest gripe is that a couple of the scenarios were obviously changed AFTER playtesting, making them a walkover for the Keeper if he plays fair. However, as before stated, the game is GREAT fun, and as keeper in the potential walkovers, I just played foolishly to make it a dramatic ending.
And the first expansion was announced today. I already ordered it.
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Yeah chicklewis is right. Playing as both keeper and player my group has tackled all of the scenarios at least once and the results have always been either a draw or a win in the favor of the keeper. No investigator victory. It is hard to win as the investigators, but I can assure you the BIGGEST piece of advice for them is to *NOT* dilly dally. You have to be quick in the game as things really start to escalate as more time passes, and you may find yourself too far in the mansion to ever conceivably escape or complete your objective. You've got to move!
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Yeah, that's great advice. Me and my mates were very careful during the first scenario and lost because of the time. We were playing it like the CoC RPG and that's NOT the way to go...have a good pace and race for the clues.
We lost the first game, but won the second scenario. We had a good combination of characters and managed to keep the Keeper away. He had a hard time and we got the win. The final story was typically CoC...awesome :D
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I still have yet to play this with my group. But I did paint the up monsters. Was anyone else disappointed in the quality of the Chthonians? I made mine look a little bit better by adding veins to the wrinkles. Take a peek if you like: http://morebloodypulp.blogspot.com/2011/06/slimy-veins-tutorial.html
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_CdTLrvYv8/TgYkGwuSidI/AAAAAAAAAME/jaZpajjVT1g/s400/DSC_0513.jpg)
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(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_CdTLrvYv8/TgYkGwuSidI/AAAAAAAAAME/jaZpajjVT1g/s400/DSC_0513.jpg)
How did you achieve the effect? Its brilliant! Oh I dunno, I liked all the minis... :?
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How did you achieve the effect? Its brilliant! Oh I dunno, I liked all the minis... :?
Thanks fanfavorite!
Just check out my "slimy veins" tutorial on one of my blogs:
http://morebloodypulp.blogspot.com/2011/06/slimy-veins-tutorial.html
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I too have been eyeing this game up... but it's very pricey for a board game. I presume the miniatures and the floor tiles could be used for other games too (eg Mythos Minis, Doctor Who Minis Game etc), as well as coming up with new scenarios to further the useability? Is it worth the £40-65 price tag?
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Worth *every* penny- if you take advantage of it.
For example, one game mechanic worth noting for a possible buyer is the scenario make up and plot threads. The box comes with five scenarios (the final one has some errata online you need to consult to run it smoothly... a little buggy in the first release.) but each scenario has 3 to 5 different plots, with 3 or more different clue threads within each plot meaning it is possible to create scores of unique games and events out of the basic set. Lots of replay value here, so study up!
One other thing to keep mind as well is if you want to play the Keeper (the GM, DM, bad guy.. the Lurker so to speak) AND play as an Investigator *ONLY* read the scenario set-ups for the games you want to run. It is not very fun to play a game where you know every outcome that lies in front of you. That being said, it is a blast to play one Keeper's plot interpretation for a given scenario as an Investigator and (if your game group is large enough) turn around and create a new adventure off the same scenario as the Keeper for a new group of Adventurers. It is a lot of fun to have experiences with the plot then rework it in a new twisted way, playing off the strengths and weaknesses that were made apparent during your time as the player. But someone has to be broken in as a first time Keeper though, but once again I can not stress too much to mix it up. Even if you run most of your games as a Game Master, you've got to both play and run a game to really appreciate it. So pass the torch when you can.
I hope that all makes sense, but I'm sure it will dawn on you if and when you crack upon the box.
Just remember, only read the scenarios in the Keeper's Guidebook if you intend to run them, NOT play in them. Like any DM Guide or Pre-gen Adventure, half the fun for the players is the element of surprise and leaving no stone unturned.
All in all I give it 4.75/5 stars, and it became (before we beat the proverbial dead horse out of it) a staple of our game nights. All FFG big box games run around 100 dollars or so. That is typical, but this game in particular is a great buy given its content. And trust me, once they start releasing expansions this game will be bigger than cigarettes- almost so anyway... so get on it while you can!
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Agree with FanFavorite on all counts.
Chick
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Oh and one more thing to the all potential buyers: Post on this thread how your games go! I'd love to hear a new player's opinion on a stellar game. Share and share alike!