Mansions of Madness 2nd Ed. Review - I'm Not Mad, I'm Just Disappointed
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- I give my thoughts on Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition, an app-driven co-operative horror board game from Fantasy Flight.
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If you're new to Actualol, my name is Jon Purkis. My two passions are writing comedy and playing board games, so I decided to combine the two in this RUclips channel.
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After playing the first scenario, my group thought it was pretty good. After the second one...we were totally in love. It was one of the most immersive coop experiences, having story, atmosphere and coorporation. After first ed I was so sceptical, because it was so crappy, but the app just completely turned it around. 9/10
man I just don't get it. I'm about to spend 160 dollars on this game so I've been watching reviews and all is like 70% "amazing" 30% "the worst ever" so I don't know what to do with this
Yap, the first edition had amazing gameplay, board tiles and minis but the scenarios were awfuly hard and took a lot of time to set up. On the last one, our playbook had a misprint that if you put the tiles the way it said, you couldn't enter the last part of the mansion... Really bad compared to the new one.
Thats how I feel. Its one of the games that gets played to most in my group as its engaging and entertaining :)
Actualol - how many players did you play it with? You and your partner?
The Arkham Horror LCG is everything you wanted from this game and more. A moving plot based around your choices and advancing a deck over a campaign through different settings. Granted the clues are still just clue tokens but they trigger the Act cards for flavor and shinanigans.
I appreciate the honesty and understand the criticisms. Personally, this is one of my favorite games on the market. I love getting sucked into the game’s atmosphere and (rather basic) mystery elements. I see what you mean on how there’s a lot more that the app can deliver, but for sort of revolutionizing this idea of an app-based dungeon master, I think it works very well. Having said that, I think the longest scenario exists exclusively for the sake of being a long scenario, and is actually this game at its worst. I cannot recommend playing the longest one, but for the most part I’ve had great luck with the 1-3 hour scenarios. I especially recommend getting the expansion packs, which really start to have some more fun with mixing up action and build up (though I’ve heard Path of the Serpent is very clunky). I wish this game were more accessible, because I feel like the game’s atmosphere and aesthetic is a much bigger draw to some than others, and the only way to really experience it is to play the game.
If you’re considering picking it up, do consider the criticisms of this review, but please don’t let it be your only source of information before buying (as should be the case with all board games imo). Good luck, and happy gaming!
I am glad that i like the game and i played most of the expansion stories and there are some awsome stories and mechanics in the expansions. I respect the reviewer but the game is better then its put here. Glad that that i didnt pass this game based on this review and gave it a chance.
Five years after this review, Mansions of Madness remains one of the easiest dungeon crawlers to get your group into. The main criticisms have not aged well in light of the outstanding work put out by the community. Swapping the bases for clear ones is quick and inexpensive. Granted, the mini quality out of the box leaves something to be desired, but a little paint job does wonders to further the ambience provided by the app, as far as I know CMON has yet to release an app-driven game. The list of free unofficial scenarios in Valkyrie is constantly growing with average quality on par, if not superior, with FFG’s own creations. Comparing it to Arkham Horror does a disservice to both games since they tackle the mythos universe with different design philosophies and target audiences. One is more geared to proselytizing new converts into the hobby while the other one includes deeper decision-making with more rules overhead. Moreover, a concession between the two could be made by implementing Journeys in Middle-Earth’s card based skill system at the expense of lengthening the on rails experience.
My wife and I love this game . Glue helps the minis stay fixed. Easy to learn game with good production value. I'd almost call this a great gateway game for new gamers looking to kill time during the pandemic.
They're at 22 scenarios now. Looking for more variety and deeper plots as they move forward. Cheers.
I wonder if Betrayal of House on the Hill with it's haunt book would have made a better story line base for this type of app/story game.
I don't think most people think this game is about solving a puzzle. I never got that impression. It seems like somewhat story driven or an experience game. It would certainly be much better to have more puzzles or mysteries to be solved. Still thank you for your review and this information.
Hmm. Good review, but I guess I really have to disagree with you. This game is essentially a dungeon crawl, not a mystery or story driven game. Comparing this game with Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is just not a fair comparison. Sherlock is all about story, and figuring out a mystery, whodunit, and then feeling absolutely stupid when you read how Sherlock figured it out in four moves. Mansions has some great and innovative things, which you point out in your review, that really give some much needed spice to the dungeon crawler genre. I mean to have the app basically be the GM isn't just innovative, it really is the future of this style of game. Look at what they are going to do with Descent.I haven't played the fourth scenario for this game yet, but when I do, I definitely plan to have it run over 2-3 game sessions. I believe this was the intent of the designers here, as they are attempting to create an RPG-like experience. Think of a D&D campaign, which often also contains a paper-thin story to allow the players to roll dice to complete tasks and make skill checks. Don't get me wrong, there is lots of room for improvement in this game. I completely agree with you that the app should include some more varied puzzles. I am hoping these will come with updates. But despite some minor quibbles, this game really works for me, and I think it will work for a lot of people. It seems to me that your expectations of this game were just really off. Because if you are expecting a really good mystery, I think you are bound to be disappointed by almost any game. But if you are expecting a innovative dungeon crawler that portends the future of this genre, I think you are bound to be impressed and to have a good time.
+Chris Toth I can certainly see your point, but the lack of mystery is by no means my only problem with the game. I agree that apps are the future of this type of game, but that doesn't make this game good. If I used an app to control the DM in a lacklustre dungeon crawler, it's still a lacklustre dungeon crawler, the app just facilitated it.
I don't see how you can compare this experience to a D&D campaign. I agree that's what it's aiming for, but it falls drastically short. Roleplaying has impact, it has consequence, it has progression. I don't see any of that in Mansions of Madness. It's like an RPG with a terrible DM who doesn't allow for any creativity. And as a dungeon crawler it lacks excitement. What dungeon crawler makes me wait over an hour before a monster turns up?
I'm intrigued by you trying to run the long scenario (is that the one you mean?) in sessions like an RPG. There's just nothing there. Your first session will have no action. And whereas in an RPG you can ask questions, approach things in creative ways, that scenario is just a brick wall. The conversations are limited and unrewarding.
I really appreciate you taking the time to offer an alternative opinion. And I apologise if it isn't clear from the video, but I didn't just judge Mansions of Madness on its lack of mystery. I judged its gameplay, and I found it wanting. I WAS expecting a dungeon crawler and I wasn't impressed. The app itself is very impressive, but that isn't the game, and I could just as easily play Descent with an app, or Imperial Assault in due course.
I admit that the game has some lackluster moments, but I also feel that the game does a good job with creating real moment of tension. I played the first scenario again with a friend just the other night who was highly dubious of this game, the app, and the whole cthulhu mythos honestly. By the end, he was pleasantly surprised by how unobtrusive the app was in the game and how well it all worked. We had a rather tense moment where we had to perform a ritual which, of course, involved a mastermind puzzle with 5 variables and the star spawn was tracking us down. We pulled off the puzzle just in the nick of time and finished the scenario. It was a cool ending and one that you rarely get only when the planets align.I guess to me I compare this game a lot with Mice and Mystics, which is a good game, but feels super scripted with little hope of any meaningful decisions as you are basically just hoping to get the correct roll of the dice so that you can continue reading what is really an awesome story. MoM has some really thematic decisions in it: Do you explore this area because this character told you something of value might be there, or do you just barrel through with the main objective? I like that you get to choose how detailed you want the story. That being said, the stories are mostly paper thin, no argument there. But I actually find most D&D dungeon crawlers to be pretty lacking on the story side anyway. What wizard am I fighting? Who's troll is this? Dang it, let's just get the treasure and get out. As far as running the game over multiple sessions, I'm pretty curious how that will work as well. I don't know if it will, but my gaming group usually meets for around 4-5 hours, and we always try to get at least 2 different games in. But I have high hopes as a couple of them really like Betrayal on the House on the Hill, and I kind of consider this to be a level up from that.All of that being said, Dude, your channel is the best, and I love your videos. My wife wants to thank you for "making me" (her words) buy arboretum, it's her favorite game. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my comments, I hope you keep making videos for a long time.
Thanks for taking the time for such considered comments. As you mentioned before, I think we simply have different expectations of the game, what we want from it, and what we think it delivers. I absolutely had a moment like you had with your friend in my first game of MoM, with a close ending. I just haven't found the other scenarios to offer that, perhaps because they stretch out the fun to twice the length and longer.
If I found the game to be as your describing, I would love it. Thematic decision making and cool endings is what I live for in board games. I hope one day someone brings a similar idea with the fixes I'm looking for, and I bet I'll love it. The reason it's such a big disappointment for me is because it comes so close.
Thanks for still enjoying my videos despite the minor disagreement! And I'm glad you're both enjoying Arboretum. I hope to keep making videos too :)
Sorry, long comment incoming: Great analysis in the video and great commenting from you both. I have to chime in and say that MoM 2nd is hampered, or not depending on your view, with the fact that it is a second edition. FFG made the decision to keep the lower mini quality and weird basing so that the components from 1st edition owners can be reused without weirdly clashing component styles. They probably also avoid rejiggering alot of manufacturing processes too. As an owner of 1st ed, I appreciate this cost saving and 'loyalty to 1st ed' move but I do see the missed opportunity to improve minis like in their other games.
In terms of gameplay, the 2nd ed is also tied to the same style of gameplay as the first. The goal seemed to be to just port over the Keeper's job to the app and leverage that with an added map setup/exploration element. Also puzzle solving costs were shifted to digital rather than printed components, not sure if the total cost is a wash or not. The gameplay is ultimately a story driven game by the players actions. Players play out a story while the app/written scenario is static and just greases the wheels like a first person shooter game. Other scripted story games like you mentioned Time Stories/Sherlock Holmes can provided a deeper story, but MoM designers seemed to have stuck to the 1st ed formula of discovering a 'story' goal which involves defeating a single big thing, escaping after uncovering an item, or other dungeon crawl objective. Time Stories and Sherlock really focus on either the puzzle or deduction element more than MoM ever did (not to say that FFG can't veer toward that in a new expansion). Ironically, Time Stories borrows heavily from other board games similar to Elder Sign / Mansions of madness in terms of dice rolling tests to resolve combat. That itself can frustrate or slow the more choose-your-own-adventure aspect of the story and Sherlock avoids spatial tactics and dice tests entirely by removing any board element of the game with a map and directory of passages.
I love the atmosphere that MoM 2nd surrounds its participants with, even if the power of the app isn't necessarily pushing it to new heights since that wasn't the original goal likely. It is no stellar Bioware PC RPG or Square Enix JRPG (PC/console games) but I do appreciate that the length is still long and that it isn't a game for everyone. When it comes to board gaming more than video games, I am forgiving but can totally see how games like Gloomhaven and future games in this hobby have room to climb to new heights!
right on brother, it's a creepy dungeon call that's all.
Ok..............i respect everyone's opinion, but man oh man are you wrong on this one! :P The app is brilliant as you say.......but that's not a distraction. It's the core of why this game is so approachable by many and how it runs so silky smooth. It handles all of the book-keeping and keeps up the atmosphere so you can enjoy the theme and story. As a solo game (admittedly it's better solo than in a group) it's one of the best there is. And going by the dislikes, I'm not alone in this! :P
Whilst I respect your opinion, I have to disagree. I've found this game nothing but a joy. I get sucked in every time - except with the first scenario. I do wonder if the replay valve is there though.
Oddly, I enjoy this game more solo than in a group.
Great video! Agree with your thoughts about the game. I actually felt the disappointing details you are describing during our first play through of the game. I was really hyped about the game but all it actually gave us was a ton of reading and very little interaction. Really beautiful game and love the idea but I sadly don't think I will be playing this again :(
Quality honest review right here! Your thoughts are completely aligned with how I found the game; first playthrough was awesome!! But the more I played the more I noticed that the game seems basically on rails- there’s so little replayability because scenarios don’t really vary much if you try again, even with a slight tweak to map tiles. Personally I wished that it had character progression or some kind of campaign with multiple outcomes/branching paths- I think that would have kept me coming back for more.
Also the monster bases are just terrible..couldn’t stand them at all!
Eventually I traded it for Arkham LCG and Eldritch Horror and I’ve had a lot more play out of them!
Good review but around 3:00 you just sound like you're upset at a game for being a game. I can empathize with you seeing unrealized potential in a new presentation, because I like theater of the mind, and big swings of innovation too. For what it's worth, I think it's a step in the right direction for hybrid gaming experience. I'm excited for a true RPG/board mashup that allows participants to leave bulk of crunch to an app. Some folks love the Gloomhaven format, but I like less bits, more immersion at the kitchen table.
Nobody talked like this about this game, and I'm glad that you did, because somebody just had to say it.
Great video as usual, always interesting to see honest opinions! If you want more mystery like Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, take a look at Mythos Tales. It's the same system but Cthulhu themed.
I played the first scenario and in addition to the problems you pointed out, it felt like it wasn't really a board game... it was just an app with some board game bits to make you feel like you were playing a board game. I like the idea of apps in board games, but I'd like them to supplement the experience not replace it.
A well thought out review however overly harsh IMO. I looked into it plenty before buying and also already own other FFG HP Lovecraft games so I expected nothing more. what I got was something totally new and different from the other lovecraft properties in how it plays out and everything. Super immersive and fun.
I must point out that if you play the same scenario more than once it does NOT play out the same. there are variables in key plot points and end scenario sequences, as well as room configuration so the mansions even comes out different. (speaking of the intro scenario which I played 4 times). I think that's wonderful. Yes there is a definite formula but it's not intended to be anything that it is not. One thing it is is VERY easy to play. makes the experience accessible to a broader audience for sure. also, it's solo playable which is big for me. I definitely love it however I have not tried a different scenario yet. I doubt there is any more story or mystery solving than there was in first edition so I'm not sure why expectations are set so high. it is what it is and there are things that do what some people want so either enjoy it for what it is or move on. I always find it silly when people complain about something because it is not what they expected, as opposed to knowing what it is and expecting that. It was clear to me what I was getting and it is sublime to me. I can't wait to try more and every get some of the first edition scenarios and try playing them.
Your expectations cloud the results of what is a great game. This is the current culture having expectation for something that is not advertised but complain about it as if its a fault of the game when its actually the fault of the reviewer and their expectations.
Your expectations of reviewers is what clouds your experience of this review. This current culture having expectation that a reviewer should review a game in a certain way means you think there's a fault in the reviewer when actually the fault is in the viewer and their expectations.
Reviewing is subjective. I will approach a review in anyway I like. Go watch someone else that adheres to your made up rules.
Thanks for the review, Jon. I have heard so much outpouring of love for the app, that it drowns out how people really feel playing the game.
Have you played the first expansion, Beyond the Threshold? The one scenario I've played from it definitely plays like a murder mystery than a dungeon crawler.
I've not played it - thanks for the tip!
For anyone who didn't catch it, there's still time to enter the competition on my last video to win SEVEN board games. Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/LlIcmrWyXVk/видео.html
THANK you so much for this HONEST review! finally someone who lets me know what to expect
Its a fantastic game ;) easy to roll out and its very good when played at 3-4 players. At 2 its not as fun.
Its one of the games that actually gets in the table more often as its always fun and often not a win. Its a high recommendation! And yes, often players go mad which is interesting
Like most games, i think it depends on your gaming group, we have loved playing this game. Play it for your self
I respect your opinion but I don’t agree. The scenarios are different; there are mystery based scenarios, scenarios based on fighting a lot, and scenarios where you have to explore everything and find enough evidence.
Sorry you feel that way about the game I think its one the best games of it's type. Had a ton of fun playing it and love it. I played time stories and it felt less of a mystery. To be honest I don't think mystery games that are board games ever really work.
This game is unplayeble u are not right we play IT with my friend for five times and we died in all scenerios u are just not right..
I really wanted the 1st edition because the miniatures were SICK.
I dont know why, but i saw the 2nd edition and saw the minis on the back. They were not the same minis but i bought it anyways. And i was disappointed by the minis.
Idk, they should let us get the old minis somehow and i would feel better about it
I can definitely understand some of your points. I have felt similarly in many regards. What I have been so impressed by lately, and surprised by, is just how well the Arkham Horror Card Game delivers the experience you appear to be hoping for from Mansions of Madness. The story is surprisingly good, not to mention just how intriguing and unique the different scenarios feel, all while not overstaying their welcome. I would recommend checking that one out if you haven't already.
Thanks for this review. Saved me a bunch of money. Hopefully they will address your complaints in the future, because I feel like I completely agree. "Circumstantial evidence" is horrible and incredible lazy.
I thought I would have disagreed with this reviewing seeing that I liked the game but I think Johns right. There is definitely some boring aspects that can and should be improved upon. They shouldn't say that replay a scenario will give a completely different experience because it doesn't. Sure some things will be a little different but the story doesnt change
I love everything about this game except for what you “get in the box”. To explain my thoughts I just wish there were more scenarios of a shorter length… you basically have 2 games with a decent play length time, the rest are far too long. This game is $160 in Australia so very very expensive. AMAZING game in my opinion I just wish there were more scenarios.
Don't agree with you at all. There's a reason this game sells well. I've played with my friends around 8 scenarios and we still want to play more. Sure, it could be improved but "only play once"? Hell no.
I feel pity for you.. There is, muxh better game of Lovevceaf.. I suggest to play Time story for example, you will see…
And Erdrich horror much better game
My wife and I have been playing this. We like it, but I feel we could maybe add some of our elements into the mystery aspect. Like create our own gameplay to work in.
Totally agree. I've only played 2 scenarios, but I'm too bored to carry on. I was worried that maybe I just don't "get it", so it's reassuring to hear that others are shrugging their shoulders, too.
+Trevor Cummins I hate that feeling of not "getting it", I've had it before with some popular games. It's nice to hear from these comments that people share my frustration.
I feel like there is too much thinking about the structure of the game while the game focuses on the plot side. I find the evidence thing exciting, because at the end you get to know what it is for. It's a mystery and dark magic till the very end. I agree tho every scenario should have slightly different mechanism, but it's also a gate game, so there would be much more rules, which would kill the really strong side of MoM - really short time of learning how to play. Understandable point of view, but I feel like there is no perfect game and maybe it would be more fun not to focus on the structure. Just play :D
Why have a boardgame at all if it requires an app? Just have the whole game as a multiplayer app that mimics the feel of a boardgame.
I have to agree with this review. Played both solo and with a group and i must say i’m sad i didn’t like it as much as AH LCG. For 100 you can get arkham horror LCG and some scenarios and it will be a way better experience if you have the patience to learn the game.
This is my most favorite board game ever. I just got all the expansions. 😅
I don't think I can bring myself to buy this game. It's horribly expensive and requires an app to play. Everyone seems to love the app integration, but as a software developer I play board games to get AWAY from technology. I like managing the game rules and components manually. I might consider sitting in on someone else's game... but it is not going into my library.
If you design and build cars for a living, do you walk everywhere? I don't get this ridiculous notion that if you do something for a living, you avoid it at all cost in the rest of your life. Especially when it's something like software development. You interact with software ALL THE TIME. Do you not use a phone? Guess you got a basic flip phone to avoid software interacting with your life outside work /rolls eyes.
Hey Actualol, loved you review and you did dare to say what points are missing from this game. Thanks for doing so!! Had the same feeling for sure about placing those miniatures on to their platform aghhh the pain... Nevertheless the app is great they did a great job at that... Would be more satisfying to have that search, finding aspect into it and not the dice rolling based stuff. Great thought process... For dungeon crawling there is descent 2.0 with an app. and does this great.. to my feeling..
Really pleased you did this review as I looked at this before Christmas and was really tempted, and put it to the top of my list! It's just slipped down quite a bit! I hate spending money on a game and being disappointed!
Finally someone who says what I felt, played it 7 times and sold it. Don’t get that it’s nr 1 in some top 10’s, sold it and never looked back!
Can I ask, how did you come across this video? I've had three comments on it in the last day and it's 4 years old 🤔
@Actualol found it this morning on Facebook someone shared it but can't find on what fb page. Didn't notice the video was from 4 years ago. Like your video's, always good when someone really tells how they feel about the game, even if sometimes I don't agree. Just keep doing these video's 👍
Hey I know I three years too late, I also know that there is now 3 years of expansions that have come out to change how the game is played, so maybe opinions have changed but, if you want story then run some of the community campaigns with Valkyrie, it allows you to play non FFG games with the app and maps made by the community
I understand the majority or the points but I feel that you're being quite exigent, we have had around 8 plays shared uneven between the 4 basic scenarios and we've enjoyed everyone of them. True... they can me much better, but maybe you went with to high expectations.
For us is a clear improve in the first one, never liked to play as the "MASTER" anyone in the group.
I've been thinking about this game but you've totally changed my mind. Why has no other reviewer mentioned the lack of real deduction and story before. Thanks for saving me some money.
Really informative. You bring up some great points in your analysis that I have not seen mentioned elsewhere. Thank you for presenting them here. Hopefully your feedback will get back to FFG and they will take the steps to fill out the store more.
My biggest problem with this game is that it heavily relies on App, and I don't like a board game that requires an app to play, in that case, why don't just play a computer game which can deliver a better atmosphere （such as song of horror), I really think Arkham horror card game delivers a much better board game experience.
What you think about Eldritch Horror in comparison? For what you described, Mansions of Madness looks very much alike but with less "adventure". Is that right?
Summary: don't play rpg-inspired games if you lack imagination.
Thank you.
glad to see your back! love your videos, cheers!
Sad to here review, I picked up a 2nd ver. with bunch of expansions and all minis painted. I know everyone has diferrances in opionon, I just hope once I get it to the table, with more options and immersion I get some, we'll a lot, of enjoyment. At least my 1st go will last a bit. Thanks for the review
Gamer Ghost how'd your game go? Always curious with comments like this, I want to hear the result. 😉
Wow! An FFG board game review that doesn't gush all over it for being an FFG board game. What a breath of fresh air, honesty finally at work. Thank you so much for the counter opinion of virtually every other review of this game!
Even 4 years later, you opinion seems odd.
You know that no one is forcing anyone to review FFG games positively, right? You know that they are in business longer before influencers even existed and that most reviews about their products on YT are made by enthusiasts who don't get any money from FFG?
So, here you have a guy who gives his honest review (cool) BUT since he agrees with you, THEREFORE, he is honest and everyone else is skewed...
Man, get over yourself and accept that this game is just not your (or his) cup of tea but seems to be appreciated by a majority of owners who have all honest opinions.
Objectivizing your opinion just makes you look like a self-centered person.
IF you want to be taken seriously, change your strategy.
Well said but there's still hope as yhis game does have tons of potential. A public story editor would make this game go forever.
I think you failed to take a key aspect into account about replayability, often you're not able to look at every search token, go through every door, or talk to every person. Maybe the next time you explore the church and skip the graveyard.
Just out of curiosity, in your opinion, how is this game compared with Edritch Horror in terms of decision-making and gameplay? I feel that EH does not have the slow build-up that you described. I can be facing an epic monster even before turn 1 starts.
I am asking this because I am considering getting this but I am already fully invested in EH, and based on your advise, I could be better off playing the game in a boardgame cafe on meetup groups.
Very glad to see you're back man... love your channel
I really like the game myself, but can totally understand all your criticism.
I think it helps that I only play it 1 or 2 players. It really shortens the time and let's you do things the way you like and move along with the game. Also, you can use your imagination more like in rpg's to cover for the story shortcomings.
I did like the long scenario, but I'd never play it with more than 2 players myself, it took me 3hrs solo.
Miniature-quality is bad and especially the bases are hideous. The price of the game is also way too high for what you get.
I'm also hoping they'll diversify the scenarios more in the future and that's only possible with an app without redoing everything :)
Thanks for the video, love your channel!
I was a little skeptical on seeing a 6-minute long review, but you got right to the meat of actual reviews, and didn't waste any time just reading the rulebook like many other reviewers tend to do. I might be slightly more partial towards Shut Up & Sit Down, or No Pun Included, or their like which combine the review video with entertaining comedy skits, but either way I look for how a game _feels to play_ rather than _how to play_, and you captured that perfectly. Thank you.
Your wish has come true! More and more games with apps coming out ;)
I am so happy that I am not the only one disappointed with this game.
I played this recently and coming from lotr journeys in the middle earth i must say that this had a lot of potential but it falls flat in execution. Its not a bad game and i definitely will play it with friends but not alone. Lotr journeys in middle earth is like the better big brother to this game and that game has something this one doesnt and i will enjoy that one alone as well as in group. But i will definitely recommend this game if fantasy aint your thing and you have a group to play with.
Hey, Actualol! You got it right on the minis. I really enjoyed playing the first scenario and my wife loooved it. But the mini 'assembly' on those dinky bases kinda sucks. Several fall down or detach from the base; some 'pins' to insert on the base are too short or too thick. It's fiddly and annoying. But I liked the first runthrough though I still have a limited vision on the game's strengths and weaknesses (sorry - corrected typos).
Great video! I'm really happy to hear that others are having similar experiences, I have only played one game and I was initially drawn in and excited. The person who's copy I played was uninterested in dealing with the ridiculous bases and by the end was just recommending using the cardboard token with the creature stats sad part is that if we had left the miniatures in the package from the beginning the game would have been practically new if he ended up selling it.
That's a clever and sad solution!
If all the scenarios are run of the mill mysteries, then yes .. FF needs to (up) their game, and use (actual) Sherlock Holmes Mystery Stories
Strangely enough; the only issue I have with the game is having to use an app to play it.
ahhhh shoot! my bubble is popped. Each mission is the same? 😱
Each mission is "the same" as in "you roll dice, explore, collect items, and fight monsters while you complete the story". Guess every role playing game ever is "the same".
My main issue with the 1st edition was that it took forever to set up. We spent 2 hours just setting it up the first time, and every time after that took about 1 - 1.5 hours. The 1st edition of Mansions of Madness is the only boardgame I regret buying, I don't think I'm willing to give the 2nd edition a shot.
+Ian Whitley Well they definitely fixed the setup time issue! :D
Now I'm curious about your thoughts on Eldritch Horror, a game I absolutely love. Mansions of Madness was on my next to by lest until I watched this review. If you also don't like Eldritch Horror, I'll know we just have differing tastes. Thanks!
I played the game for the first time last night. I had never heard of it before. If I knew what I was getting in to, I would not have played. The scenarios last too long. I'm all for a good story, but I think you can do that in 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The scenario we played was 4.5 hours. We never got to solve the mystery. The last bit was just trying to stop a monster from reaching the front door so that we didn't lose... And if we stopped the monster, we won... So, no real need to solve the mystery.
I honestly got so bored that I started sabotaging my own character just to make the game more interesting. The game doesn't reward risk taking...
Awesome... vlog? Not sure what about this is a vlog but anyways, great review!
Yeah, it's not a VLOG in traditional terms. Basically, I needed a way to distinguish between my comedy videos and my non-comedy ones, so that viewers wouldn't be disappointed to watch a video called "Mansions of Madness review" and find it's not done in my usual style with characters and jokes. I'm not sure if that's something I need to do or not, really.
Oooh I totally get it now! Sorry, new viewer so I wasn't sure if the comedy video's were your regular thing. So far I loved your dexterity special and the alternatives to Cards Against Humanity videos.
I think the 1st edition is better because a "bad guy" human player is much more engaging and interesting.
Unless no one wants to be bad guy in your group, and everyone wants to play
+Igor Persin it's no different than playing as Jack in Letters from Whitechapel, or the imperial player in Imperial Assault
Yes, but if no one wants to be that guy in your group, doesn't really matter. Especially if you have small group, 2-3 players.
+Igor Persin then play time stories
Wanna play it, but I have read that best is to play with 4p, which we can't count on. So for the time being, we are not gonna get it. But one day hopefully we will. But also, I hope that scenarios will get better by the time we get it. MoM doesn't offer that great re playability, but you still get more game for your money. With TS you get what, 4h game out of core box, and around 2-3h with each expansions.
My gf bought MoM the other day, and when we shoved it to her 11 year old daughter, she was quite excited to play because of the app. Next day we played first scenario, and all 3 of us had a good time. No one was disappointed with the game. Ofcourse, there is so much that can be done with this, and probably won't be, but, since there is really nothing similar on the market, I consider it a good game. It could be better, and offer better value for money, but still, it's quite a good game.
I was really against it, considering how much it costs, but did some research etc. and with future scenarios, I guess it won't be so grim. 5$ for scenario is not bad.
I would like to see a add on that lets you play a game like the first edition.... and i agree more puzzles WTF its an app you can make more puzzles. and just making a really hard mastermind puzzle at the end is kind of lame.... and the long scenario was kind of cool with the walking around and talking trying to figure out who did it but in the end it really did not matter.. and taking 3 horror with no save seems a bit lame. I do like the game.. it just needs more puzzles better Scenario writing (I want to loose if I pick the wrong person who is the Secret cultist) or get a bonus if I pick correctly. but I do like the game a lot
I have play it just once and it was ok as a experience... But is not my kind of game at all... In my opinion is more a cooperative graphic adventure than a boardgame.
Thanks for confirming what I suspected. It looks gorgeous, but I know in the end it is really just a luck-based dice roller...and that disappoints me, too. (Which is why I haven't gone out to buy it yet, even though it temps me every time I go to gameday.)
Provide an alternative?
Thank you! I had the exact same feelings while playing the base game. Did anyone play the expansions? Does it gets any better?
Ah, a good lambasting, I love it. Long live the contrarians! (-:
So does the same criticism apply to the first edition?
Boy am I glad I saw this before purchasing. Thank you
Thanks for such an honest and in depth review. Just goes to show hype isn't everything!
Jon this is really helpful. It's very useful to hear about the turkeys as well as the hits.
Spot on. I railed about same on the boards, was attacked by most. What kills me is not even do the clues often move locations in this version. At least with first edition there was some location variability. In 8 years you'll likely have trouble finding an emulator for ancient ios or steam game apps and you'll have a box of left over parts. Sad that all of this could be fixed on-air, but gamers by nature are distracted by shiny new things and many of them as mindless as hipsters about properties they are permanent fans of. We'll see no real changes likely.to mechanics perhaps until 3rd edition. :(
Love this game. Totally satisfies the horror/resident evil geek in me
Errrr, there is a story element in the evidence cards you find, if it is a journal or puzzlebox, the app lets you read it which reveals parts of the story. Just click on the item icon next to the monster icon, if you have found a journal card or something similar. This means you didn't search the rooms properly and just went ahead on the objectives...Very lazy review, sorry...
For something closer to Consulting Detective set in the Cthulhu Mythos, there is Mythos Tales. The kickstarter ( www.kickstarter.com/projects/8thsummit/mythos-tales ) succeeded, but you can still by it on their site.
One of my top joys of 2016 (even with some issues in the retail edition). Love it.
Solid! I was able to intuit this from the information I read about the game and dodged this purchase. I have West End Adventures pre-ordered instead. :-)
That's some solid pre-ordering right there.
The amount of cope in this comment section. What do those shitty kindergarten puzzles have to do with Lovecraft or anything at all for that matter? Why are there stat checks that are mostly determined by dice rolls? How do you justify stopping the ritual by playing a game of mastermind after hours of traversing the Mansion? How do you justify the lore and clues you find having quite literally NO IMPACT in the entirety of your run? IN A GAME SET IN LOVECRAFTS UNIVERSE????? Mansions of Madness absolutely sucks.
the game costs 100 euros, and only 4 scenarios. The components are great, but eldrich and arkham horror provide much better replay value, especially with expansions. Mostly some things are improved, but the first edition is better .
Nail on head, sir.
I agree and disagree. I like the game and the stories. I hate the miniatures also. I think the "variability" of the scenarios is zilch. I loathe paying for the DLC scenarios.
very good review, thank you
Damn, this game looked like it would have potential to be something amazing. I guess it must be more disappointing considering the potential of what this game could have been.
I actually downloaded the app and just played through the story, without ever owning the physical board game. I didn't feel like I was missing out on much.
Why didn't you just play PC game then?
I don't see how you could play game without actually rest of cards content and say, it's the same...
As far as I can tell, the cards and dice just add randomness and success/failure differences to the game. The story itself is pretty much the same either way. Like others have said, this isn't a story-based mystery game as much as dungeon crawl, so I felt like I wasn't missing out on much in terms of the story.
Matthew Chhay The cards add so much you're so very wrong dear lord you didn't play the game at all.
Interestingly, I have just came to the same realization about all board games in general. I got into board gaming fairly recently as a way of spending time with my growing kids. Together, we've tried different game genre, mostly those that.are suitable for 10-12 year olds. Unfortunately, the more we play, the more we realize that despite all this variety of mechanics, the outcome is pretty much determined by the pure luck of rolling dice or shuffled card deck. There is usually very little "thinking" or strategy involved. So the games quickly become boring. We are getting back to chess, which feels different every time we play and every move is determined by human choice, not by luck. The only exception I can think of is Clue, which we will most likely play more. Can you recommend any other games that are heavy on decision making rather than dice roll? Love your videos. Cheers.
Oh man that is disappointing to hear. I was really excited by the potential for this, but perhaps I should just pass. It's too expensive to risk on (both money and shelf space).
So much salt....thnx for the heads up.
Wholeheartedly agree.
So true.
Awesome review. I trust your opinion on board games, you made me pick up Patchwork for my partner and I!
Could you take a look at Eldritch Horror?