Halloween is practically upon us and what better way to celebrate my favorite holiday than taking a look at my number one favorite board games of all time? Arkham Horror is the original game of Lovecraftian horror. It was originally published in 1987 by Chaosium, the same company who created the original Call of Cthulhu Role-playing Game. Then, in 2005, Fantasy Flight Games, my favorite game company after Wizards of the Coast, bought the rights to the game and revised it. The revised version was then released in 2007.
In Arkham Horror players take on the roles of investigators in 1920s Arkham, Massachusetts. This small hamlet is unfortunately the hub of cosmic horrors just waiting to arise and consume the earth. It's almost as if the town was built over the unstable fault line between worlds. Soon, gates are ripping open to allow monsters and demons to come through. If too many gates open then the veil between worlds becomes too weak and one of the horrible Elder Gods awakens and attempts to devour Arkham and the world. It is up to the investigators to run around the streets of Arkham and seal the gates before it is too late.
In Arkham Horror players take on the roles of investigators in 1920s Arkham, Massachusetts. This small hamlet is unfortunately the hub of cosmic horrors just waiting to arise and consume the earth. It's almost as if the town was built over the unstable fault line between worlds. Soon, gates are ripping open to allow monsters and demons to come through. If too many gates open then the veil between worlds becomes too weak and one of the horrible Elder Gods awakens and attempts to devour Arkham and the world. It is up to the investigators to run around the streets of Arkham and seal the gates before it is too late.
Each of the playable characters have different stats and abilities to help in the cause. Players work together against the board to win the game. Each turn, players move about town, encounter people, events, and demonic events in the different locations around the city of Arkham. If any player encounters a gate they step through into another world. There they explore and survive. Once they escape they can close the gate. If an investigators gets to injured they have to go to the hospital. If they lose too much sanity they have to visit the asylum. Investigators can be devoured by the demons as well, completely removing the character from the game.
All of these horrible events and encounters make Arkham Horror awesome game that it is. It adds story and flavor to every game. The balance between investigation and combat make this the best example of a Lovecraftian game on the market. I have yet to find another game that captures the elements of H.P. Lovecraft's work more than this game. This is the main reason it has the number one slot in my favorite games list. It is good ol' macabre fun, pure and simple.
Now, this game isn't for everyone. My game group loves it because we all get to work together against a crazy amount of events. However, the game is often difficult to win. Most often players get used to losing. They go insane, lose limbs, vanish from existence, and on and on. The small events in each location are extremely fun but often hindering in the overall quest. This game is about the experience and not so much about winning. (Which is how ALL table-top games should be.) Many players may not like this type of game-play. In addition, this game is overly complicated and has a pretty steep learning curve. It took me 3 or 4 solo sessions to learn the rules well enough to even think about teaching my game group. In addition to the complicated nature this game is long. It takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. So between those elements each game group will have to decide if this game is too much or just right.
All of these horrible events and encounters make Arkham Horror awesome game that it is. It adds story and flavor to every game. The balance between investigation and combat make this the best example of a Lovecraftian game on the market. I have yet to find another game that captures the elements of H.P. Lovecraft's work more than this game. This is the main reason it has the number one slot in my favorite games list. It is good ol' macabre fun, pure and simple.
Now, this game isn't for everyone. My game group loves it because we all get to work together against a crazy amount of events. However, the game is often difficult to win. Most often players get used to losing. They go insane, lose limbs, vanish from existence, and on and on. The small events in each location are extremely fun but often hindering in the overall quest. This game is about the experience and not so much about winning. (Which is how ALL table-top games should be.) Many players may not like this type of game-play. In addition, this game is overly complicated and has a pretty steep learning curve. It took me 3 or 4 solo sessions to learn the rules well enough to even think about teaching my game group. In addition to the complicated nature this game is long. It takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. So between those elements each game group will have to decide if this game is too much or just right.
Summing it Up
I adore this board game. It has been my favorite for probably 5 or 6 years now. What draws me to the game the most is the small events at each of the locations in Arkham. This adds the creeping dread and moody atmosphere that makes the works of H.P. Lovecraft so wonderful. The game is pretty complicated and can become frustrating at times. Also the long time commitment will turn off many players. Overall, it is a fantastic rendition of dark Lovecraftian adventure!
Language: 2
Gore Factor: 3
Sex Factor: 2
Scare Factor: 3
Fun Factor: 5
Overall Rating: 5
Language: 2
Gore Factor: 3
Sex Factor: 2
Scare Factor: 3
Fun Factor: 5
Overall Rating: 5