An Introduction To Arkham Horror: The Card Game!
Hello again, everyone! I’m Shane and I’m glad to be back writing my own content after a hiatus.
I love card games. I mean, I REALLY love card games. I’ve been playing them in various forms for nearly 20 years, so finding an excuse to combine some loves into a single purpose had me jumping out of my seat. With that out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff.
Horror, Card Games, Teamwork
What is Arkham Horror: The Card Game?
Well, it’s a card game and without delving too deeply into the history of the franchise, Arkham Horror is a cooperative card game where groups of 1-4 players team up against the games mechanics to solve a mystery, stop some monsters, or just stay alive based in a world built around the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
Is the game all Cthulhus and Innsmouths? No! It’s got a ton of variation in locales set around the globe around the 1920’s. We could talk about all of those locations, but maybe we’ll do that later, this time we’re just talking about the very first entry into the game. Each player chooses an investigator before the game starts. They’ve got stats, skills and 30 cards that go along with them. I won’t jump into all that just yet.
So, it’s like a board game?
It’s a lot like a board game. Cards are used to create a map of rooms for the players to explore, while they explore the rooms, bad things happen randomly and are revealed as the game progresses. There is no “bad guy” player, everyone in the game is part of a team and does their best to navigate the perils and challenges presented using their player characters strengths (and avoiding their weaknesses).
What makes the game so interesting?
Well, it’s based around Lovecraft’s work. If you’re familiar with the guy, you know things don’t always go so well for the protagonists of his stories (read: rarely goes well). The game is also very story driven. The releases are built to take players through an entire arc and are encouraged to play them in order starting at a Deluxe box and through the corresponding Mythos packs.
This game is not the type of game where you and your super-powered friends bust into a den of monsters, turn them back into green jelly and collect loot. No, no, my friend. You’re a regular guy and you MIGHT be able to fend off one or two of these critters before you die or go insane.
Oh, and it doesn’t use dice. The games mechanics are built around a “Chaos Bag” of tokens, drawn by you, the player. Reach in, grab a token, open your hand and see what manner of doom has befallen you.
Before I do what?
That’s right. Players don’t just have the opportunity to get beaten to a bloody pulp by flesh-eating ghouls! They can also be eliminated because the horrors you’ve observed are just too much for your regular Joe psyche! You can go insane and you’re out because, hey, who knows what you might do? Maybe you don’t even see a monster, maybe your character just can’t handle creaking floorboards that sound scary, or a stiff wind that could be a ghost.
Why bring this game up now?
It’s been out for 4 years, I know. But the person reading this is probably under some measure of quarantine, stay-at-home, lock down order and now is the perfect time for games like this. They can be played solo or with the people you’re locked up with. And if you can go crazy in a game after an hour of play and it prevents you from going stir crazy for that long, isn’t it a worthwhile investment?
There is a ton of great content for this game from various creators. However, if you’re interested in how the game played, it’s hard to beat this:
That’s it for me. I hope you find the time to check out this great game and stay tuned to Haunted MTL for more news and content from all of our great contributors!
Gaming
Lovecraft Meets Junji Ito in WORLD OF HORROR
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully.
(4.5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
• The intricate game development process • Inspirations behind the eerie Lovecraftian elements
• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
Prepare for a spine-chilling experience as Jim Phoenix delves into the shadows with Trick or Treat Studios at GenCon 2024!
In this exclusive interview, we uncover the terrifying secrets behind their latest bone-chilling creations: “House of 1000 Corpses” and “Halloween II” board games.
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!
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