It's really about finding someone who loves rules, and can learn them pretty quick (to play the keeper). If that someone can keep track of what things are needed, he can tell it to the investigators so they doesn't miss anything when they are planning. Also, the keeper is often over-powered, so he needs to hold back a little sometimes so he doesn't ruin the game.

This looks like my new favorite channel! I have this game on order and I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for the great overview.

To be honest, it's not very likely. We're running a smaller season this year, and want to focus more on newer releases or really classic titles. Runebound's popularity has been waning for years, and I think it's with good reason -- it's a fairly standard adventure game that suffers from a serious lack of interaction (full disclosure: I bought a copy 2 years ago, and it's only seen 3 plays in that time, none of which were all that fun). - Kaja

I ran possibly 10 or more of the original 1-5 edition CoC campaigns as keeper, back when they were new. I can't actually remember ever actually playing as a character...

Joanna, I love that you are into the Lovecraft stuff.

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that it's actually just a few yards of fabric we picked up from the nearby fabric/sewing supply store. You can grab some nice, heavyweight fabrics for fairly cheap, so long as you're willing to finish the edges yourself with a sewing machine or by hand. - Kaja

Yep, all of those bits (and minis) come with it! It's a very heavy game in the most literal sense.

That's a good idea -- there's definitely enough in there to get a good sense of whether they take an interest in the game or not, and keep them entertained for a while.

I'm pretty sure there are minis from the expansions on the table. There's still quite a bit of stuff in the box though. One con is the sheer setup time. Things have to be placed correctly or one side or the other can win/lose by default.

If you're looking specifically for a Lovecraft-flavoured game, there's Elder Sign, which is a faster, lighter Arkham Horror that relies more heavily on dice. We reviewed it last year. If it's more of the adventuring feel you want, without the need for a keeper/GM, then you should take a look at the Dungeons & Dragons series of boardgames (Castle Ravenloft, Wrath of Ashardalon, Legend of Drizzt -- which we're reviewed). They're fully cooperative, but are still classic advenure games. -Kaja

I'm more of an Arkham Horror fan, personally. Arkham Horror manages to do away with the "Game Master" role entirely, and I love the fact that it's purely cooperative, and incredibly challenging. It's long, though - you have to put aside at least six hours, and more if the group is new to the game. Mansions of Madness is great when you don't have the whole day to put aside for gaming. ;)

It does look like a lot of fun. I think it's pretty likely that we'll be reviewing it this season.

I just got this game last night, was great fun. Thanks for the good review.

I'd say you can definitely get through a couple of days with nothing but the base set, assuming you're playing 1 or 2 scenarios a day. If you do want to pick up one of the expansions you mentioned as a backup, then I'd suggest "Til Death Do Us Part". It's a bit more focused in its design, and has generally been better-reviewed than Season of the Witch.- Kaja

Thanks for the detailed review! Could you tell me where did you get this awesome table cover? It looks great for games!

Large amount of game pieces to this game! Which do you enjoy playing more: Arkham Horror or Mansions of Madness?

Hey there, thanks for the fantastic reviews! I love comparing your guys (gals) thoughts and opinions on games to undeadviking, vasel, and the board game table guys that also post great reviews on youtube. Anyway, I have a question in regards to this game. Is there any game besides Arkham Horror that is similar to this but doesnt require a "keeper"? It's generally just the girlfriend and myself playing and I don't think she would enjoy playing on either side (keeper/investigator) alone.

I've just ordered this recently, in preparation for a family get together once a year. Would the base set's content suffice for constant play throughout 2, maybe 3 days? If not which expansion should I go for? Forbidden Alchemy seems like a content packed set but in your opinions would Season of the Witch or Til Death Do Us Part make a better story driven game?

You could use these Mini's for Eldritch Horror? Also what is it like in Solo play?

This game is great if your intending to play the Cthulhu pen and paper rpg, map tiles and monsters galore!

I think I'll stick with the base set for starter, not really sure if they'll get behind it, trying to do something new this year, lets hope board game is the thing. Thanks for the info nonetheless.

I'd never realised there was so much in that box - does everything laid out there come from the base game? And does it all fit back in..?

plano boxes are very helpful for storing all the bits...i love this game but it doesn't get much table time :(

Great game, terrible packaging. The cardboard insert in the box makes packing the game back up very difficult. The monsters have to be separated from their bases and then the whole box needs to get disassembled and then carefully put back together if you want to keep everything in one place. I keep my monsters in the upturned box lid on top of the box itself, makes it hard to take it places. I was so sad to see that FF used the same packaging with the Miskatonic Horror Expansion to Arkham Horror

I love strategic games like these but my family is never interested in learning all the rules. :( I wish I could find a gaming group in my area.

hey im a new comer to the world of i guess thematic board games and ive played a few and ive been really inspired to make my own, and i was wondering how might i be able to have my board like the mansion of madness board. You know how it is able to detach from each other i would like to implement that kind of board in my game please reply if you can help.

Nope, the only expansion bits are the boxed expansion sets in the right corner. Everything else came with the core set. It's a really, really bitsy game.

I'd like to see you gals review Mice and Mystics.

thanks!

woman on the left looks so robotic reading her lines :P while woman on the right seems more natural like a reporter on tv

you can potentially combine this game with last night on earth to play resident evil.