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Mansions of Madness: Second Edition box image

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is a cooperative board game where players explore a haunted mansion, solve puzzles, and fight monsters. The game is app-driven, with the app controlling the game's events and providing the story.

7.95 / 10
BGG Rating
14+
age
2016
published year
1 - 5
player count
1 - 5
Recommended player count
120 - 180 mins
play time

How Complex is Mansions of Madness: Second Edition?

2.69 / 5

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition has a moderate complexity, with a learning curve for setup and app use, but straightforward gameplay mechanics and intuitive actions.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Mansions of Madness: Second Edition?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a moderate role in the game, as players rely on dice rolls and card draws to succeed in combat and skill tests, but strategic decision-making and puzzle-solving are also important factors.

How much Player Interaction does Mansions of Madness: Second Edition offer?

2.5 / 5

The game has limited player interaction, as players mostly work together to solve puzzles and fight monsters, but there are some opportunities for cooperation and decision-making that can affect the outcome of the game.

How much Replayability does Mansions of Madness: Second Edition offer?

4 / 5

The game offers high replayability due to the randomized map tiles, multiple scenarios, and various combinations of investigators and monsters, providing different challenges and outcomes each time.

Why you should play Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

Immersive storytelling

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is a game that is all about storytelling. The game is set in a haunted mansion, and players must work together to uncover the secrets of the mansion and solve the mystery.

Cooperative gameplay

The game is designed to be played cooperatively, which means that players must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. This makes it a great game for groups of friends or family members who want to work together to achieve a common goal.

High replayability

The game has a lot of replayability, as there are multiple scenarios to play through, each with its own unique challenges and puzzles. This means that players can enjoy the game multiple times without it becoming repetitive.

Beautiful artwork

The game features stunning artwork that really helps to bring the haunted mansion to life. The attention to detail is impressive, and the artwork really helps to immerse players in the game world.

Easy to learn

Despite its depth and complexity, Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is actually quite easy to learn. The game comes with a detailed rulebook that explains everything players need to know, and there are also tutorial scenarios that help players get started.

App integration

The game uses a companion app that helps to manage the game's various mechanics and keep track of the story. This integration makes the game more streamlined and easier to play.

Challenging gameplay

The game is challenging, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating. Players must use their wits and work together to overcome the obstacles in their path, which makes for a satisfying and rewarding experience.

Why you should avoid Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

Requires a smartphone or tablet

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition requires the use of a companion app, which means that players must have access to a smartphone or tablet in order to play the game. This may be a barrier for some players who prefer not to use technology while playing board games.

Lengthy setup time

The game has a lengthy setup time, as players must assemble the game board and set up the various components before play can begin. This may be a turn-off for players who prefer games with a quicker setup time.

Limited player count

The game is designed for 1-5 players, which means that larger groups may not be able to play together. This may be a drawback for players who prefer games that can accommodate larger groups.

Expensive

Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is a relatively expensive game, which may be a barrier for players who are on a tight budget or who prefer to spend less on board games.

Not suitable for all ages

The game is recommended for ages 14 and up, which means that it may not be suitable for younger players or families with children. This may be a drawback for players who prefer games that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

Where to find the Rules of Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Mansions of Madness: Second Edition files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Mansions of Madness: Second Edition.

Read the rules carefully

Before you start playing, make sure you understand the rules of the game. The rulebook can be overwhelming, but take your time to read it carefully and ask questions if you're unsure about anything.

Choose your investigators wisely

Each investigator has unique abilities and weaknesses, so choose a team that complements each other's strengths and can cover each other's weaknesses.

Plan your moves

The game is all about exploration and investigation, so plan your moves carefully. Take your time to explore each room thoroughly and gather as much information as possible before moving on.

Manage your resources

You have limited resources, such as health, sanity, and items, so use them wisely. Don't waste your items on trivial tasks and try to conserve your health and sanity as much as possible.

Work together

The game is cooperative, so work together with your fellow investigators to solve the mystery. Share information and resources, and communicate effectively to avoid confusion and mistakes.

Be prepared for combat

The game has a combat system, so be prepared to fight monsters and other enemies. Make sure you have the right weapons and items to deal with different types of enemies.

Don't be afraid to fail

The game is challenging, and you may fail in your mission. Don't be discouraged by this, as failure is part of the game. Learn from your mistakes and try again.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game. Good luck!

Advanced Strategies for Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

Prioritize your objectives

As you play the game more, you'll start to understand which objectives are more important than others. Prioritize your objectives based on their importance and the time it will take to complete them.

Use your clues wisely

Clues are a valuable resource in the game, so use them wisely. Don't waste them on trivial tasks and try to save them for more important clues that will help you solve the mystery.

Be aware of the clock

The game has a time limit, so be aware of the clock and plan your moves accordingly. Don't waste time on tasks that aren't important and try to complete your objectives as quickly as possible.

Be prepared for surprises

The game has a lot of surprises and unexpected events, so be prepared for anything. Don't assume that you know what's going to happen and be ready to adapt to new situations.

Work on your communication skills

Communication is key in the game, so work on your communication skills with your fellow investigators. Make sure you're clear and concise when sharing information and be open to feedback and suggestions.

Experiment with different investigators

As you play the game more, try experimenting with different investigators and their abilities. You may find that some investigators work better together than others, or that some abilities are more useful in certain situations.

Don't be afraid to take risks

The game is all about taking risks, so don't be afraid to try new things and take risks. Sometimes, the best way to solve a mystery is to take a chance and see what happens.

Remember, the key to success in Mansions of Madness

Second Edition is to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn from your mistakes. Good luck!

Mechanics

Modular Board
Variable Player Powers
Cooperative Game
Role Playing
Hand Management
Area Movement
Dice Rolling
Traitor Game
Solo / Solitaire Game
Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game
Stat Check Resolution
Map Addition

Categories

Fantasy
Exploration
Adventure
Horror
Puzzle
Murder/Mystery
Fighting
Miniatures
Mythology

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