beware
When a Mind Raider creates an army of possessed humans, no one is safe. The invasion of Earth seems inevitable as many of the planet’s inhabitants are already under the control of a ruthless monster. Two teams take part in this game on the border of horror and adventure – the free and the possessed. They face a direct match in which the win cannot be shared. The free consistently repel the attacks of the robbers, the possessed – they strive to take over the minds of others (they possess or knock them unconscious). During the game, referring directly to the plot of the series, we must remain vigilant and protect not only our friends, but also ourselves.
First steps
Before the game, carefully remove all cardboard elements from the sheets (10 character tiles) in the compact box, and then place them under the plastic molding (this is to prevent smaller game elements from moving around in the box). Four to ten players can take part in the game. Each player takes a character tile and places it in front of him, then the adventure cards are sorted.
Meanwhile, the appropriate number of mind freaks and waffles (according to the table in the manual) are also selected, which are given to players shortly afterwards. It is at this moment that we find out whether we are possessed or … temporarily free. The remaining adventure cards are shuffled and dealt to the players – three, face down, for one person. In fact, the starting hand is four cards. Meanwhile, a community deck is also created – three similar number of cards (made up of adventure cards) and three randomly drawn encounter cards.
Game
The youngest player starts. When the top card of the community deck is revealed, the player places it on the table so that everyone can see its contents. It can be an Adventure card (Heavy Punch, Helping Hand, Waffle, Mind Raider, Memories) or an Encounter card. Each has a different effect and has a direct impact on the course of the action – three Mind Raider cards signal possession (BUT: each Memory card cancels a Mind Raider card!), While three Strong Punch cards make you pass out (BUT: a helping hand card cancels the card! strong blow!) *. If an encounter card is activated, players must participate in the event (excluding those who are unconscious…).
After resolving the effect of the card, players remain silent and take two cards from their hand, then give one to the player on the left and one to the player on the right. The received cards should be placed under the character tiles. Importantly, during the meeting, only possessed players can give away cards to the mind raider (the free keep them). The game ends when a maximum of two players remain in play or a third encounter card has been dealt. The finale heralds the growl of all the possessed players (yes, yes…), who thus summon the mind raider and the standing applause of the free players. And immediately, although unconventionally, you know who won!
Subjectively
The reviewed game – Stranger Things. Attack of the Mind Flayer – is an addictive card game that will make the time of players over 10, as suggested by the publisher. Equally important, the game is planned for about 20 minutes, so you don’t need much time to break away from everyday life for a moment. The proposal is so intuitive that it can be played by both people who know the Stranger Things universe and those who have not yet had the opportunity to get to know it.
The illustrations are delightful – they introduce the atmosphere and bring to mind specific events, they also allow new players to be introduced to the atmosphere of the 80s (characteristic of the series). In conclusion, Stranger Things. Attack of the Mind Flayer is a great party game that is primarily based on (negative) interaction, but generates a lot of fun and … laughter.
* The waffle does not affect the gameplay, but allows you to get more points – 1 point for each waffle!
