Calling all Hunters who crave a cooperative challenge! Prepare to face your deepest fears because Horrified: World of Monsters takes the classic formula and injects it with a potent dose of terror! World of Monsters is for 1-5 players, ages 10+, and is produced by Ravensburger Games.
This latest installment throws you headfirst into a chilling world where not two, not three, but four legendary beasts threaten to unleash chaos. We’re talking heavy hitters like Cthulhu, the Yeti, the Sphinx, and the blood-sucking Jiangshi. Each with their own unique set of abilities and movement patterns, these monsters will keep you on your toes.
What’s in the Box?
This is a typically sized, modern game box that’s about 10″ x 10″ x 2.5″. The box contains:
- 1 gameboard
- 5 monster mats
- 4 plastic monster figures
- 5 hero standees
- 10 citizen standees
- 20 bases
- 60 item tokens
- 4 lair tokens
- 31 monster tokens – for solving monster puzzles
- 1 terror marker
- 1 frenzy marker
- 30 monster cards
- 20 perk cards
- 5 reference cards
- 1 item bag
- 3 dice
- Instructions
The monster figures are nicely sculpted plastic. The remaining of the standees are cardboard. I’m sure this was to keep costs down.
The gameboard folds open to be 20″ x 20″. The art on the gameboard and cards is excellent. The gameboard has a nice 1960’s/1970’s old-school feel to it.
How does Horrified Play?
Horrified is a cooperative “Pick up and Deliver game”, that feels a little like Pandemic, but you’re fighting monsters instead of viruses. The monsters slowly creep towards you on the board, while you are trying to run away and find gear and items to fend them off.
For those familiar with the Horrified series, the core gameplay remains the same. You team up with fellow heroes, each with their own special skills, and race around a beautifully illustrated board. Your mission? Gather essential items, complete monster-specific puzzles, and ultimately banish these fiendish creatures before the terror meter explodes.
But here’s where World of Monsters ups the ante. Cthulhu himself gets a two-stage treatment. First, you gotta weaken his influence, then face him in an epic final showdown. This multi-phase battle injects a fresh layer of strategy and keeps the tension high throughout the entire game.
Speaking of tension, Horrified delivers it in spades. Every decision feels crucial, every monster card draw sends shivers down your spine. Will you successfully complete that puzzle, or will the Jiangshi mercilessly drain your life force?
Pros:
- Four unique monsters to battle
- Two-stage Cthulhu fight adds strategic depth
- Beautiful artwork and high-quality components
- Co-op gameplay fosters teamwork and communication
- Price is right! Retail price is $29. There’s a lot of game for $29.
- Compatible with Horrified: Greek Monsters.
- Mix and match monsters to adjust difficulty.
- The rulebook is nice, but first-timers should watch a playthrough video online. 😉
Cons:
- May be too challenging for casual players
- The 3 Yeti Children are designed to go in plastic bases, but the bases are not included.
- Only 4 monsters this time around? The original Horrified has 7 monsters. The original version also costs more.
- Not compatible with the original Horrified game, or Horrified: American Monsters.
The Verdict?
Horrified: World of Monsters is a fantastic addition to the series. It offers the perfect blend of familiar mechanics and exciting new challenges. With its diverse cast of monsters, the two-stage Cthulhu battle, and the ever-present threat of rising terror, this co-op experience will leave you both exhilarated and terrified. So gather your bravest friends, grab your courage (and maybe some garlic), and prepare to face a world of monsters!
Pojo Note: Our group of 5 players got absolutely smoked by the monsters in easy mode during our first playthrough. The Yeti was a one man wrecking crew. I think we lost in 10 minutes. We won the second game on our very last turn. This game can present quite the challenge!
Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 – A must-have for co-op and horror fans!
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