Autumn Spectacular - Top 10 Horror Games

[@vancelance8732]

Ticket to Ride: Hell had me rolling LOL

[@nshaw1299]

So much so! But you have to pay a wild to do the ferry route over the river Styx...

[@oneysnyder2116]

Would actually buy it, if I’m being honest…

[@hucz]

Wish this comment was hidden so the joke wasn't spoiled

[@jcsap04]

River Styx would work and would be a neat theme and setting

[@FayyaadHendricks]

I'd play this, NGL

[@TheDungeonDive]

Mike is such a strong natural leader. Great addition to the channel.

[@joseroman3791]

Absolutely, And he always has very interesting picks!

[@adamdrabek6246]

did Mike write this? lol

[@lukasvitroler2178]

While i love tom and will always miss him when he isnt on a top10, you three did such a wonderful job!! Great job!!

[@robinmarks4771]

Zee, yes! Sorcerer is absolutely incredible and has some of the most exquisite art I've ever seen in a modern game. One of my fave games that gets so little attention. Good pick!

[@andrewsmith2361]

Not enough love on this channel for Abomination: Heir of Frankenstein. It is sooooo thematic. So gruesome. So macabre. I don't care that it takes a bit longer than it should. I immerse myself in it and have a good time, every time. Deserves better than it gets. Thanks Chris for the number 1 spot 👍

[@ms98816]

Agreed!! I recommend printing out the Prometheus variant on BGG for a tighter, more streamlined version of the game ;)

[@ginaspel7818]

I enjoy this game very mutch too!

[@mydemon]

Not enough love? It came on #1 in this list, and came up in at least two other top 10s. That's 3 top 10 total

[@tarasstasiuk3858]

Chris' comments about his #2 made me think of a great Top Ten list: Top 10 Games to Blow A Non-Gamer's Mind.

[@dreadpirate907]

Yes!

[@guillermoz4914]

Good idea!

[@DTChrisYi]

Neat idea. Adding it to the list. The list of lists.

[@tarasstasiuk3858]

@@DTChrisYi Thanks! It means a lot. And keep the faith - Onirim is a GREAT pick, spooky and creepy!

[@amandanewhart4108]

It is creepy and terrifying how mikes taste in games are literally identical to mine . Death may die is such a great game with amazing cinematography. Always has an epic finale that are so memorable. Can’t wait for the next kickstarter.need all the content. I want it all!

[@duncancole1742]

The Horrified monsters are iconic because they pretty much defined them culturally in many ways (the look, the lore, the popularity) and subsequently every time each one is represented somewhere it often calls back to those original Hammer horror films. It's got nothing to do with "growing up with those movies" or because "it was first" - I would bet most people who have played and enjoyed the game have not seen a single one of those films but they are very much aware of these classic representations just via pop culture etc. I would also bet those most people in the US don't know half the creatures in American Monsters let alone people in other countries (yes, we exist :P )

[@pietrorasputin52]

Exactly! These movies and characters echo through time for good reason. These monsters are horrific, and though the mediums may be old, what these monsters are are timeless.

[@DTChrisYi]

Absolutely. I just think that the people who genuinely grew up with those films would be blown away by a game like Horrified as opposed to the mass market licensed games that came out before about Dracula and Creature from the Black Lagoon.

[@theuglyinsect4093]

The “original” films were from Universal studios in the 20s, 30s, 40s and early 50s, which is why they’re referred to as the Universal Monsters. The “Universal Monsters” IPs have been and continually are heavily merchandised to this day since the early 60s starting with plastic model kits, toys and action figures, board games, clothing and anything else Universal can slap the IP on. The films have also been heavily reissued on dvd and blu ray several times over in the last 20 years are so. So there is definitely an audience for these classic monsters. Hammer films came latter and were essentially a reimagining from that British studio of those classic films but with color and gore added. But I do agree these monsters are so ingrained in popular culture- that even if you haven’t seen the films almost everyone can identify them.

[@GameStreit]

I hope everyone at the Dice Tower stays safe from Hurricane Ian.

[@jonsparks3152]

“Think of your favorite horror movie from the 80’s or 90’s.” Chris: “Willy Wonka” I lost it.

[@dreadpirate907]

Thank you, Chris! Abomination was the game I came here hoping someone would pick.

[@Redbeard013]

Given your love of Sub Terra Zee I think you would like The Night Cage. Yes you are playing tiles like in Sub Terra, and there is a similar timed element to escaping. Plus both are co-op. The thing with Night Cage is as the tiles get removed when you move you, and the other players, have to find special keys to escape. While also dealing with monsters. And there are different different "bosses", for lack of better phrase, you can use that amp up the difficulty. There's also a set amount of tiles you can place out, so the longer it takes you all to find the keys you need the more monster tiles you're likely to flip, and each tile you place out puts you closer to the end of the game. I am probably doing a poor job at describing the game, but it is very atmospheric and great for the season.

[@anncocks6757]

I agree. From my research, I think of Sub Terra and Night Cage as being quite alike. I ended up pre-ordering Sub Terra 2 rather than buying The Night Cage, because it goes up to 6 players and Night Cage only goes to 5.

[@JasonLaw29]

Agreed. Night Cage is a good pick for this list actually.

[@Redbeard013]

@@JasonLaw29 We played it at DTW in March and man we got sucked in. Then the woman demoing it showed us the various boss monsters you can add in and dannnng it makes it spookier and harder.

[@Redbeard013]

@@anncocks6757 If our local gaame store winds up getting Sub Terra 2 eventually it's an instabuy for us.

[@Graczula]

I'm glad I watched this. I never heard of Sub Terra before. Now I've purchased it straight away. Look like a perfect game for October! Thanks Zee!

[@rockshrimp]

Where did you buy Sub Terra? Everywhere I've looked it's been out of stock

[@BoiledEgg74]

Mike is the man. Love his leadership. Great chemistry with Zee. Chris... well... it's a barrage of dad jokes.

[@douggiebee]

Thanks so much for this list. I like how much all of you love board gaming and sharing these insights. It is so helpful to have perspectives after many plays and balanced against the many games available now. I feel like I always find something worthwhile to consider.

[@gottimighty]

My list woukd include: 1. Fury of Dracula 2. Terrors of London 3. A Touch of Evil 4. Camp Grizzly 5. Last Friday 6. The Bloody Inn 7. My Father's Work 8. Horrified 9. H.H. Holmes Murder Castle 10. Monster Slaughter

[@jcsap04]

Played Night Cage last night ... PERFECT GAME for this list ... its tense, creepy, dark visuals, has monsters of many horrifying types, and is as hard to survive as a standard jock in a horror flick

[@Bllurr1]

As someone who still owns MoM 1st ed., YES, you still have to say 2nd edition. :P What 2nd ed. did with the formula, and especially with the app, is laudable and a fantastic time, and I'll even agree it's the better version, but to this day I still say there's something to be said for being the "GM" of the whole affair. Being the evil mastermind who knows what's coming and delights in giving cryptic hints and laughs with glee as you put down yet another monster figure on the board or spring a trap. There's still fun in that.

[@TheFleahost]

Night Cage is super creepy. 100% support Tom’s call.

[@txsportsfreak02]

Zee you're hilarious. Never change.

[@nicoleredheart1872]

OMG! The Night Cage is amazing! It's certainly my number 1 pick for best horror game hands down. Easily!

[@TheRASDEL83]

Most horrifying game of all time... Sushi Go/Party... you are literally making a menu of food with happy innocent faces... to eventually eat. Every little one of those bastards is unaware of what is going to happen to them 🥺

[@kyleweeks2941]

Lol never thought about that!

[@TheRASDEL83]

@@Cameronwatt I didn't saw that one coming but I guess you are right 🤔

[@ScytheNoire]

Is this an alternate account for Chris?

[@g8kpr3000]

I know many people don’t like it much. But I still enjoy the B movie feel of “Last night on earth”. If i want to fight zombies, this is the game.

[@Officegamecafe]

Agree! It’s really dropped of the radar and has lots of fiddlyness, but it’s my favorite zombie game and it’s not even close.

[@danielangevine1346]

The Others is such a banger of a game. totally agree those final dice rolls are super stressful. The concept of some of the heroes dying is a real double edged sword too - you care a little less but also still have a limited pool so that stress of when to corrupt is constantly looming

[@TylerAndToast]

I've not played vagrant song, but I was looking forward to Zee and Mike talk about it because I know they love it. Can't believe you forgot

[@donnakeferlis1649]

Masters of the Night is a super spooky looking, perfect-for-Halloween type of game.

[@victorgonzalez2927]

Final Girl is the definitive horror boardgame. Tom’s number one is great as well.

[@quashmonkey]

Betrayal 3rd edition. I like the fixes they made. The betrayals are very thematic it should be on a list.

[@RetroMaticGamer]

I still prefer 2nd. Choosing a scenario before you play ruins some of the creep factor for me. The fact that the haunt in first two editions could become ANYTHING, unpredictable and without your input, to me it kept the players just as nervous as the characters are supposed to be.

[@HellfishX88]

Zee's "Willy Wonka" answer for best 80s horror film had me rollin 🤣🤣🤣

[@scottrenfer2735]

Thanks guys! Learned some new ones: The Faceless, Room 25, and I forgot about Ghost Stories. The Faceless looks awesome!!! My favorite game of all time is Death May Die. Love horror movies... and games too!!!

[@searose6192]

This was really fun. Good chemistry. I would happily watch many more top 10s with Mike, Zee and Chris. The chemistry doesn't always work with different people, but this is a GREAT group.

[@footsoldier1468]

Agreed. Tom can go home early for every list

[@mohnkern]

Glad that Bloody Inn was on this list. It’s one of my favorites. One that wasn’t on this list that I love despite mechanics issues is Coma Ward

[@bretttodd2961]

You can’t find it anymore but Camp Grizzly is hands down the best horror game ever made!

[@tulsaborn545]

10:09 Monster Mansion from 1981 was a roll and move game that I loved as a kid. That's the oldest one I can think of

[@Straddllw]

I see Fury of Dracula is no longer on anyones list. That used to be the darling of horror games.

[@kyleweeks2941]

A crying shame for sure. I still have it in my collection. I won't let it go!

[@clivebixby649]

Vagrantsong is such a good game... They do so much, with so little! I love this game!!

[@RetroMaticGamer]

I personally think Betrayal at House on the Hill (1st or 2nd Edition) is the best horror-themed game ever made. Everyone starts out together with no idea what's going on or what could possibly happen, which is the mindset most horror protagonists start their stories in. Horror crawls that have you choosing a scenario just aren't as creepy or dreadful - knowing what you're dealing with just isn't spook at all. Also, Betrayal isn't as well-balanced as other horror games, which actually works in its favor - just like real horror flicks, the odds are rarely ever fair. Scary stories are desperate battles against long odds that the heroes don't always survive. Betrayal does that PERFECTLY.

[@christopherwintersvahn6087]

What’s wrong with Betrayal Legacy and 3rd edition? 🤔

[@andrewellis712]

Thank you Chris for mentioning the greatest tv show of all time! (Community)

[@DTChrisYi]

Apparently news of a movie broke today. The later seasons were more inconsistent, but I liked them enough to watch a movie for sure!

[@KabukiKid]

I think I would have been angry if Mike's #1 wasn't what it was. I was so expecting it to be his #1. Perfect choice, Mike! :-D

[@ivarandresosorio6461]

Awesome video, I'm a ludophile just getting into board games (I've played Table top RPGs and MTG all my life) and as a long time horror fan, I have to get some horror games into my library. Thanks

[@s_215]

One way to play Nemesis without having the queen appear too early in the game is you add the queen token starting from the beginning of round 4 or 5. Because its indeed really bad when she shows up too early in the game.

[@eliasrosa2123]

if I'm not mistaken the Queen only pops up if the token is pulled and the nest is revealed right?

[@labyfan1313]

1. The Video Board Game Nightmare/Atmosfear + sequels 2. Horrified And in no particular order - Vampire Hunter - The Night Cage - Fearsome Floors - 13 Dead End Drive - Disney Return of the Headless Horseman - Disney Haunted Mansion: Call to the Spirits - Disney Hocus Pocus - Midnight Party/Ghost Party - Funkoverse: Universal Monsters - Escape Room: The Game/Exit The Game/Unlock with Horror themes

[@Redbeard013]

I'm also surprised nobody mentioned Etherfields. I figured Tom would have at least mentioned that one. I mean in terms of suspenseful gothic fantasy horror that game is a great example I think. My own top 10 had it in there. 1. Nemesis (gotta be #1 given my love of Aliens) 2. The Night Cage 3. Mansions of Madness 4. Arkham Horror LCG (only entry from the core Arkham games) 5. Final Girl 6. The Others 7. Etherfields 8. Escape the Dark Castle 9. The Bloody Inn (so happy to see this game get more love) 10. Horrified (either of them) Honorable mentions being Kingdom Death Monster, Sub terra, Cthulu Death May Die, Zombicide Black Plague, and Vagrantsong which would've made my list had I remembered it. Silly me. Nyctophobia is an interesting pick too, but I think after a few play throughs the game loses a bit of it's more unique play style. As my list shows I definitely love the more gothic/fantasy/eldritch types of horror.

[@SoloBoardGamingKnight]

I just recently received wave 2 of Etherfields. It’s such a great game and in my opinion, it has one of the best minis I’ve ever seen. Not only that but it does a great job invoking an eerie feeling/vibe. Great game! Also, great list!

[@Redbeard013]

@@SoloBoardGamingKnight It's a grail game for us we hope to find one day (affordably).

[@vanzetti7]

Thanks so much for all your work guys and please stay safe 👍

[@horoyoh]

In France City of horror has been reworked and published under the name Corruption just a few days ago. Maybe in the USA too.

[@chrisw942]

Great lists and video! I've owned Dead if Winter The Long Night for a few years, but only recently played it--it's way better than the first DOW. I highly recommend this to everyone this Halloween month!

[@oneysnyder2116]

I genuinely enjoy the Night Cage despite it having a lot of luck.

[@unlimitedrabbit]

And most of it is the bad kind.

[@oneysnyder2116]

@@unlimitedrabbit yeah, I mean the only way to really control the distribution of the various tiles is super good shuffling. There is subtly more strategy though as I play it more times. I’m general though, just a good mindless game as I watch scary movies.

[@unlimitedrabbit]

@@oneysnyder2116 I find it better as a solo experience because I find that the structure of the game leads to fighting the urge to do a bit quarterbacking to prevent wasted tiles.

[@oneysnyder2116]

@@unlimitedrabbit I should add, I’ve only played it solo…

[@TheMoyyelito]

Was expecting eitherfields. Though I haven't played it. Would also have Room 25 with the season 2 expansion on my list 👍

[@TheDungeonDive]

Etherfields is probably the only game I’ve played that kind of spooked me.

[@Aleboth93]

I have to mention Alone: it can be terrifying playing as the hero...

[@bensgoogle]

Betrayal at House on the Hill! Also… Dead of Winter Arkham Horror (Board game, 2nd Ed.) And Gloom for fun.

[@mynameandbirthday]

first expansion for Get on Board - Ghostbussers

[@danteshydratshirt2360]

Best trio ever for Dice Tower

[@jenaparsons]

Surprised Unmatched: Cobble and Fog wasn’t mentioned. Not really spooky but has those classic movie monsters like Horrified

[@davegildersleeve4316]

Great video guys!! For me, some others would be Elder Sign, Pandemic:Reign of Cthulhu, Escape Zombie City and It's Alive!(reimplemented by Frankenstein?). Thanks.

[@randalladkins7452]

1:15:36 - I mean, the Gene stealers in Warhammer 40k universe (Space Hulk, Death Angel, and other 40k set games) do the same thing.

[@Bodyknock]

Two horror themed games I like that weren't mentioned are - Carnival Zombie. I just got the second edition this summer finally after a long production delay and I think this is my favorite zombie game ever. 🙂 It does a fantastic job of throwing hordes of monsters led by really brutal bosses at you but then your characters are such pure bad-asses they can just barely handle all that carnage. It even has this really unique cube dropping thing where when you kill zombies you drop them on a literal pile and if anything falls off the border it comes right back into the fight, which sounds goofy but adds a surprising amount of tension! I can't recommend Carnival Zombie enough, it's fantastic. I know Tom likes the game as well so I'm sure it would have been on his short list. 😄 - Village Attacks, a game where you play as monsters defending your castle from a horde of angry villagers and adventurers trying to destroy it. It's a lot of fun and pretty hectic. I don't think it's quite as good as a lot of the other games on these lists but it's still fun and definitely fits the horror theme really well.

[@Fuzzylogicpro]

I'm absolutely sure the evil laughter at the beginning of this is Zee, you can't convince me otherwise.

[@dominiccamara3419]

If only i could find final girl anywhere 😪

[@llegaremosalasestrellas3245]

I would like to add AVGhost to your lists. Just for its atmosphere and playing in the dark, I think it is worth being here. Congrats for the channel, very interesting.

[@haramlee83]

its true horror that company vanished before they ship to outside of spain.

[@andrewclifton185]

Yes Mike! I managed to get a KS copy of the Faceless for £10!!! It’s awesome looking!!

[@KabukiKid]

No Dawn of the Zeds from Mike? Maybe he never played it before? Curious if it is one you like, Mike.

[@michaeldilisio557]

I haven’t played it!

[@jessevarney3298]

I like Cthulhu Death May Die, but personally it evokes horror for me about as much as Horrified does.

[@rexology_bg]

Great lists...except for Fuse. Sorry Chris, you kind of got your wires crossed on that pick.

[@rexology_bg]

Maybe I should have said the pick bombed?....blew (up)? Love ya Chris 😊

[@DTChrisYi]

@@rexology_bg There was an explosive reaction in the chat for sure. I still stand by the pick, as long as the clock keeps ticking.

[@KabukiKid]

Arkham Horror 2e would easily be on my list... that and Fury of Dracula. I'd also argue that Aliens (the 1989 game from Leading Edge) is an amazing game too. I still wish it would get a reprint today with modern polish. I think that Colonial Marines game borrowed some aspects from it.

[@holmida]

Nothing like "Psycho Raiders" from EEE for a great horror session.

[@Majick242]

There are ghosts in the lanterns!

[@TheBoardMeeple]

How do you not put Fury of Dracula on your list Zee? Its one of your favs?!

[@lystic9392]

Did you guys ever play The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31? I was looking at it for Halloween. It does seem like a bit of a lite game. Battlestar Galactica / Unfathomable take so long to play. But if it's not even on your lists then forget it. :P I'm hoping someone will create a shorter BSG type game.

[@nihthasu]

OMG, Zee! Please go devote some of your time watching the classics!

[@nobled1050]

escape the dark castle is my favorite

[@mrsuitcase9799]

Mike's list is correct.

[@Pengi_SMILES]

Tom is right about Escape the Aliens - now that game is tense.

[@keithhammons2605]

1. Psycho Raiders 2. Arkham Horror LCG

[@arekkrolak6320]

My list: 1. Nemesis 2. Mansions of Madness 2nd 3. Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game 4. Dead of Winter 5. Unmatched: Cobble & Fog 6. Ghost Stories 7. Betrayal at House on the Hill 8. A Study in Emerald 9. Mythos Tales 10. InBetween

[@theearlyresetband]

I love Dark Domains - and the new The Thing game!

[@Officegamecafe]

The Monster Mash version of the DT theme is so epic!

[@julielane3073]

Someone may have already done this but I am working on my own small campaign where I make a story combining the Cthulhu games this Halloween. I have vacation the 28th thru Nov 6. I will be playing Elder Sign then branching out to Arkham Horror and then Eldritch Horror using at least 1 surviving character to branch out. I will be leveling them up somehow between games but also keeping any negative effects. Any suggestions on when to incorporate Arkham Horror Living card game and Mansions of Madness into this campaign story arc I am trying?

[@mrbastos]

Love the Community reference. I was watching that 2-part episode the other day.

[@DTChrisYi]

Just read news that a Community movie is going to actually happen.

[@mrbastos]

@@DTChrisYi 6 seasons and movie!

[@synns6898]

No “A touch of evil”,can’t have a horror list without that it’s the perfect halloween horror game 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@annominous826]

Zee going like, "I didn't grow up with the Universal Horror monsters, I'm in my thirties! I'm not interested in Night of the Living Dead Zombicide, that movie is so old!" Also Zee: Likes the Cthulhu Mythos, which is older than either.

[@ramonosuke]

And likes Horrified, game based on movie monsters from the 40s and 50s

[@marcohoehener463]

Amazing shout out to some of the best TV ever made: Community Paint-Ball Brawls 😁😁

[@PaulYoung-hn5ir]

Camp Grizzly, Terror Below, Level 7, Nemesis, & Alien (1979)

[@DementedDistraction]

Nice list - there were a couple games on here I wasn't familiar with at all; I figured Camp Grizzly would've been on here at some point, though maybe it would've been too similar to Final Girl to warrant a place on the list. Though you guys should consider getting some boom mics, Zee kept fussing with his lapel mic and drowning out what was being said.

[@ScytheNoire]

Wish they'd re-release Camp Grizzly.

[@DementedDistraction]

@@ScytheNoire Yeah, I was lucky enough to snag a copy when it was released, but it seems Ameritrash Games is dead and done. I'd like to get the expansion, but I've never seen one for sale anywhere, ever.

[@freeheeler00]

Oh cool. I was wondering what I was going to do for the next hour and a half.

[@richwar2417]

Was there any question as to what Mike's number one would be?

[@GamingWithGeo]

KDM not being mentioned is a huge oversight.

[@adpayne91]

Final Girl wins this list.

[@brianl6151]

They keep mentioning an upcoming horror board game they have backed. What was it? Dark horror, Dark Horder etc.

[@DTChrisYi]

Dark Quarter, by Lucky Duck and Van Ryder Games.

[@brianl6151]

@@DTChrisYi awesome thank Chris

[@Heretic1373]

Awesome list! Thanks guys.

[@Braz__]

I`m missing "Nightmare Horror Adventures" from Noris or Identity Games International B.V on that list.

[@rpgamerpro9972]

Most grandiose Kickstarter games, notably the glorified choose-your-own adventure style ones, qualify as horrific games.

[@JarradShaw]

What?!?! The Faceless sounds crazy!!!

[@muhabwahby]

Hit Z Road. Full stop. It has panic written all over it.

[@adwilliams1987]

Fury of Dracula, Halloween by Quined Games, Village Attacks, Village Crone

[@beakerkell]

Love the paintball episodes of community!

[@petercsm5769]

Agreed that Fuse is suspense and tension, not horror. The Fugitive is not s horror movie.

[@Grouik]

Great lists!! No scooby doo (cmon game) where we are pursued by a monster? More seriously Fearsome Floors is quite horrible as we try to avoid the monster and get him to see the others players so we can escape! :)

[@pwootton24]

You guys missed Camp Grizzly!

[@anderssvensson8397]

Oh, I want to play Ticket to Ride: Hell right now!

[@NathanBeitler]

"Ticket to Ride: Hell" Love it!!!