TDG: Mansions of Madness, 2nd Ed.

[@missmuscle]

I love this game. I can't play it enough and I've played many games solo as well as with different groups. Every time I've played it everyone is so surprised at how good the app actually works with the game. I'd go far enough to say this is probably the deepest lovecraftian tabletop experience you can have without playing any of the roleplaying games. It's entered my top ten easily.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think you're absolutely right about the lovecraftian experience. Love this game.

[@geirydp]

As always, great review. Got this a few days ago and agree on everything, this a great way ( the use of an app) to implement into boardgaming.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed!

[@brusslysb]

Another great review TY

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you.

[@1313qwertyqwerty]

After watching a few reviews of this game, yo gave the best. Love the details included in your review. Would like to see videos of some playthroughs of some of the games you review. Lastly, the music rocks! glad to hear punk music. Too much hip hop being played.

[@ninek666]

I love app for Descent, can't wait to try this one.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think you will like it.

[@ROOKTABULA]

My huge complaint is that as tiles are revealed in the app, the text box blocks out wall tokens etc .

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

You can move the picture around.

[@ROOKTABULA]

Our first have we played for 40 minutes be we realized we missed the mythos phase. The app needs a reminder

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha!

[@zillaganggreen1428]

Is there any way to buy/ download the "Christmas sweater" song? I love it! :D P. S. Great review as always!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

"Christmas Sweater" is currently unavailable. I keep telling shawn to record a new album with it and put in on iTunes. He keeps telling me he'll do it someday. In the meantime, you can download his album, "Zombie Girl" from iTunes.

[@mikejonesnoreally]

Great review, I couldn't agree with you more. In spite of the mini "challenges" (mini-games?) and the difficulty curve ranging somewhere between figuring out fashion math and what happened "five minutes" before the beginning of all time, it's still an awesome experience and if it stomps me too bad I just bring out Elder Sign for some (hopefully) dice chuckin' blessed payback!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@JitseLemmens]

Cory Krgheugya got me in stitches. x'D Still not happy about shelling out another 90€ for a game I technically already have (and only played once due to... setup and rule problems). Still on my list though... difficult! :p PS Thx for the poem/verse too

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

You are welcome, sir! This edition IS far superior, especially with regard to setup.

[@mikejonesnoreally]

Just think though, you already own the first couple of expansions! The game has a conversion kit that is made up of all the investigators and monster tiles from what you have so you can have even more variety and player options than those of us getting stomped for the first go!

[@DigitalEelRich]

What happens when the app OS changes or disappears? Will this game be playable 5 years from now?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Just curious- Did you watch the video?

[@DigitalEelRich]

Hi TDG! Yes I did. Good overview. Looks like a blast! The reason I responded anyway ; ) was just to bring this up in case anyone hadn't thought of it. --At some point in the near future, this version of the game will cease to be playable. (Does FF have something planned for this? Do you know?) Boardgames are self contained. They don't have a shelf life and they work on all card tables. That's why we like 'em. ; ) Anyhow, these and other considerations (you mention the app freezing and needing a patch, for example) aren't trivial. And then there's the $80-$100 price tag. Thoughts?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

FFG has stated their commitment to maintaining their support for the app and the game. I really think that they have invested a lot in this system, and XCOM. (There's a expansion for XCOM coming out soon). Will it be around in 20 years? That I don't know. But for the foreseeable future I think FFG is really on the ball. As far as the glitches, FFG did release the app early, before all the bugs were fixed, but that is not uncommon. Within a week of its release they had it fixed. I have not experienced a problem in the games I've played since. I understand people's concern about the reliability factor of the game's app, or of FFG to support it. I've addressed these issues in other reviews and segments, (my first time talking about it I was firmly in the anti- app camp). FFG has convinced me, however, that apps do have a place in board gaming, and I've really enjoyed XCOM and MoM, and I'm excited to see where they take this in the future. I'm glad not all games have apps, but so far these games that do really shine.

[@Hedgehobbit]

Rich Carlson The app is now available on the PC (via Steam) which should ensure that it will remain playable for a decade or so into the future. Not a bad backup plan.

[@DigitalEelRich]

Hi Hedge. Thanks for responding. This is a tricky one. -- Of course, Steam has no control over when new OS's are released. Also, unlike Good Old Games, Steam has no way to update older games to run on the latest systems. Indeed, there are many games that Steam sells that do not run on machines today. They shouldn't do that, or they should indicate this clearly on the product pages, though checking installation and game running requirements should help most folks. Still.... You know, I still have 30-35 year old games on my front shelf that are regularly played because they're classics and they're fun. (Not to mention Monopoly that's like a billion years old.) This game won't age that well.

[@mikesangster3570]

Awesome review as always!!!! In the intro montage were you playing with 6 people?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Everybody wanted to play so we had to double up on some characters.

[@seanmayer1695]

Ahhhh Cody...that scene at the 5:27 minute mark when your rolling your dice all by your lonesome....you look lonely....felt like giving you a hug. I play this game solo many times.....I guess I need a hug too....

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Sean Mayer Is this what it sounds like... when doves cry?

[@seanmayer1695]

In this case....when Dug's Cry...(Dug is a creature in the Mythos....ahhh man I'm a dork)

[@daregoat]

Great review, cody!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

That you, sir or madam.

[@daregoat]

+The Discriminating Gamer that you too 😂 -sir

[@wrath231]

Gotta get it...i love a great solo game!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Then I think you'll like this one. Great fun!

[@mikejonesnoreally]

Just as long as your battle cry (probably from playing other Arkham games) is more: "Thank you sir may I have another!" and not "We's all outta bubble gum!" you'll be fine. Otherwise? Welcome to Arkham.....

[@masakiuma]

So excited to try this one out. I reeeeeally loved the idea of Mansions of Madness in the 1st edition, but the players always made me feel like a jerk keeper. With this one, we can all just get mad at the iPad instead!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indubitably! I think you'll get a kick out of it!

[@DeanOfDVD]

I had a 40% off coupon at Barnes and Noble and ordered this today for $59.99 which is the best price I've seen. I'm really looking forward to it!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think you'll get a kick out of it, discount or no.

[@DeanOfDVD]

+The Discriminating Gamer it will arrive Thursday. Today I got Sentinels of the Multiverse in the mail which also looks great.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I liked Sentinels of the Multiverse the first few times I played it, but it got samey fast. I'd much rather play Legendary or the DC Comics Deck Builder.

[@DeanOfDVD]

+The Discriminating Gamer huh...I normally hear the opposite. I'll be curious to see how I feel after a few games.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

+Dean of DVD A lot of people like it. Just not for me.

[@maverickdelta]

Yes, I do call it "MOM" too.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I wonder what we'll call a theoretical planned expansion, Daughters and Darkness?

[@jimmyjim2]

I might be buying this game tomorrow. Super excited but I'm still slightly concerned over replay ability. Everyone seems to be raving about how awesome the game is but people also rave about how great the legacy games are and those kind of games are definitely not for me. I want a game I can play forever and not just a set number of times. Not sure what to do!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

The game comes with only four scenarios, true. So, much of the mystery may be revealed the first time you play. But the configuration of the maps, the monsters and challenges you'll meet, indeed the very experience itself, feels different each time you play it. Also, FFG will be releasing more scenarios in the future. I don't know if this game is for you- only you do- but I really enjoy it a lot, and I'm not too worried about lack of replayability.

[@aaronraw]

Thats too bad, we were one day too early on that patch. I really wanted to see how that ended. Im sure the shoe was about to drop on our heads and we'd scramble to finish.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Played the same scenario a few days later- we weren't even close!

[@richardsharpe799]

I think apps in games is st.... Oh sorry. Just kidding great review as always keep up the great work.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir!

[@thedancehackersguidetoarge4301]

You deserve more likes and reviews.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Danke. Much appreciated.

[@KnightOwl23]

Grrrr. Looks like they have fixed the reasons I got rid of the 1st edition and all the expansions I had. Setup was a pain and the mini games where too random and broke up the thematic tension. It drove Me madder than Meeting Cthulhu! I had even painted it up :'( Well will I buy this game again? Nope because My wife would kill Me. But If I buy this version I am technically not re-buying the game but buying it for the first time :) Just hope the app doesn't mess up the game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I really liked it, Alan, better than the first edition. I think if you can convince the wife that you need this one, it will be well the worth the trial separation.

[@ReadyAimFire_]

Why people that dont like the app shouldnt leave a comment? Having to spend half the time (or more) looking at mandatory (not optional) app is a valid point when criticising a board game. And for that price- only 4 scenarios and not so much content in this huge box? Of course there will be more (milking incoming) but it should already be inside. I swear that games industry (no matter video or board games) is one of most unfriendly industries to consumer.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

The criticism is old. It may be valid but I tire of hearing the same points over and over again. You are of course free to do what you like.

[@danieledibernardo2821]

In 1 and half minute you misuse the word `of course` 3 times!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Daniele Di Bernardo And you’re a peach for pointing it out. ;)

[@PMMagro]

App :-( and here I thoght this was a BOARDGAME.Seriously though is the first edition quests all different from these- I liked the old one and like to try this new shiny one.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yes. The scenarios are all different.

[@PMMagro]

The Discriminating Gamer Buying!

[@mttlong]

The figures won't fit nicely on the base. Grrrr!!!!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Well they are monsters, after all!

[@mikejonesnoreally]

Well played sir. Well played. I had to take a couple sanity hits..... >

[@RandomPerson-nd2ey]

Algorithm comment.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Algorithm response.