Hi All,
This is an other board game review, with the seasonally appropriate, Betrayal at House on the Hill. This review will focus on the 2nd edition of the game as it is the one I am most familiar with. There is a newer edition which has been released to mixed opinions.
The games revolves around two phases. In the first, the players explore the house as a team, building it collaboratively as they explore. Players can obtain items, suffer from events and have to manage the treacherous nature of the house. After a certain amount of time, they will randomly trigger the second phase. In this phase, known as the haunt, the true nature of the house is revealed. There are a hundred different scenarios (50 in the base game, 50 in the Widows Walk expansion) and many are based off of horror tropes (Dracula, the Mummy, etc.) alongside a number of other unique events (the house is picked up by a giant birds, and there are enough parachutes for all players…..save one).
Pros:
- Immersive and Thematic: Betrayal at House on the Hill excels at creating a spooky and immersive atmosphere. The game’s exploration of a haunted mansion and the impending betrayal scenario are captivating, making it an excellent choice for fans of horror and suspense.
- Replayability: One of the standout features of this game is the vast number of possible haunt scenarios. With a total of 50 unique haunts (in the base game), each playthrough feels fresh and unpredictable. This high replayability encourages players to return to the game repeatedly, as they explore different stories and roles.
- Easy to Learn: The game’s rules are relatively simple and accessible, making it a great choice for players of various skill levels. It’s particularly well-suited for introducing newcomers to the world of board games without overwhelming them with complex mechanics.
- Cooperative Exploration: The initial phase of the game, where players explore the house together, promotes cooperative gameplay. This phase encourages players to work together, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.
- Variety of Characters and Items: Betrayal offers a wide range of characters and items, each with unique abilities and effects. This variety adds depth and strategy to the game, giving players the chance to experiment with different character/item combinations.
Cons:
- Component Quality: Some players have reported issues with the component quality of the 2nd edition, including fragile tiles and flimsy character cards. These quality concerns can impact the overall game experience and may require extra care when handling the game components.
- Randomness: While randomness is a part of many board games, it can sometimes play an overwhelming role in Betrayal. Certain scenarios might lead to imbalanced situations, where the outcome depends heavily on luck rather than strategy. This can be frustrating for players seeking a more skill-based experience. I have ahd experiences where the heroes have won before the traitor can even take a turn.
- Game Length: Betrayal games can be quite lengthy, especially when dealing with complex haunt scenarios. Some players may find the game’s duration to be a drawback, especially if they prefer shorter, more streamlined gaming experiences. They can also be very short. I have had one game trigger a haunt on the third turn of the game.
- Rule Ambiguities: The rulebook can be somewhat ambiguous in certain situations, leading to confusion during gameplay. Players may need to consult online forums or unofficial rule clarifications to resolve issues that arise.
- Steep Learning Curve for Haunt Traitor: When the haunt is revealed and one player becomes the traitor, they may face a steep learning curve as they must suddenly understand new rules and objectives. This can be challenging for some players, especially if they are new to the game.
In summary, Betrayal at House on the Hill (2nd Edition) is a highly thematic and immersive game with a strong emphasis on storytelling and suspense. Its replayability and accessibility make it a great choice for casual gamers and those who enjoy atmospheric, narrative-driven experiences. However, it does have drawbacks, including component quality concerns, randomness, lengthy playtime, rule ambiguities, and a potentially challenging learning curve for the traitor. Depending on your gaming preferences, these aspects may enhance or detract from your overall enjoyment of the game.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
