blackdrive

Betrayal at House on the Hill is one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in board gaming. All players begin as players, a huge plus if you’re like me and you often get stuck in the GM role for games like Descent or even games like Mice and Mystics which require someone to set it all up, be the main reader, and guide the experience. In this, everyone can sit down and enjoy the game without much prep.

The flavor and atmosphere is superb, matched only by games such as Arkham Horror. This game risks a little, with disturbing descriptions and a slow terrifying build. But the genius of this game is that every time I play it, the randomly generated room structure combines with the randomly generated scenario in cinematic perfection. Outside of a true rpg, I’ve rarely ever seen a game so consistently bring together mechanics, player choice, and still preserve the momentum of a good story. The result is that I feel like I’ve just played an rpg with the ease and simplicity of a board game, and anyone can be a participant. Even when I don’t win, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. And when I look around, everyone at the table is generally in agreement.

The mechanic in which a random character betrays the group is a great one, though I suppose some people might balk at the fact that they’re isolated from the group. Others might resent the fact that they have to be “the bad guy” even though they didn’t choose it.

My only major criticism of the game is that its rooms and objects are somewhat limited. Consequently, after a few playthroughs it’s easy to see when you’ve gotten one of the “really good cards” or the drek. And with so few good cards, I find myself hoping for a handful early on. That’s never a good sign, since this game relies on flavor, variety, the unexpected, and flexible thinking by the player. All good things, but its limitations in cards diminish that solid foundation.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the game relies quite a lot on luck. A strategy gamer may not enjoy it (though I thoroughly did, and I love high strategy games). If the players haven’t been lucky or the betraying character gets a perfect scenario early on, things may turn terrible for the good guys quickly. The converse is equally true. That may turn some people off, but I just go into it ready to enjoy the ride. It’s not a game you play setting out to be “the winner.”

But the haunted ride is quite enjoyable. And players do have a strong amount of agency. Make no mistake. Players don’t passively enjoy a story. It’s just that luck may still take you back down to the abyss! Just like our favorite horror movies.