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WARNING:
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Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Arkham Horror was originally published by Chaosium, Inc., in 1987. This new, updated edition features stunning new artwork and graphical design (including new gameboard, counters, cards, and playing pieces) as well as revised and expanded rules from the game's original creator, Richard Launius.Players can select from 16 unique playable investigator characters, each with unique abilities, and will square off against the diabolical servants of Ancient Ones, including Ithaqua, Hastur, and the terrible count hulhu! No fan of the count hulhu Mythos will want to miss the opportunity to acquire this classic Call of count hulhu board game!Arkham Horror is cooperative game for 1-8 players For Ages 12 and up, and can be played in 2-3 hours.
Product Description
The End is Near! The year is 1926. The place is Arkham, Massachusetts. Gateways to places horrible beyond imagination are opening up all over town, releasing hideous creatures into the streets to stalk the night. Worse yet, if enough of these gates open up, then a creature of unfathomable power will be unleashed on the world. Pitted against these overwhelming odds is a small band of investigators determined to beat back the uncaring forces of the universe. They'll have to delve deep into the mysteries of the Mythos and use all of their skills, weapons, and spells if they want to have even a slim chance of success. The classic game of Lovecraftian adventure returns in a new edition after almost 20 years!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
155 of 157 people found the following review helpful
By JM Hauser
Durability:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Educational:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I bought this game when it came out. Since then, i have purchased the Black Pharaoh and Dunwich expansions, and we (a group of 5 of us) easily say this is one of our favorite board games ever. The game assumes that you already know something about Lovecraft and the Cthulu Mythos, although if you don't, it does not mean you can't enjoy the game. It just means you might not really understand why a Hound of Tindalos drives you so insane, or what exactly an Elder Thing is.
The unique aspect of the game is its cooperative play. With 2-8 players (with 4-5 being the sweet spot) you work together to defeat one of many Great Old Ones that are intent on destroying Arkham and possibly the entire world. Each game changes the GOO you fight, and there are multiple investigators to pick from, so you aren't playing the same hero each time either. Add to this mix hundreds of common item cards, unique items, spells, and encounters for dozens of locations, and you have a game with practically unlimited replayability.
The object of the game is to move around the board, either fighting or evading monsters that spawn from gates, while collecting clues and having encounters. You can try to seal the gates and prevent monsters from coming through them, but if you don't act fast enough, the GOO will eventually awaken and it comes down to a final combat that is sometimes impossible to win.
One thing dissenters say about this game is that you have to manage lots of "fiddly" bits. And true, you have a ton of playing pieces to arrange and manage throughout the game: your health, Sanity, clues, cards, skill sliders. But once you get into rhythm of the game it all comes naturally (although it will take around 3-5 games to get used to it).
[...]
Note however, that the game becomes increasingly harder with each expansion you add. As of this writing, The King in Yellow comes out this month, and it is going to add a whole new level of difficulty to an already hard game. But the key to AH is this:
THE FUN IS NOT IN THE WINNING.
It is just in the playing, even if you lose horribly (and you will) it is fun seeing just HOW bad you lose. Sometimes the game seems to be alive and is plotting against your every move.
Ok, that's enough ranting. I can't say enough good things about Arkham Horror. Buy the base game, and then slowly integrate the expansions to keep the options coming. It only gets better.
The unique aspect of the game is its cooperative play. With 2-8 players (with 4-5 being the sweet spot) you work together to defeat one of many Great Old Ones that are intent on destroying Arkham and possibly the entire world. Each game changes the GOO you fight, and there are multiple investigators to pick from, so you aren't playing the same hero each time either. Add to this mix hundreds of common item cards, unique items, spells, and encounters for dozens of locations, and you have a game with practically unlimited replayability.
The object of the game is to move around the board, either fighting or evading monsters that spawn from gates, while collecting clues and having encounters. You can try to seal the gates and prevent monsters from coming through them, but if you don't act fast enough, the GOO will eventually awaken and it comes down to a final combat that is sometimes impossible to win.
One thing dissenters say about this game is that you have to manage lots of "fiddly" bits. And true, you have a ton of playing pieces to arrange and manage throughout the game: your health, Sanity, clues, cards, skill sliders. But once you get into rhythm of the game it all comes naturally (although it will take around 3-5 games to get used to it).
[...]
Note however, that the game becomes increasingly harder with each expansion you add. As of this writing, The King in Yellow comes out this month, and it is going to add a whole new level of difficulty to an already hard game. But the key to AH is this:
THE FUN IS NOT IN THE WINNING.
It is just in the playing, even if you lose horribly (and you will) it is fun seeing just HOW bad you lose. Sometimes the game seems to be alive and is plotting against your every move.
Ok, that's enough ranting. I can't say enough good things about Arkham Horror. Buy the base game, and then slowly integrate the expansions to keep the options coming. It only gets better.
94 of 101 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
An entertaining romp into unspeakable horror (Lose 1 Sanity Point Now)
March 17, 2006
By Mojo Jojo
Durability:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Educational:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Fun:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I liked this game quite a bit. I will say it's only loosely based on Lovecraft's themes. But then again, if it were accurate, it wouldn't be much of a game. TURN ONE: Draw Encounter Card. "Oh, you've run across an unnameable horror. Lose all Sanity points. Go directly to Arkham Asylum. Do not pass go. Do not collect 200 dollars. Do not do anything for the rest of the game."
No, thankfully, it's a little more upbeat.
The game isn't perfect. It's rules, while not actually all that complicated, are easy to get wrong the first one or two times you play. And it takes a little longer to play than I normally like. Also, I almost always use house rules (less Clue tokens to seal a gate, spending less time in the Otherworlds, etc.) But as a sort of fantasy adventure game where the players work against the game, it works pretty well. I enjoy it mostly for its storytelling aspects, and the fact that the game has so many items, characters, and monsters that you'd have to play several times to see them all.
The biggest flaw is a bit of randomness in the gameplay. At times, it can seem like the players are just wandering around, but usually I always feel like I'm working toward something. It's neat having a character with different strengths and weaknesses, and facing a variety of monsters. And each Ancient One affects the basic aspects of gameplay enough to be interesting.
The components are of amazing quality. Thick cardboard chits with full color, great illustrated character and Ancient One sheets. The monster tokens are a bit small, but still nicely illustrated.
A fun game. Not to be taken too seriously, but worthwhile for a bit of weird atmosphere. (NOW LOSE ANOTHER SANITY POINT AND GO BACK TO ARKHAM ASYLUM FOR READING THIS REVIEW THAT MAN WAS NOT MEANT TO KNOW)
No, thankfully, it's a little more upbeat.
The game isn't perfect. It's rules, while not actually all that complicated, are easy to get wrong the first one or two times you play. And it takes a little longer to play than I normally like. Also, I almost always use house rules (less Clue tokens to seal a gate, spending less time in the Otherworlds, etc.) But as a sort of fantasy adventure game where the players work against the game, it works pretty well. I enjoy it mostly for its storytelling aspects, and the fact that the game has so many items, characters, and monsters that you'd have to play several times to see them all.
The biggest flaw is a bit of randomness in the gameplay. At times, it can seem like the players are just wandering around, but usually I always feel like I'm working toward something. It's neat having a character with different strengths and weaknesses, and facing a variety of monsters. And each Ancient One affects the basic aspects of gameplay enough to be interesting.
The components are of amazing quality. Thick cardboard chits with full color, great illustrated character and Ancient One sheets. The monster tokens are a bit small, but still nicely illustrated.
A fun game. Not to be taken too seriously, but worthwhile for a bit of weird atmosphere. (NOW LOSE ANOTHER SANITY POINT AND GO BACK TO ARKHAM ASYLUM FOR READING THIS REVIEW THAT MAN WAS NOT MEANT TO KNOW)
55 of 57 people found the following review helpful
Durability:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Educational:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Arkham Horror is extraordinarily complex, and can be a very long game, but it's a ton of fun. Investigators search Arkham and the realms beyond for clues, weapons, and other tools to fight the Ancient Ones. What makes it such a great game is that the mechanics make it a constantly-shifting battle. The investigators can have one thing planned, and everyone knows what their part is going to be, and then suddenly a new effect occurs, entirely shifting the dynamics of what's going on in the game. Teamwork, communication between the players, collaboration, and strategic planning are all vital to the group's success.
Another great feature of this game is that it can be played solo--an option I recommend for first-timers, before introducing it to a group. I solo'd the game before introducing it to my game group, and it was very, very helpful. As I mentioned, there are a LOT of mechanics at work in this game, and it helps to play through it a time or two to get used to what's going on. Ultimately, it's great to play with 4-5 people.
The biggest potential drawback for more casual gamers is that it's a very, very long game. 5-6 hours is probably a fairly accurate estimate of how long an actual game will take. However, the game does a pretty solid job of capturing the feel of Lovecraft's works, and for those hours, you'll feel like you're really battling for your life. Each time my game group plays this game, we come away exhausted, but also exhilarated.
I strongly recommend this game for fans of Lovecraft, horror games, and cooperative strategy games in general.
Another great feature of this game is that it can be played solo--an option I recommend for first-timers, before introducing it to a group. I solo'd the game before introducing it to my game group, and it was very, very helpful. As I mentioned, there are a LOT of mechanics at work in this game, and it helps to play through it a time or two to get used to what's going on. Ultimately, it's great to play with 4-5 people.
The biggest potential drawback for more casual gamers is that it's a very, very long game. 5-6 hours is probably a fairly accurate estimate of how long an actual game will take. However, the game does a pretty solid job of capturing the feel of Lovecraft's works, and for those hours, you'll feel like you're really battling for your life. Each time my game group plays this game, we come away exhausted, but also exhilarated.
I strongly recommend this game for fans of Lovecraft, horror games, and cooperative strategy games in general.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great game
This game is ultra complex, and I loved it. I would suggest playing with the Arkham Horror Wiki open on a computer next to you, cause you're gonna need it. Read more
Published 7 days ago by K.
5.0 out of 5 stars
On time Delivery and Fun Game
This game came on time and was in perfect condition upon arrival. Good fantasy game and easy directions to learn to play quickly
Published 13 days ago by SheerIdeas
5.0 out of 5 stars
I really do love this game.
The best play ever. Mechanics are simple, straight forward, and awesome. If loosing is fun in a game everyone wins.
Published 13 days ago by Rafe Short
5.0 out of 5 stars
remarkable game
a complex and varied game, even when you play with just the basic box. I recommend having a fun person run the game with any number of people playing.
Published 14 days ago by S. Bacon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Arkham Horror
Terrific Game!!! Initially, a bit tricky to master smooth game play as the instructions are kind of rough going the first time round. Read more
Published 23 days ago by sharon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best game I've bought in twenty years
I read MANY reviews prior to purchasing and playing this game. Since buying it, I'm played more than a dozen times.
It is awesome. Read more
It is awesome. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Robert Mason
5.0 out of 5 stars
Arkham Horror is a great way to pass the time.
This was my first board game besides the traditional Monopoly or Apples to Apples. I wanted something new and stumbled on this game. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Alex
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to play well but great
So many rules, I love it. Not recommended if you want a fast pace game but definetly good when you have time on your hands.
Published 26 days ago by Arnaud
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly a wonderful game
I recently rediscovered my adoration for the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos, so as part of that I was web-scouring for Lovecraft inspired things of all kinds. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Justin Register
5.0 out of 5 stars
Prepare yourself for some horrific good times!
I am a long time gamer, so did not find this game too difficult or complex in any way. The rulebook was clear and concise enough that we (a gaming group) were up and running in no... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Bigbeer
