Tabletop Tuesday - Betrayal at House on the Hill

Welcome to another wicked edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.

This week's creepy conclusion to the month of October...the game of might and fright that is Betrayal at House on the Hill.

Players: 3-6
Time: 60-120 minutes
Genre: Asymmetric Cooperative / Role-Playing Game



If you are looking for a board game that perfectly encapsulates most every cliche found in horror movies, look no further than Betrayal at House on the Hill.  Players take control of a colorful cast of characters, from the brawny jock to the mad professor, who all decide to explore a haunted abode because why not?  While exploring this eerie estate, players slowly reveal the layout of the mansion, finding useful items and uncovering unnerving omens.  These omens eventually build up and trigger the second phase of the game, which is known as the Haunt.  Depending on the room, omen, and player that triggers the Haunt, there are many, MANY scenarios that could occur, where one or more players will end up betraying the other players in a scheme with some sort of evil entity.  Suddenly, the tables are turned and what may have been a hopeful ally is now a frightening foe.

With this Haunt now, both the betrayer and other players are given separate rules for their end-game objectives and hidden information.  This addition of a hidden agenda fills the game with a sense of intrigue and mystery as players try to figure the motives of the opponent's actions.  It then becomes a battle to figure out these objectives and fight to desperately hang on, both physically and mentally as players can perish should either of those stats fall too low.  While there are decisions to be made and strategy to be had in this game, a lot of it can come down to the luck of the rolls.  This can still be in good fun, but it offers more of a role-playing experience than a strategy board game.  And the wealth of scenarios to be found offers tremendous replay value and joy to be had again and again.  I recommend this game for those who enjoy terror tropes and enjoyable storytelling.

If you have any questions about Betrayal at House on the Hill, let me know in the comments.  Otherwise, look forward to future installments of Tabletop Tuesday!