Hello,
I am starting finally to get how this game works! I have so far played ten solo games versus Yig, Azathoth, Yog-Sothoth and Ithaqua. The first three games were all about understanding the rules and how they fit together to produce a coherent challenge. I was at first somewhat overwhelmed by the volume of rules and the detailed range of actions dependent on circumstance and character. Also, and most alarming, was how certain rules and game-play changed throughout the adventure dependent on what cards were drawn (I’m thinking Environment and Rumour cards here in particular). I needed that Gestalt moment when the queasily undulating morass of rules and counter-rules suddenly becomes transparent and a clear pattern and direction discerned. I must admit I had some initial doubts.
Cripes-almighty, I thought, I’ve spent all this money, especially during a period of economic downfall and the possible end of civilization as we know it, on a game that is too difficult to grasp let alone play and win. Where was the Gestalt moment? I was playing too quickly, too critically and too...angrily! Why could I not get the action/flow right? Why did there have to be rule changes cropping up throughout that are so easily forgot. Forgot that is until a superb set of decisions and dice play put a smile on your face only for it to falter when you remember the new Environment Rule meant all those successes were in fact FAILURES! ****, those first games were a struggle. I actually lost my temper playing solo.
I have played numerous board games though and consequently knew perseverance was the key. I kind of new there was a good game here because I would get the itch to replay it days after I had packed it away downcast and trying not to admit to myself that it was defeating me. I was pushing too hard to have fun. It’s like some thug sticking their tattooed fist in your face and screaming: “Enjoy yourself, you squid!” With the best will in the world it isn’t going to happen.
Anyhow, to provide a little context I had a close friend die recently. He was my adversary during many games of Memoir 44, Zombies!!! and Call of Cathulhu RPG. He had struggled with a particular savage version of MS and I had watched him over these years physically diminish as his nervous system was relentlessly destroyed by the MS. He is no longer with us and I will miss him so much.
Anyhow, I got to thinking that what I needed was an immersive game to fall into head first and help to distract that ever thinking machine called a brain in my head. Arkham Horror suddenly jumped off the catalogue page at me slavering and wrapping its tentacles around my throat. I guess that is why those first games were therefore so difficult. I demanded immersion before the Gestalt moment and consequently ended up becoming frustrated and angry. Perseverance and patience does pay though and I finally GET the game. I think I needed to win just one game first so I could relax and explore without a sense of urgency the games mechanics. I can now accept that sometimes the **** cards and dice are just not your friends and will deliver fatal body blows even when you are on your knees with your hands clasped and pleading for mercy. It is without doubt a great and fascinating game that evolves and broadens with each play. It is an unfolding story and I actually CARE about what happens to my investigators during the adventure (until they throw 11 ones and twos that is).
I am immersed and thoroughly loving the unimaginable horror,
Take extra care out there investigators,
j
) I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. Seldom can you find a friend who can appreciate hard-core boardgaming or rpg and he must mean a lot to you. Remember, in this AH community, we are all here to back you up! Happy gaming!
