Co-operative board games have always held a special place in my heart.
From the strategic crisis management of Pandemic, to the zombie-fighting escapades of Zombicide, and the tense survival atmosphere of Dead of Winter – I’ve always been captivated by the shared experience they offer.
It’s not just pure co-ops though; semi-cooperative games like Betrayal at House on the Hill have spiced up many a game night, making us ponder who might turn traitor next. And then there’s the uniquely immersive experience offered by the Exit series, which masterfully blends cooperative play with intricate puzzles.
The stakes, the strategy, the shared moments of triumph or heartbreak – it all amounts to an exhilarating tabletop journey.
However, recently, I dove into the realm of co-op ghost hunting video games and had a eureka moment. These digital haunts echo the cooperative survival mechanics of the aforementioned Zombie games. They offer the tantalizing thrill of exploring a haunted locale similar to Betrayal. The intellectual satisfaction of deciphering a mystery, reminiscent of the Exit series, is central to their appeal.
In essence, these ghost hunting games are like a gourmet fusion dish: they merge the survival ethos of classic co-ops, the atmospheric exploration of haunted settings, and the deductive puzzle-solving excitement. Your squad joins forces to scout out haunted places, collecting clues and studying evidence to pinpoint the type of specter you’re dealing with. Every ghost has its signature evidences and behavior – and the challenge lies in piecing the puzzle together amidst the eerie ambiance before losing all sanity and finding out just how violent a ghost can be.
So, I pondered, could I capture this essence, this seamless melding of genres, in a board game? Could I conjure a tabletop experience that mirrors the suspense, camaraderie, and enigma of these video games?
The inception of AURA Inc. began in the virtual halls of Google Docs and Sheets and has recently made it to dry erase battle maps and index cards. The immediate focus is to craft game mechanics that deliver the feelings I get when playing the games I love.
- Player Movement/Actions: Reflecting the survival strategies of classic co-ops.
- Ghost Movement/Actions: A nod to the unpredictability and atmospheric haunts.
- House Events: Offering the spontaneous, eerie occurrences akin to games like Betrayal.
- Investigating Evidence: The heart of AURA Inc., it echoes the puzzle-solving allure of the Exit series.
In upcoming blogs, I’ll be dissecting these mechanics, sharing insights, and documenting AURA Inc.’s evolution. So, whether you’ve always had a soft spot for board games, are intrigued by the ghostly unknown, or are just keen on understanding game design nuances, I invite you to accompany me on this spectral journey.
Until next time, keep your wits about you and your board game spirits high!