ELDER SIGN - GET YOUR LOVECRAFT ON WITH THE LATEST FROM FFG

ELDER SIGN - GET YOUR LOVECRAFT ON WITH THE LATEST FROM FFG

(from the website)

Elder Sign

Elder Sign is a fast-paced, cooperative dice game of supernatural intrigue for one to eight players by Richard Launius and Kevin Wilson, the designers of Arkham Horror. Players take the roles of investigators racing against time to stave off the imminent return of the Ancient One. Armed with tools, allies, and occult knowledge, investigators must put their sanity and stamina to the test as they adventure to locate Elder Signs, the eldritch symbols used to seal away the Ancient Ones and win the game.

This was the super wow moment of commercial gaming for me this year. I have read over many fine products this year, but this thing is gaming crack. From the day it arrived until just yesterday there has been an on going Solo game set up at all times.(I only packed it down due to some moving of room elements and I didn’t want anything getting damaged or lost).

Upon first inspection this fairly simple card game, compared to its big brother ARKHAM HORROR, seems almost too limited. But once in play this has turned into a great strategy horror game and I didn’t think that was possible.

It also convinced me to blind buy ARKHAM HORROR and all 8 expansions last week. The product has been scaled down in some cases, in some way helping with the foot print issue of AH and another nice thing for those who already own AH the 16 investigators included are the same as for AH. You can use the full size stand up markers rather than the smaller chits that come with ELDER SIGN (which helped me a lot, but I had already figured out a way to make the small guys more visible when in play).

Already growing with variants and of course people importing elements from AH I would have to say this game is great for AH owners/lovers as well as folks new to the concept. The unique dice add a new twist and the ever changing ‘game board’ comprised of Adventure cards keeps things moving and fresh with each replay. Add the clock mechanic to ratchet up tension and this becomes 10lbs of fun in a 5lb bag.

For AH owners who wonder if this would just be redundant in their collection I would have to say no. For the cost and the ease that new people can be introduced to the world of Lovecraft with this game it is more than worth its salt. With a fast set up time and easier learning curve it also will weed out those who just aren’t up for the challenge of AH.

I can’t say enough good things about this game. I am having a blast playing it solo and can see the possibilities of a multi-player attack upon a Great Old One.

Here at the holidays this makes a great quick game when there isn’t time to set up and play a full AH and it has an eye drawing factor that just may land a new investigator in a seat at your next full scale AH get together.

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=168&esem=2&esum=198