YORKTON – As we are on the eve of Halloween – that delightfully ghoulish time of year – what could be a better game to review than one called Making Monsters.
In this one players take on the role of mad scientists – think two-to-four Dr. Frankenstein's if you will – gathering at the Monster Maker Science Fair, where – like back in their school days – they are trying to create the best project – yes a monster on renown.
It sounds creepy and dark – and designers Jonathan Gilmour-Long, and David Gordon (I) could have gone that route easily enough given the theme – but that’s not the case with Making Monsters.
This is much more a Saturday morning cartoon monster feel to it, so it’s heavier on fun than it is dripping blood – and that’s a good thing as it broadens the audience pool. In that respect the art of Brett Bean, and Jordi Planellas is a perfect fit.
So here the designers have players going after body parts to build better monsters, with a built in push-your-luck element using a bag building mechanic.
“I love bag builders,” noted Joe Welsh owner of publisher Sky Lion Games (www.skyliongames.com). He went on to explain via email “this game was inspired by Quacks of Quedlinburg. Quacks, as you know, is one of the most famous games of all time. The designers really wanted to build on the great things in Quacks, but add more dynamic elements such as bluffing/mind games etc to making monsters. The game has a more streamlined, dynamic play feel.
“Outside of Quacks, I love beautiful art, I was initially attracted to Everdell years ago because they invested heavily in art, components, and, at the time a more artistic feel to the whole game structure (the tree, the berries, etc). Some of my other favourite games are evolution, axis and Allies, exploding kittens (which has a lot of the same humor as Making Monsters!), and unmatched.
“I'm an omnivore gamer, I love games with high quality art and fun player interaction.”
Given that this is a game where fun is supposed to trump horror pushing your luck works, although it can at times seem to be the key to success – wooing ‘Lady Luck’ to be on your side.
Adding to the luck in its own way is a lazy susan centre piece that rotates of course bringing various things a player’s way they need to be ready to grab.
“Having the Lazy Susan bring different upgrades around makes the game very dynamic,” said Walsh.
Completed monsters grant points – how else will you know who wins.
Completed monsters also give players added in-game options – so you do feel as though you are making progress even when you are likely behind.
A final round showdown of sorts adds some game-end drama to the fun, and it can be where a comeback occurs late – that’s a good thing.
Throughout this one – as befits a happy monster making endeavour there will be laughs, which Walsh said was a goal from the outset.
“I want a family game that makes people laugh,” he said. “Going through tough times, creating a game that is addictive and strategic, for all ages, and funny with laughter. The perfect antidote to going through a difficult time.
“The game is really fun to play, I like the idea of bringing people together off screens and this is a family strategy game that my seven-year-old thinks is her favourite game but I've also had my parents fall in love with. It's a game that everyone can play together for all ages.
“It's my first game, and I finished development of it while recovering from chemo with my daughters who are ages seven and 11. I'm hoping to keep launching games and to build a publishing company. It's a lot of fun to be in the gaming community and everybody is supportive of diversity and people care about the human connection, kindness with others.
“And I also love playing games so much that this would be incredible if we can make it work!”
The anticipated game time of roughly an hour is just about perfect for what this game is. Longer and it might get tedious dealing with luck too much, and shorter you would be left wishing for a bit more game to achieve your dastardly monster plans.
The time is held in check by simultaneous turns which keeps the game moving and also adds to the tension as it’s harder to keep track of what others are doing as you focus on your own monster builds.
You can pre-order this monster of a game at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/makingmonsters/making-monsters-1
