The Big Book of Madness
- Designer Maxime Rambourg
- Publisher IELLO , 2 Pionki , Broadway Toys LTD , Bureau de Juegos , Devir
- Illustration Xavier Gueniffey Durin
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take on the role of magic students trying to close a dangerous spell book that has unleashed terrifying creatures. Each player builds their own element deck to cast spells, heal curses, and support teammates. The goal is to turn six pages of the book and defeat all monsters before madness overwhelms you. The game requires tactical cooperation and deck management against escalating threats.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy cooperative card games and deck-building mechanics. With a playtime of around 90 minutes, it demands strategic teamwork and prior familiarity with similar games. It is less suitable for families with younger children due to its complexity.
How It Works
Each player builds an individual deck of element cards used for various actions like casting spells, healing curses, and improving the deck. The game features Cooperative Game, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Hand Management, and Variable Player Powers mechanics. Players must work together to dispel curses from monsters that cause negative effects if left unchecked. The goal is to flip all six pages of the book and defeat the monsters before a player is eliminated.
What Makes It Special
Recommended for the Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2017, The Big Book of Madness stands out for combining cooperative gameplay with deck-building. Designer Maxime Rambourg integrates Variable Player Powers and Player Elimination into a fantasy setting involving magic students battling a cursed book. It belongs to the Boss Battle thematic family.
Awards
2017
Pro
- Cooperative gameplay promotes teamwork
- Variable player powers add variety
- Deck, Bag, and Pool Building mechanics
- Kennerspiel des Jahres 2017 recommended
Contra
- Not suitable for beginners
- Relatively long playtime around 90 minutes
- Theme and mechanics require focus
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a magical school, players are wizard students fighting monsters released from a mysterious spell book. The fantasy theme revolves around magic, curses, and battling dark forces.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on managing your hand efficiently and coordinate with teammates to dispel curses in time.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Big Book of Madness supports 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, making it a longer session suitable for game nights.
What prior experience do I need?
It is designed for experienced players familiar with cooperative and deck-building games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its unique blend of cooperative play, deck-building, and variable player powers sets it apart in the fantasy boss battle genre.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and theme, it is better suited for older players aged 12+ and enthusiasts rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Cooperative Game, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, plus Hand Management defines its gameplay.
Fazit
The Big Book of Madness is a solid choice for fans of cooperative deck-building card games seeking a challenging team experience in a fantasy setting.
