Unconscious Mind
- Designer Laskas , Jonny Pac , Yoma , Antonio Zax
- Publisher Fantasia Games , Frosted Games , GaGa Games , Gém Klub Kft. , Keep Exploring Games
- Illustration Andrew Bosley , Vincent Dutrait , Yoma
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set in early 1900s Vienna, you join the Wednesday Psychological Society to develop new therapies and grow your practice. Players place Ideas (workers) on a central Meeting Table to take actions like drafting cards, moving around Vienna, and adding tiles to their personal board. Transparent layers on client cards represent progress in dream interpretation, unlocking abilities. The game features worker placement, multiple rondels, and cascading effects in a thematic psychoanalysis setting.
Who Is This Game For?
Unconscious Mind targets experienced gamers who enjoy complex strategy games with thematic depth. With a playtime of about 120 minutes, it requires patience and strategic planning. It includes a solo mode and is suitable for players aged 12 and up but demands familiarity with euro-style mechanics.
How It Works
On your turn, you place one or two Ideas (workers) on the Meeting Table, granting access to actions such as drafting and playing cards, moving in Vienna, and adding tiles to your board. Moving the rondel inkpot activates rows or columns on your tableau, triggering cascading effects. You manage Insight resources on a multi-level dial to treat clients by removing transparent layers from their cards. The player with the most points from end game bonuses wins.
What Makes It Special
Co-designed by Antonio Zax, Unconscious Mind won the 2024 Golden Geek Award for Best Board Game Artwork & Presentation. It uniquely combines Contracts, Layering, and Programmed Movement mechanics within the early psychoanalysis theme of Vienna. The game belongs to the Cities: Vienna series and features transparent components that enhance gameplay and aesthetics.
Awards
2024
- 2025 Geek Media Awards Hardcore Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2024 Origins Awards Best Heavy Strategy Game — Nominated
Pro
- Complex mix of worker placement, engine building, and rondel mechanics
- Innovative use of layering and transparent components for dream interpretation
- Award-winning artwork with Golden Geek 2024 winner
- Includes solo mode for single-player experience
Contra
- High complexity aimed at experienced gamers
- Long playtime around 120 minutes demands patience
- Not ideal for family play despite minimum age 12
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in early 20th century Vienna, focusing on the origins of psychoanalysis with Sigmund Freud and the Wednesday Psychological Society, blending medical and historical themes.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding the rondel mechanics and how actions on the Meeting Table interact before exploring advanced strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Unconscious Mind includes a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with complex euro games and engine building helps with learning the game.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its combination of Contracts, Layering, and Programmed Movement in a psychoanalytic setting makes it unique.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and duration, it is less suitable for casual family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The use of layering and transparent components to represent dream interpretation is a standout mechanic.
Fazit
Recommended for experienced players seeking a deep, complex euro game with thematic richness. Its length and complexity require patience and prior experience. Less suited for casual or family play.
