| PLAYERS | TIME | DESIGNER | PUBLISHER |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | 60 mins | Jay Cormier, Sen-Foong Lim | Off the Page Games |
In this epic Hidden Movement game, one player takes on the role of the nefarious Recruiter, while one to four players control the Rogue Agents who will use their special abilities to stop Mind MGMT.
The Recruiter needs to recruit 12 newbies before the clock (round marker) runs out and the Rogue Agents are trying to locate and capture them before they accomplish this.
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First things first; this game is absolutely gorgeous. The art (from the graphic novel of the same name) jumps off of every component. And the production value is some of the best you’ll find in a board game.
But setting up a game on the table and going “wow” will only get you so far.
Thankfully the gameplay carries its fair share of the weight. No matter which side you play, you always feel like you’re one step from failure while your opponent(s) know everything.
Whether hiding or hunting, it is super tense from beginning to end and requires a good poker face if you don’t want to give away how your plans keep being messed up.
While at first glance the board itself looks a tad busy, after your first game it will make sense and become simple to navigate.
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The game also comes with extra components/mechanics in the form of Shift Packages. These are used to balance the game for one team or the other based on the results of previous games.
It’s like a handicap system if one side is always doing better than the other.
[We’ve not actually delved into them yet as our two player games are quite balanced at the moment]
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Of course there is one negative for the game, something that keeps it from top marks; the rule book.
While I admire its attempt to breakdown a beginner guide and a full game guide, it mixes in such a way that it actually makes learning harder. And I fear it could be a barrier to some.
Overall MIND MGMT is a gem of a game, one that looks impressive and leaves you with an excited feeling after each play; win or lose.
Always Play Blue 