Ancient Terrible Things: Madness of McGuffin

Pleasant Company Games, Redbox Editora (Redbox) · Board game · 2018
2–4 60 min
7.1 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
7.1 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're already a fan of Ancient Terrible Things and want to give your games a little boost, this mini-expansion is a solid pick! It adds some new elements without overcomplicating the gameplay.

Highlights
  • More card options
  • New thematic encounter
  • Smoother gameplay flow
  • Expands the base game
Keep in mind
  • Colored dice sold separately
  • Modest additional content
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey there, board game adventurers! Ready to spice up your Ancient Terrible Things experience? The Madness of McGuffin is that neat little mini-expansion that adds a fresh twist to your cosmic horror quest. It comes with 8 exclusive 'Swag' cards, two for each explorer, giving you extra options to boost your plays. Plus, there's a brand-new Revelation Encounter that uses purple dice (sold separately, mind you!) to pull you deeper into the mystery. This expansion streamlines the re-roll and resource management mechanics a bit, introducing a smoother flow, especially when combined with the white action dice. It's the kind of addition that makes the game run a bit more slickly without losing the tension we all love. If you're already a fan of the base game and crave more of that vibe of exploring the unknown, facing horrors, and collecting bizarre artifacts, this expansion is a great find. It doesn't radically change the game, but it adds that special touch that makes a difference in your sessions. Think of it as the secret sauce that makes your favorite dish even tastier. Oh, and heads up: the purple and white dice aren't included, so double-check your supplies before you dive in. But the content it brings is definitely worth it for anyone wanting more Ancient Terrible Things!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Pleasant Company Games, Redbox Editora (Redbox)
Designer Simon McGregor
Artist Rob van Zyl

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base game Ancient Terrible Things to play with The Madness of McGuffin?
Yes, absolutely! This is an expansion and requires the base game Ancient Terrible Things to be used.
How many players does this expansion support?
The expansion maintains the player count of the base game, which is for 2 to 4 players.
Does this expansion add a lot of complexity to the game?
No, it's considered a mini-expansion and focuses on streamlining and adding small variations without drastically increasing complexity.
Are the purple and white dice included?
No, the colored dice (white and purple) are sold separately and are not included in this expansion.
What is the average playtime with this expansion?
The playtime remains similar to the base game, generally around 60 minutes.
Is it worth it for someone who wants more variety in Ancient Terrible Things?
If you're looking for a bit more content and smoother gameplay without significantly altering the rules, then yes, it's worth it to add an extra flavor to your sessions.