Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Perfect for suspense lovers who want to be the protagonist of an interactive comic book.
Highlights
- Immersive suspense atmosphere
- Smart integration of art and gameplay
- RPG-style character sheet
- Engaging visual perception challenges
Keep in mind
- Strictly a single-player experience
- Can be punishing with mistakes
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine the tension of a suspense movie blended with the interactivity of an RPG, all contained within a graphic novel. That is exactly what Captive delivers. You step into the shoes of a desperate policeman driven by a single goal: rescuing his kidnapped daughter. Your journey leads you to a gloomy manor deep in the woods, where the atmosphere is oppressive and the feeling that something terrible is about to happen lingers on every page. But this isn't just reading; you are the protagonist of the story.
The game functions as a visual gamebook. Instead of simply reading paragraphs, you navigate through the comic panels, which are packed with hidden clues, traps, and riddles that demand sharp attention. To manage your journey, you use a character sheet — very much in the style of classic RPGs — where you track your possessions, special abilities, coins, and victory points.
Gameplay focuses on your visual perception and decision-making skills. Where to go? What to investigate first? Every choice can lead to a different outcome, and your intuition will be your greatest ally (or your worst enemy). You will need a pencil and paper to record your character's progress and solve the proposed challenges. Be careful, however: the story is relentless. If you are reckless or fail the stat checks, defeat is real and, sometimes, happens quite brutally. It is an immersive experience where the line between the reader and the hero disappears, turning the reading process into a tactical and psychological challenge. Will you be able to unravel the mystery of that manor and save your daughter, or will you become just another victim of that horrifying night?
The game functions as a visual gamebook. Instead of simply reading paragraphs, you navigate through the comic panels, which are packed with hidden clues, traps, and riddles that demand sharp attention. To manage your journey, you use a character sheet — very much in the style of classic RPGs — where you track your possessions, special abilities, coins, and victory points.
Gameplay focuses on your visual perception and decision-making skills. Where to go? What to investigate first? Every choice can lead to a different outcome, and your intuition will be your greatest ally (or your worst enemy). You will need a pencil and paper to record your character's progress and solve the proposed challenges. Be careful, however: the story is relentless. If you are reckless or fail the stat checks, defeat is real and, sometimes, happens quite brutally. It is an immersive experience where the line between the reader and the hero disappears, turning the reading process into a tactical and psychological challenge. Will you be able to unravel the mystery of that manor and save your daughter, or will you become just another victim of that horrifying night?
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Makaka Editions, 999 Games, BAIKY, Blue Orange (EU), Brain Games, Delight, Ediciones MasQueOca, FoxGames, Gémklub, Graphic Novel Adventures, Hobby World, Kaissa Chess & Games, Mandala Jogos, Pegasus Spiele, Raven Distribution, Rexhry, Siam Board Games, Van Ryder Games
Designer
Emmanuel Quaireau
Artist
MC
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,660owners
214wishlist
44want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is it a game to play with friends?
No, Captive is an exclusively solo experience, focused on individual immersion.
Do I need RPG experience to play?
Not necessary, but those familiar with RPG character sheets will feel at home quickly.
How long does it take to finish?
It depends on your pace and luck, but the experience usually lasts between 30 and 130 minutes.
What's included in the box/book?
You'll find the graphic novel containing the story and game system, as well as the character sheet.
Is it hard to learn?
The complexity is low (weight 1.19), making it very intuitive for those who enjoy reading and solving riddles.
Is it replayable?
Yes, the narrative choices allow you to explore different paths in subsequent playthroughs.
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