Carnival of Monsters

AMIGO, Broadway Toys LTD, G3 · Board game · 2019
2–5 · best 4 45 min Weight 2.2/5
7.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy
7.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy collecting monsters and a good drafting game with a fantasy twist, Carnival of Monsters is a great pick! It's straightforward but offers interesting decisions.

Highlights
  • Thematic monster collection
  • Dynamic and engaging drafting
  • Easy to learn and play
  • Beautiful and fun components
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Dice luck can be a factor
  • May lack depth for some
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Welcome to the "Carnival of Monsters", where the competition to join the prestigious Royal Monstrological Society is fierce! Each year, only one new member is admitted, and you must prove your worth by showcasing the most spectacular collection of monsters ever assembled. To aid you on this fantastic quest, the Society grants a small stipend to hire experts and fund expeditions to magical lands in search of exotic beasts.

In "Carnival of Monsters", you'll dive into a card-drafting game where the goal is to assemble your own spectacular menagerie. Collect sets of "Land" cards to capture and display incredible "Monsters", hire talented "Staff" to manage your enterprise, and pursue your own secret "Secret Goals". The game unfolds over four "Seasons", and at the end of each season, you must ensure none of your monsters have escaped! Points are awarded for displaying monsters, completing goals, and accumulating "Gold Crowns". In the end, the master of the most profitable and spectacular carnival claims glory and victory!

Featuring closed drafting, dice rolling, loans, and set collection mechanics, "Carnival of Monsters" offers an engaging and thematic experience. It's a card game with a fantasy twist, perfect for those who enjoy collecting creatures and managing resources to achieve fame. Get ready for an exciting hunt and an unforgettable show!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Creatures: Monsters
Publisher AMIGO, Broadway Toys LTD, G3, Gigamic, Giochi Uniti, Mercurio, MINDOK, Piatnik Distribution, VR Distribution
Designer Richard Garfield
Artist Claus Stephan, Dennis Lohausen, Franz Vohwinkel, Loïc Billiau, Martin Hoffmann, Michael Menzel, Oliver Schlemmer

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the minimum recommended age for Carnival of Monsters?
The recommendation is for players aged 10 and up, but the complexity is accessible to a broader audience who enjoy the theme.
How long does a game of Carnival of Monsters typically last?
A game of Carnival of Monsters takes around 45 minutes, making it ideal for a quicker game session.
How many players can participate in Carnival of Monsters?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, adapting well to different group sizes.
Does the game require translation?
Yes, Carnival of Monsters has a significant language dependency, requiring a full translation to play comfortably.
What is the complexity level of the game?
The weight on BoardGameGeek is 2.15/5, indicating a light to moderate complexity. It's easy to learn but offers interesting strategic decisions.
Is it a good game for beginners to board games?
Yes, especially for those who enjoy the fantasy and monster theme. The rules are straightforward, and the drafting mechanic is a good starting point.
Are the game components of good quality?
Generally, the components are praised for being beautiful and thematic, contributing to the immersion in the monster-collecting experience.

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