Loch Ness

Hans im Glück, Rio Grande Games · Board game · 2010
6.2 Ludopedia 5.8 BGG 2–5 · best 3 30–45 min Weight 1.5/5
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6.2 rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a light game of bluffing and deduction, where luck and strategy intertwine, Loch Ness might be a good fit for your table.

Highlights
  • Fun bluffing and deduction
  • Player interaction
  • Easy to learn rules
  • Quick and dynamic games
Keep in mind
  • Can be quite lucky
  • Limited information
  • Theme not deeply explored
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Loch Ness, you and your friends dive into the roles of audacious reporters, all on the hunt for the perfect shot of the legendary Loch Ness monster! Each round, excitement is guaranteed: first, you position your photographers around the board, trying to guess where Nessie will make an appearance. The catch? The creature's movement is a mystery, determined by secret movement cards that are only revealed AFTER everyone has placed their pawns. It's pure tension and deduction! Nessie moves according to the sum of the cards' values, and whoever has photographers in the area where she emerges scores points. Oh, and if your photographer is right in front of her, you also get some photo cards worth extra points at the end, especially if you manage to collect sets. From the second round onwards, the game becomes even more strategic. You choose a special action to use that turn, and to make things more interesting, you are forced to move a photographer, which might open up a spot for rivals. Some lucky players even have a small advantage, being able to peek at one of the movement cards before positioning their photographers, but this information is limited and not everyone has it. The game continues until a mini Nessie figure reaches space 65 on the score track, which advances alongside the main Nessie on the game board. In the end, whoever has the most points, combining those from the game and the photo cards, takes the glory of having 'captured' Nessie. Get ready to bluff, deduce, and hope for the best!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 BEST
4 REC
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: Scotland Theme: Cryptids
Publisher Hans im Glück, Rio Grande Games
Designer Ronald Wettering
Artist Claus Stephan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

726owners
54wishlist
11want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
Is Loch Ness a very complex game?
Not at all! It has a BGG weight of 1.5/5, which means it's super accessible and easy to learn. Perfect for beginners or those looking for something more relaxed.
How many players can participate in a game?
Loch Ness accommodates 2 to 5 players. It works well in different configurations, but the interaction and bluffing become more intense with more people at the table.
What is the average game duration?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. Ideal for a casual gaming session or to fit between longer games.
Does the game rely heavily on luck or does it require strategy?
It's a mix! Nessie's movement has an element of luck, but your strategy in positioning photographers and using special actions is crucial for scoring. It's an interesting balance between deduction and hoping for the best!
Who would you recommend Loch Ness to?
I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a family-friendly game with simple rules, but that offers moments of bluffing and guessing. If you enjoy interacting and trying to 'read' your opponents, you'll have a lot of fun!
Are the components of good quality?
The game is from 2010, so expect components that fulfill their function. They aren't modern super-productions, but they are functional and represent the theme well.
Are there any expansions for Loch Ness?
There are no official expansions released for Loch Ness, but the rules include two optional variants that can be added to spice up the games.

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