7.8
rating
Ludopedia
7.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Love a tense cooperative adventure with a steampunk and Lovecraftian twist? Machina Arcana grabs you by the hand and throws you into a dark universe full of dangers.
Highlights
- Immersive and engaging narrative
- Unique steampunk setting
- Challenging cooperative play
- High replayability
Keep in mind
- Moderate language dependency
- Can be intimidating initially
- Pacing requires attention
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet
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Embark on a chilling journey in Machina Arcana, where you and your friends become explorers uncovering a mysterious subterranean complex. Prepare to face cosmic horrors inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos, all within a breathtaking steampunk setting. Each game, you'll gather essential equipment, interact creatively with the environment, and, of course, battle terrifying creatures. The story unfolds through independent scenarios, each divided into chapters with its own engaging narrative. The goal is to progress through the plot and overcome the final challenge of each scenario, but beware: time is a relentless enemy, and slowness can mean being consumed by horror. The game is designed for replayability, with mechanics allowing for varied strategies and a system that perfectly scales to the player count without extra adjustments. The second edition brought significant rule improvements, a revamped manual, new illustrations, and an updated graphic design. The third edition focuses on enhancing rule clarity for easier learning, maintaining the game's core essence while adding support for other languages. If you enjoy a cooperative adventure with a heavy dose of suspense, exploration, and a narrative that grips you from start to finish, Machina Arcana is a fantastic choice!
GALLERY
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In English
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Game overview
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MACHINA ARCANA 3rd Edition: Set-Up and Summary of How to Play
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Machina Arcana | Round Playthrough
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Machina Arcana | Game Overview
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Machina Arcana - How to Play - Off the Shelf Board Game Reviews
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Machina Arcana | Setup
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Quick overview of the game (1/3)
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Machina Arcana: To Eternity | Thematic Playthrough
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Adreama Games, CrowD Games, Galakta, Giga Mech Games, Maldito Games, Matagot, Treetato Studio
Designer
Juraj Bilich
Artist
Aleksandra Bilic, Antal Kéninger, Damir Podhraški, Elwira Pawlikowska, Igor Krstic, Kriśtian Pavlin, Marek Madej, Maxim Kostin, Nele Diel, Richard Brownhill, Sebastian Giacobino
What is the average playtime for one scenario?
A scenario in Machina Arcana typically takes between 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on player experience and dice luck.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 1 to 4 players, working very well in both solo and group modes.
Is Machina Arcana difficult?
It offers a good challenge, especially in the more recent editions that have refined the rules. The difficulty comes from resource management, combat, and the race against time and events.
Do I need to know English to play?
The 3rd edition has clearer rules, but the game still has a lot of text on cards and in the rulebook. A translated spreadsheet or sleeved cards with translations are recommended for non-English speakers.
Is the game repetitive?
Not at all! The modular board, different scenarios, and event variations ensure that each playthrough is a new experience.
Is it a combat or exploration game?
It's a mix of both! You explore a mysterious environment, but combat against monsters is a crucial part of progressing the story and surviving.
Who would you recommend Machina Arcana to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy cooperative games with a strong narrative component, a dark and immersive theme (steampunk + Cthulhu), and don't mind a bit of complexity and language dependency.