# What's He Building in There?

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2013
- **BGG Rating**: 6.6
- **BGG Rank**: #7101
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 3.33 / 5
- **Designers**: Sean Scott Garrity
- **Artists**: James Van Niekerk, Sean Scott Garrity
- **Publishers**: Baksha Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Industry / Manufacturing
- **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Open Drafting, Worker Placement

## Verdict
If you enjoy strategy games with a strong theme and a dash of tension, this title is a perfect fit. The blend of worker placement and the constant need to hide your plans from Scotland Yard creates a highly engaging and competitive dynamic. It is the ideal game for those who love planning every move but don't mind the pressure of a clock ticking against them.Immersive mad scientist themeTight worker placement mechanicsConstant player interactionWell-defined game lengthCan be punishing for beginnersIndirect interaction requires focusTime pressure is realRECOMMENDED

## Description
Welcome to Victorian London, where your resume as a mad scientist is about to be put to the ultimate test. In 'What's He Building in There?', you take on the role of an evil genius who, above all else, needs to be discreet. Your primary objective is to construct a Doomsday Machine and, naturally, a robust escape plan for when Scotland Yard finally comes knocking. The game unfolds over 15 tense rounds, where every decision matters in keeping your suspicious activities under wraps while you manage your limited resources.

The core mechanic is a tight worker placement system. You have your Doctor and three henchmen at your disposal to carry out crucial tasks: gathering materials at shops, visiting black markets, conducting research, or even improving your social standing to divert attention from the authorities. The game requires smart hand management and constant observation of your rivals' moves, as the action pool is shared. It is not enough to simply build the machine; you must balance the complexity of your invention with the security of your hideout.

The charm of this game lies in the race against time and the clever indirect interaction. Because the board is dynamic and actions are limited, you will often find yourself in dilemmas about which resource to prioritize or which henchman to send where. The 'mad scientist' theme is seamlessly integrated, allowing you to earn extra points for eccentricity and wild inventions. It is a game that rewards long-term planning but demands quick adaptation as Scotland Yard closes in. With a well-defined playtime and a strategic weight that appeals to those who enjoy a brain-burner, it is an experience that perfectly balances tension and fun for groups who appreciate a thematic challenge.

## FAQ
### Is the game hard to learn?
With a weight of 3.3/5, it's not a gateway game. If you've played worker placement games before, you'll pick it up quickly.

### What is the ideal player count?
It scales well from 2 to 6, but with more players, the competition for action spaces becomes much tighter and more fun.

### How long does a game take?
The game is quite focused, lasting around 60 minutes, which is excellent for the level of complexity it offers.

### Do I need to be a genius to win?
No, but you do need a solid plan! The secret is balancing the machine construction with your escape plan to avoid getting caught.

### Is the theme too dark?
Quite the opposite, the tone is lighthearted and focused on the eccentricity of the scientists, nothing too grim.

### Is there a lot of luck involved?
The focus is on strategy and management. Luck is minimal; what really matters is how you allocate your henchmen.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
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