Looking to add a few more games to your collection, but getting short on space? Or maybe just in need of something easy to travel with? Either way, you’re in luck! Brouhaha Games has 4 thematic postcard games coming out that will scratch your gaming itch in a small, convenient package. In this preview we’ll be taking a quick look at 2 of the 4 games up for grabs. Ready to check them out? Let’s go!
What Is It?
Miseries of the Night is a solo roll and write game where players move around the board to defeat the miseries that keep popping up. As they defeat miseries, they can earn Lucidity Points which can be spent on special actions to aid them. Only by defeating enough miseries will the player force evil to retreat.
Treasures of Microlandia is a 2 player deduction game. Each player buries a treasure on the map and then they take turns asking each other questions to determine the location of their opponent’s loot. The 1st player to find the other’s treasure wins!
Who Is It For?
As I already suggested, I’d recommend the collection to gamers looking to add small games to their collection that don’t take up a lot of space, and are easy to bring with you anywhere.
Miseries of the Night I would recommend to ages 8+, as it is not very difficult, and to solo gamers new and seasoned; since it is not too difficult, and doesn’t involve much set up and clean up, it’s a good starter solo game if you’re looking for one. If you like the roll and write genre, it’s certainly worth checking out. But also note, you need to have a few supplies (dice and pawn) available in order to play.
I’d recommend Treasures of Microlandia to the same ages, as it also doesn’t have a ton going on. I would say those gamers who enjoy Cryptid and similar games, but want something small to bring with them anywhere will be drawn to this.
*Pros and Cons without notes apply to both games while (M) is for Miseries of the Night and (T) is for Treasures of Microlandia.*
PROS
- One sheet holds the whole game; easily portable
- Easy to learn/teach/play & play quickly
- (M) You have to provide your own materials (dice/pawn) so you can customize it as you like
- (M) Seems, overall, pretty easy to win, which is why I like it as an intro to solo gaming choice
- (M) Good balance of managing health, watching where you move (so you don’t get trapped) and fighting miseries
- (T) No penalty for wrong guesses, which is good so that you don’t get kicked out of the game early or anything like that
CONS
- While I know that the quality will be improved (I have prototype versions) I think it is worth noting that if you buy a single card, it is mailed as a normal postcard, so there is the possibility for it to be damaged in the mail since the game is exposed. For example, the stamps the post office had to put on it covered the rules on mine. So it may be worth springing for the full collection if you’re interested in them, since they will come in an envelope.
- (M) Have to be able to provide your own materials – however, there are free dice rollers online and your pawn could be as simple as a scrap of paper, so it’s still accessible even if you don’t collect extra pieces around your house like me.
- (M) Rules being on the back of the board means you can’t reference them as you set up or play easily
- (M) Lucidity points didn’t seem super worth it to me. You needed to spend a lot to do things that would have been helpful, so I mostly only spent them on the cheaper options.
- (T) Rules are a bit vague as far as exactly what kind of questions you can ask, and what things mean (i.e. if the treasure is “near” something)
- (T) I thought 1 board was hard to use with just taking notes to the side. I ended up printing a map for each player and writing on them to help because, for me, everything was too small on the shared board that I couldn’t put notes right onto
Final Thoughts
First and foremost, I think these games are cute and a great value for their cost, even when some require a few outside components. I feel like they would be a great little gift if you’re looking for something unique for another gamer in your life, because they probably don’t have much like this.
As someone who recently started getting into solo gaming more, I really enjoyed Miseries and have played it quite a bit now. It’s light, quick, simple, but still offers me a few choices each round.
As for Treasures, it wasn’t for me. I like certain deduction games, but found this very similar to Cryptid, which I’m not big on, and I felt more confusion that enjoyment. But, knowing others who really like a solid deduction game with no frills, I think this would be great for you if you’re one of those people.
Definitely worth checking these out when the Kickstarter is live to see if these, and the other offerings, might fit your game collection!
My Final Ratings:
Miseries of the Night:
Overall Game – 7/10
Aesthetics – 5/10
Difficulty – 3/10
Replayability – 6/10
Treasures of Microlandia:
Overall Game – 4/10
Aesthetics – 5/10
Difficulty – 4/10
Replayability – 5/10
Additional Information:
Designers – (M) Jesse Hickle; Milan Zivkovic
Artists – (M) Acer Acerman; (T) Milan Zivkovic
Publisher – Brouhaha Games
MSRP – $3 (1 hand addressed & stamped game); $8 (4 games mailed in an envelope)
Miseries BGG
Treasures BGG
Brouhaha Website
Postcard Games Kickstarter
*I was provided a prototype copy of this game to do this preview*
*All components shown are subject to change*
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Jesse H
Hi! I’m the designer of Miseries. Thank you so much for your review – I’m glad you are finding some enjoyment from it. This is my first design, and the first review I’ve seen from it, so thanks!
Steph
Hello! Thanks for visiting the site. I’m happy to have played it before the KS! đŸ™‚