Nightmare
$40 - $200.00
Nightmare at a Glance
| Game Type Horror Theme VHS/DVD | Play Time 60 mins | Skill/Complexity (2 - 5) Easy Roll & Move |
| Age 12+ | Publisher(s) No Longer Published | Published 1991 |
| Categories Party Thematic Classic | Players 3 - 6 | Manual Rules PDF |
| Our Rating 7/10 | Cost Not Set |
About – Description
The scary and freaky Nightmare board game was released in 1991 and was designed by Phillip Tanner. This new and unique game brought a whole new level of interaction between the players and through the use of a videotape.
It’s a game that’s party based and as it has a horror theme to it. It’s only suitable for players aged 12 and over.
Suitable for up to six players, the game takes around an hour to play.
No Longer Published:
Nightmare is no longer published, however, it still can be purchased, and mostly second hand. If you are able to get a copy of the board game then you can find the VHS video that goes with it on Youtube. In the UK and other countries (Atmosfear – same game) can be purchased with the DVD.
It is also a collectors item which is why a copy you see available will expensive. If it’s cheap buy it to sell on!
Best Suited For Parties and Groups
Due to the nature of this game, it is a game that’s ideal for parties or groups of people who want to experience the fear and excitement that this game offers.
The nature of the game and the way in which it plays means that it is not suitable for younger players. However, this is a fun game with plenty of frights along the way.
Skill – Complexity
The game is based around a board and the rolling of a dice essentially and so, there is no real skill required to play the game.
Players are required to roll a die, collect pieces and move around the board while trying to beat the clock of the Gatekeeper.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
To begin the game, players should be sat facing the television screen and the Time, Fate and Chance cards should be placed on the board. Next, the six sets of keys should be shuffled and placed to the side of the board, with the red keys in one pile and black keys in another, then the coin is placed on the board.
Players then take a Nightmare card and write their greatest fear on it without revealing it to the other players before placing it face down on the board.
The 6 playing pieces and 6 numbered discs are put into a bag and players then draw out a playing piece and a disc where the disc is slotted into the base of the playing piece.
To start playing the game, players move in a clockwise position where they might land on spaces labelled Time, Fate or Chance and so, they pick the corresponding card.
Players have to collect their six keys before moving to the inner trail of squares on their way to the Nightmare square located in the center of the board.
To get to the Nightmare square, players have to roll the exact number of moves required to get there. Once players land on the Nightmare square, they have to roll a six and when they do, they pick a card from the Nightmare Card. If that card is not that players fear then they have to stop the video, if it is their card then they are out of the game.
However, if the Gatekeeper’s clock reaches 60 minutes, he is declared the winner.
The gatekeeper is also the host of the game, so players must follow his orders and answer his questions when required.
Versions – Editions
Nightmare has been released in many different countries but Expansion packs have been released known as Nightmare 2, 3 and 4, and then the Harbingers update was introduced.
Likes & Dislikes
Players love the way in which the gatekeeper adds tension and excitement to the game while also controlling it at every chance. It is a game that brings back memories for many players.
Final Thoughts
This is a great game of excitement, fear and intrigue and that is why so many players love the interaction element of it. If you’re a mature player looking for a fright then this certainly won’t deliver that but the Gatekeeper will certainly grab your attention.
