Cardboard Corner: Review of "Labyrinths of Lunacy" expansion for Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Like stop gaps, Arkham Horror: The Card Game standalone releases have curbed players appetite for the game between the larger campaign releases. The standalone releases often coinciding with game expositions and major conventions, designers have shown a penchant in recent years for catering to the multiplayer crowd. Doubling down on this, “Labyrinths of Lunacy” is a standalone scenario playable at small numbers but intended for a large group.

Certainly playable at 1-4, “Labyrinths of Lunacy” nevertheless goes out of its way to make an experience for more. Up to 36 players (emphasis on “up to”), it takes the concept of the Saw movies and puts it into card-game form. Players find themselves in a locked room and must find a way to escape. Or die. An evil maniac monitoring the room, escape only takes the player out of the frying pan and into the fire—water tanks, poison gas, and other surprises await.

I played “Labyrinths of Lunacy” two player, thus take this review with that grain of salt. It was noticeable at major waypoints that epic multiplayer mode would likely be optimal. I have no idea what the sweet spot is for player count, but certainly more than two and likely more than four. There is scary fun escaping the mad man's labyrinth, but it seems the more the merrier given the greater sense of suspense inherent to larger groups.

While the optimum number of players is subjective, one concrete concern with “Labyrinths of Lunacy” is replayability. Once the maniac's methods are figured out, the cat is out of the bag, meaning a second playthrough is less engaging regardless of group size. That being said, it is a lengthy scenario. Existing in three phases, getting through the labyrinth once is at least the harrowing fun that Arkham is known for.

In the end, you don't hear much about “Labyrinths of Lunacy” these days. Where “Murder at the Excelsior Hotel”, “Carnevale of Horrors”, and “Guardians of Abyss” still get love, “Labyrinths of Lunacy” has faded. COVID may have something to do with this. Gatherings of numerous people have not really been possible, which hurts this scenario's chances. Thus, if you're organizing a large group of people or you like the Saw movies, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this Arkham Horror experience. It is unique for what it is. If you play Arkham Horror in smaller groups, however, think twice. You're likely to get one play through—a fun playthrough, but only one nonetheless. I would try one of the other standalones mentioned above if you haven't already.