The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  1. The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  2. The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  3. The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

The Shining Review

'The Shining' board game nails the eerie vibe of its source material, blending strategy and luck with stunning artwork. While luck plays a role, smart play shines, making every game a thrilling challenge. A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
  • Theme immersion and atmosphere
  • Gameplay mechanics and fairness
  • Replay value and variability
  • Component quality and artwork
4.5/5Overall Score

'The Shining' board game offers superb strategic play, high replay value, and chilling theme immersion. An engaging, balanced experience.

Specs
  • Number of players: 3-5
  • Playing Time: 60 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 17+
  • Game Type: Strategy/Cooperative
  • Theme: Horror, based on Stephen King's novel and Stanley Kubrick's film
  • Mechanics: Secret roles, resource management, cooperative and competitive play
  • Replay Value: High, with variable player powers and multiple end-game scenarios
Pros
  • Eerie atmosphere
  • Strategic gameplay
  • High replay value
  • Quality components
Cons
  • Luck can frustrate
  • Limited player count
  • Complex for beginners
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Overview

Gather ’round, folks, as we step into the chilling corridors of the Overlook Hotel with my review of ‘The Shining‘ board game. It’s not just any game night when this one hits the table. Prepare to be spooked, strategize like your sanity depends on it, and maybe, just maybe, survive the winter. Let’s see how this game stacks up in the world of board gaming, shall we?

How It Plays

Ever wanted to experience the thrill and chills of the iconic Overlook Hotel? ‘The Shining’ board game throws you right into the action. Here’s a quick rundown on setting up, how gameplay works, and what it takes to win.

Setting up

First, lay out the game board, which represents the eerie halls and rooms of the Overlook. Each player picks a character, taking the corresponding piece and sanity tokens. Shuffle the event cards and place them within reach. You’re now ready to brave the hotel’s corridors.

Gameplay

Players take turns moving around the board, following the event cards’ instructions, which might test your sanity or force you into dark confrontations. Keep an eye on your sanity level; losing it all could mean succumbing to the hotel’s curse. Cooperation is key, but so is vigilance. The game masterfully blends strategy with the suspense of potential betrayal.

Winning the game

To win, players must survive the winter by maintaining their sanity until the rescue vehicle arrives. But there’s a twist – one player might turn against the others, influenced by the malevolent force of the Overlook. Identify and confront this threat, or ensure harmony and cooperation to escape the chilling grasp of the hotel. It’s a tense race against time and an unseen enemy, where only the strongest-willed can emerge victorious.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for The Shining.

Step Into the Chilling World of The Shining

When you play The Shining, you’re not just moving pieces around a board; you’re stepping into the iconic Overlook Hotel. The game creators nailed the eerie atmosphere, making every move feel like you’re walking down those creepy hallways. With each card flip, you can almost hear the unsettling soundtrack from the movie. It’s a masterclass in theme immersion. You’re not just players; you become part of the story, trying to survive the winter. The art and design are spot on, capturing the essence of the film and book. It’s spooky, it’s tense, and oh boy, does it set the mood. And just when you think you’re safe, remember, all work and no play…

Now, let’s see how the game keeps you on your toes with its gameplay mechanics and fairness.

The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Unraveling the Gameplay Mechanics of The Shining Board Game

One aspect where The Shining truly stands out is its gameplay mechanics. The game cleverly balances cooperative strategies with individual survival tactics, mirroring the tension and uncertainty of the movie. Players navigate through the Overlook Hotel, with each turn ramping up the suspense as they manage resources and face off against supernatural threats. What makes it fair, yet challenging, is the equal opportunity for every player to shine or fall into madness, making no two games alike.

Despite the reliance on strategy, the game ingeniously incorporates a dice roll, ensuring that luck also plays a part. However, this doesn’t overpower the player’s tactical decisions, maintaining a balanced gameplay experience. This blend of strategy and chance in The Shining creates an engaging atmosphere that keeps players on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating their next move.

Curious about how often you’ll be coming back to this haunting hotel? Stay tuned for a delve into the replay value and variability of The Shining.

The Shining - The Shining, Mixlore, 2020 (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Is ‘The Shining’ Game Worth Replaying?

When it comes to ‘The Shining’, you might wonder if the horror fades after you know what’s lurking around the corner. Here’s the thing: the game’s design smartly mixes up scenarios and player roles, which means no two games feel the same. You’re constantly on your toes, trying to outsmart both the game and your friends. It’s like the hotel changes its layout every time you play. The unpredictability and the different strategies players can adopt keep the replay value high. You’ll want to dive back into the eerie corridors of the Overlook Hotel again and again, each time uncovering something new.

And if you’re wondering whether this chilling experience looks as good as it plays, stay tuned for our next section on component quality and artwork.

Unpacking the Art and Design of The Shining Board Game

Let’s talk about what you get in the box of The Shining board game. First off, the component quality here doesn’t just shine; it blazes. From sturdy, well-crafted game pieces to cards that feel good in your hand, it’s clear that attention to detail was a priority. But, oh, the artwork! It stands out like Danny’s psychic flashes. Each piece, each card, every inch of the board, they all pull you deeper into the Overlook Hotel with eerie and haunting designs. It’s like walking through the corridors of the hotel, feeling those iconic moments from the horror classic wrap around you.

And it’s not just about looking pretty. The visual elements play a crucial part in setting the atmosphere, making every turn an experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Shining or just a board game enthusiast looking for that next thrill, this game’s quality and art won’t disappoint.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s a chilling thrill ride that’s well worth the price of admission.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, ‘The Shining’ board game pulls you right into the eerie world of the Overlook Hotel, blending strategic gameplay with a healthy dose of luck. The components and artwork are top-notch, and the game mechanics are balanced to keep every player on their toes. With its high replay value, you and your friends will find yourselves coming back to try and survive the winter again and again. Whether you’re a fan of the film or just looking for a spine-tingling board game experience, ‘The Shining’ is a shining example of how to do movie-based games right. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone turns into a frozen Jack Torrance. So, to wrap this review up: ‘The Shining’ is a must-try for any board game enthusiast looking for a mix of strategy, teamwork, and a dash of spooky atmosphere.

4.5/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.