I’m convinced this is like math trauma where people expect to fail because of bad explanations in the past.
100% also cause they were learning games like Monopoly or Risk which are just not even worth a well-explained teach. Also games nowadays have actual thought and research put into how they lay out their rules.
I had the unfortunate experience recently of someone trying to explain a card game without explaining anything about the overall structure and just starting with “ok so if the last person plays a 4, you have to play a 4 or better… no doubles on singles though”. Like. What am I doing here? Are there tricks? Am I trying to run out of cards?
What’s that, Campaign for North Africa?
Nope. High Frontier 4 All, plus all expansions. Muahaha.
Robinson Crusoe?
Ever heard of Nightmare? It’s a horror-themed board game from the 90s, it comes with a VHS tape featuring a demonic MC who barks orders randomly at players, issues dice roll challenges, and punished insubordination. Literally it’s like trying to play a board game with a petty, grumpy Satan. After about 45 minutes the whole table is usually starting to consider collaboratively cheating just to end the game.
I have heard of Nightmare! And watched it played!
I’d never want to play out, but I love watching others deal with the MC(s)!
