Imagine a world where cute, yet mischievous, monsters are on the loose, and it’s up to you and your friends to catch them. Welcome to Monster Traps Escape, a game that combines teamwork, strategy, and a dash of humor to create an unforgettable gaming experience.

What is Monster Traps Escape?

Monster Traps Escape is a dynamic and engaging board game designed for players of all ages. The game is set in a whimsical mansion where various monsters are hiding, and your mission is to trap them using clever tactics and quick reflexes.

The Game Components

When you open the box, you’ll find a variety of components that bring the game to life:

Game Board: A beautifully designed mansion with corridors and a central monster trap.
Monster Tokens: These represent the different monsters you need to catch.
Monster Cards: Each card corresponds to a specific monster and is used to track your progress.
Sliders: These are the tools you’ll use to navigate the monsters through the corridors.
Hourglass: This timer adds an element of urgency, making the game more exciting.
Eye Tokens: Used to mark the end of each round.

How to Play

Playing Monster Traps Escape is a fun and interactive experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Setting Up the Game

Before you begin, make sure to set up the game board and distribute the monster cards and eye tokens among the players. Each player or team will have their own discard pile where they will place the monster cards they catch.

Forming Teams

In the standard version of the game, players form teams. For example, in a four-player game, you might have teams like Red and Yellow, Yellow and Purple, Purple and Orange, and Orange and Red. The oldest player in each team goes first.

Catching the Monsters

Here’s where the action begins:

• Locate the Monster: Quickly find the monster token on the game board that matches the monster card you are trying to catch.
• Move the Monster: Use the sliders to move the monster token through the corridors. Communication with your teammate is key here, as you need to coordinate your moves to push the monster into the trap.
• Trap the Monster: Once you’ve navigated the monster to the center of the board, it falls into the monster trap. If you succeed, place the corresponding monster card on your team’s discard pile.

The Hourglass Timer

The game is timed using an hourglass. When the hourglass runs out, the other players shout “Monster Trap” and you must stop moving the sliders immediately. If the last monster has not been pushed into the trap, you cannot place the monster card on your discard pile. Instead, place it face up next to the monster deck.

Dealing with Escaped Monsters

If a monster falls over or leaves the maze during your turn, it has escaped. Shout “Escape” and place the monster token back on its original spot. You’ll have to try again to catch it.

Next Team’s Turn

After each team has taken their turn, the next team sets up the game board and starts their round. The game continues until all teams have had their turns, and then the cycle repeats.

Variations for Experienced Players

For those who have mastered the basics, Monster Traps Escape offers variations to increase the challenge:

Single Player Mode: Each player plays alone, using all four sliders and having twice as much time per round. The game is played over six rounds, and each player has three eye tokens.
Using Location Cards: Experienced players can use six location cards to add more complexity to the game. This variation is ideal for skilled players, older siblings, or adults playing against children.

Why You’ll Love Monster Traps Escape

Teamwork and Strategy

This game is all about teamwork and strategy. You need to communicate effectively with your teammate to navigate the monsters into the trap. It’s a great way to build teamwork skills and have fun while doing it.

Fast-Paced Action

The hourglass timer adds a sense of urgency, making the game fast-paced and exciting. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat as you try to catch as many monsters as possible before time runs out.

Cute and Engaging Design

The game features cute 3D monsters that make the game appealing to players of all ages. The colorful and whimsical design of the game board and components adds to the overall fun and engaging atmosphere.

Replayability

With multiple rounds and the possibility of monsters escaping and needing to be caught again, Monster Traps Escape offers high replayability. You can play the game multiple times without it getting boring.

Stories from the Game

Imagine you and your friend are playing as the Red and Yellow team. You’re on a roll, catching monster after monster, when suddenly the Yellow player shouts, “I think I can get this one!” You both coordinate your moves, and just as the monster is about to fall into the trap, it slips away. “Escape” you shout, and you both burst out laughing. It’s moments like these that make Monster Traps Escape such a memorable experience.

Where to Play

If you’re eager to dive into the world of Monster Traps Escape, you can find the game on various platforms:

Thames & Kosmos: Check out the official manual and game details on the Thames & Kosmos website.
Amazon: You can purchase the game and read reviews from other players on Amazon.
Local Game Stores: Visit your local game store to see the game in action and get a feel for it before you buy.