Volatiles takes the piece-by-piece map building of boardgames like Betrayal at House on the Hill and slaps a gory survival shooter on top of them
I do love a boardgame where you reveal the tiles as you play. Sure, I also enjoy turning over all the pieces at the beginning of a game of Settlers of Catan and taking in all the tiles and trying to work out a strategy based on which resources are clustered near which port, but that's not the same as a game like Betrayal at House on the Hill, where you all start together in one single room and…
Board games like Betrayal at House on the Hill have gained popularity for their piece-by-piece map building mechanics. Players start together in a single room and gradually unveil the architecture of the house as they explore. This strategic element allows players to constantly reassess the layout of the building and adapt their plans when new pieces are added.
The threat of betrayal adds an extra layer of danger, forcing players to adjust their strategies in response to new challenges. Volatiles, an action game, captures this same sense of strategy and mystery. Players awaken in a strange facility with no clear understanding of their purpose. The scientists around them claim to be helping, but their true motives remain uncertain.
As players navigate this unsettling environment, they must contend with sensory deprivation tanks and mind-bending monsters. The game's premise suggests that the scientists may not have the players' best interests at heart, adding an element of uncertainty and deception to the gameplay.
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