Machina Arcana (Second/Third Edition)
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 150 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.6 / 5
- Year
- 2019
About the game
Machina Arcana sends explorers into an ancient subterranean complex to face monsters inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos, wrapped in a steampunk setting. Players collect gear, interact with their surroundings, fight horrors, and immerse themselves in rich narrative scenarios split into chapters. The game scales automatically for any player count, and the 2nd/3rd editions bring refined rules, improved manuals, and new illustrations. Progress through the tale to face a finale, but move too slowly and horror may devour your team whole.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's reviewers found Machina Arcana's atmosphere genuinely chilling, and the auto-scaling design is a welcome touch for groups of varying size. This is a heavy, long-session game best reserved for dedicated horror and dungeon-crawl fans who don't mind a substantial rules investment. The 3rd edition's added language options make it more accessible internationally.
What we like
- Chilling Lovecraftian steampunk atmosphere throughout.
- Scenario-based campaign with strong narrative immersion.
- Scales automatically without needing player-count adjustments.
- Refined 2nd/3rd edition rules with improved clarity and art.
Keep in mind
- Long playtime (around 150 minutes) demands a dedicated session.
- Heavy complexity may overwhelm newer players.
- Horror theme won't appeal to everyone.
- Requires significant table space for the modular board.
Who it's for
Best for 1-4 experienced gamers, ages 13+, who enjoy long, atmospheric cooperative horror adventures.
