Hollow Pact: Prototype Review.
A Thrilling Mix of Strategy, Survival, and Betrayal
Hollow Pact is an intense semi-cooperative board game where players take on the roles of scoundrels who have stolen a cursed treasure from a terrifying Beast. The goal? Escape the ruined village with the treasure before the Beast hunts them down. However, survival isn’t the only challenge—players must also navigate shifting alliances, hidden motives, and the constant threat of betrayal. With a dynamic modular board, unique character abilities, and a relentless hunter on their heels, Hollow Pact creates an unpredictable and highly replayable experience.
Bluffing, Deception, and Hidden Agendas
One of the most intriguing mechanics in Hollow Pact is the hidden cargo system. Each scoundrel carries a treasure container, but only one holds the real artifact, while the other is a decoy. Throughout the game, players can swap, bluff, or manipulate their way to victory, adding a layer of psychological strategy that keeps everyone guessing. With additional secret objectives drawn at the start, no two players will have the same priorities, making trust a rare commodity.
An Ever-Changing Battlefield
The game unfolds on a modular board, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel the same. The village is filled with obstacles—crumbling bridges, fog-covered paths, locked gates, and missing cogs that must be retrieved to unlock new areas. Every decision matters, as reckless movement can lead to gaining sanity damage, which may ultimately drive a scoundrel mad. When that happens, the character flips, unlocking new abilities that could alter the course of the game.
Stamina and Spirit: Managing Your Resources
Hollow Pact balances two key resources—stamina and spirit. Stamina fuels movement and actions, while spirit is spent on powerful skills and rituals that can shift the tide of the game. Players must carefully manage both, as depleting stamina leaves them vulnerable, while spirit unlocks unique abilities that can aid their escape or hinder their rivals.
The Relentless Beast and Its Curses
While the scoundrels scramble to escape, one player takes on the role of the Beast, a supernatural hunter with its own objectives. The Beast isn’t just a brute force; it has secret goals that, if achieved, make its job of reclaiming the treasure even easier. Adding to the tension, the Beast can curse scoundrels, causing devastating effects. One particularly sinister curse can even force a scoundrel to betray their allies, joining the Beast’s side in pursuit of vengeance.
Powerful Items and Game-Changing Deeds
Exploring the village can lead to the discovery of powerful artifact cards, offering game-changing effects to those who claim them. Additionally, players have access to Deed cards—unique actions that provide tactical advantages and unexpected twists. The combination of these elements ensures that every game session unfolds differently, keeping players engaged and constantly adapting.
A Unique Experience with Stunning Design
From a visual standpoint, Hollow Pact is a beautifully crafted game. The board, cards, and components are designed with an eerie, atmospheric aesthetic that perfectly complements the game’s tension-filled experience. The intuitive rules make it accessible while still offering deep strategic layers, ensuring that new and seasoned players alike can dive in without feeling overwhelmed.
Verdict
Hollow Pact is a masterful blend of survival horror, strategy, and deception. With its gripping mix of hidden objectives, modular board design, and asymmetric roles, the game delivers high replayability and tension-filled gameplay. The dynamic balance between cooperation and betrayal ensures that no two sessions feel the same, while the intuitive mechanics keep the experience immersive and engaging. If you’re looking for a board game that challenges your ability to outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast both friends and foes, Hollow Pact is a must-play addition to your collection.
– David & Greg
Hype & Hopes: 8.0/10
