Board Game Review: MIND MGMT

Designer: Jay Cormier & Sen-Foong Lim
Artist: Matt Kindt
Publisher: Off the Page Games
1–5 Players
Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Mind MGMT by Matt Kindt is one of the best comics to come out of the 2010s. One wouldn’t think that the source material lends itself well to a board game. Maybe it would work for a TV show, but a board game is a stretch. Jay Cormier and Sen-Foong Lim had a different vision, and that blessed us with a Mind MGMT board game featuring Matt Kindt’s art.

This hidden movement game pits one player as the elusive Recruiter, moving secretly around the city, while the other players act as rogue agents hot on their trail. It’s a game that combines a gripping narrative and theme, clever mechanics, and a box full of surprises.

A Brief How to Play

Mind MGMT is a one-versus-all hidden movement game where the Recruiter secretly moves across a grid map, trying to recruit new agents. The Recruiter has three secret features that are scattered throughout the map, and whenever they move into a space with one of these, they recruit any potential agents in that location. The goal is simple: recruit 12 agents before time runs out or before the rogue agents catch them.

The rogue agents, working as a team, move around the map asking questions and tracking footprints left behind by the Recruiter. They use “Ask” actions to query if the Recruiter has visited a certain feature, place mental notes on the map to track information, and try to predict the Recruiter’s route before it’s too late.

The game uses a step-by-step process of deduction as agents gather clues and gradually close in. Tools like the “Reveal” action let agents confirm the exact time a space was visited, and if they can narrow it down enough, they can attempt to capture the Recruiter for the win.

The game includes a training mode to ease players into the mechanics, as well as a full game with additional elements like Immortals (agents of the Recruiter), special abilities, and the SHIFT system for campaign progression.

Pacing & Interaction

Turns in Mind MGMT are quick and snappy, especially at two players. The rogue agents get two movements or actions at a time, while the Recruiter also takes two moves on their turn. The rules are straightforward, even when moving beyond the training game, so players spend less time worrying about what they can do and more about what they should do. Like many deduction and hidden movement games, there’s room for analysis paralysis, but it never feels overwhelming compared to others in the genre.

The fast turns are just part of what keeps the pacing brisk. When the rogue agents start closing in, tension spikes rapidly. Both sides feel the stress, and it’s thrilling when one side breaks through. The momentum builds naturally, keeping everyone glued to the table and making the game fly by.

Interaction is high throughout. This isn’t just two sides playing independently; it’s a constant back-and-forth of smokescreens, traps, and counterplays. The Recruiter moves not only themselves but also commands the Immortals, using them to block or slow down the rogue agents. Meanwhile, the agents have chances to manipulate the Immortals for their gain, turning the Recruiter’s tools against them.

While the game supports higher player counts, Mind MGMT shines at two players. At that count, it feels like a tight, tense cat-and-mouse game with no downtime and sharp focus. Three-player games still work, but beyond that, the experience becomes more drawn out and less optimal for the rogue agents, who may struggle to coordinate as effectively. This can tip the balance in favor of the Recruiter and make the game feel unbalanced.

Replayability

The core gameplay of Mind MGMT is already strong, and there’s plenty of room for two or three players to grow into their roles as they learn not just the mechanics but also how to outthink their opponent. The SHIFT system takes it to another level, creating an almost campaign-like game of tug-of-war. If one player pulls ahead early, the SHIFT system balances the game by giving the other player new tools and advantages in future rounds.

There are 14 sealed SHIFT packages in total, each containing not just tweaks to favor a particular side, but also new components and abilities that can be used in standalone games outside of the campaign mode. It’s a brilliant system, rewarding groups who want to commit to a rivalry over multiple plays. The game truly shines when two players stick to their roles across 15 or so games, learning their playstyle and adapting to the evolving tools at their disposal.

Adding even more to the replay value are the app-supported solo and cooperative modes. Whether you’re playing with a dedicated opponent or tackling the game solo, there’s a wealth of content to explore. Even once the SHIFT campaign is complete, Mind MGMT remains an outstanding deduction game for standalone play.

Theme & Components

Few games nail their theme as well as Mind MGMT. This is no lazy re-skin with comic book art pasted over generic mechanics. It’s an honest, deeply thematic experience full of easter eggs, references, and even brand new comic panels and storylines for fans of Matt Kindt’s work.

The board might look overwhelming at first glance, but it quickly becomes intuitive after a play or two. The visual style is bold and distinct, and while it’s heavily stylized, it never sacrifices readability. The artwork does more than just set the mood—it provides clear iconography and points of interest for gameplay. Kindt’s artistic style is unlike anything else in board gaming right now, giving Mind MGMT a signature look that stands apart from the crowd.

The box is a joy to explore, with its hidden messages, comics, and clever design flourishes. The SHIFT packages feel like secret dossiers waiting to be unlocked. Even the rulebook is a work of art, worth flipping through just to admire the visuals.

MIND MGMT Is Great For Fans Of…

Mind MGMT is perfect for players who enjoy hidden movement games and mind games. Fans of Letters from Whitechapel, Whitehall Mystery, and Specter Ops will feel right at home, but Mind MGMT adds its own flair with evolving gameplay and a rich, immersive theme.

It’s especially great for couples or pairs of players looking to grow their skills together over repeated plays. The SHIFT system is perfect for this, creating a natural progression and adding variety to every session. If you love games where every move matters and each clue inches you closer to a thrilling conclusion, Mind MGMT is an easy recommendation.