Summary

Our second session of T.I.M.E Stories was a surprisingly enjoyable return to a game I initially felt unsure about. We revisited The Asylum, the eerie 1920s mental hospital scenario where we, as temporal agents, had to uncover the source of a mysterious anomaly. This time, with a much stronger grasp of the game’s mechanics and a better sense of how to manage our limited time units, our team approached the mystery with more strategy, clearer communication, and confidence. The story unfolded in more satisfying ways because we were able to pick up on earlier clues much faster, and ultimately, we ended up winning the game with a good ending—which felt like a real achievement.

The hardest part, even on a second playthrough, remained the pressure of time management. Every decision felt like it carried weight, especially when choosing whether to explore a new room, revisit a location, or spend extra time investigating. It’s a game that punishes hesitation and missteps, and it doesn’t handhold players. What made it more manageable this time was our improved teamwork and shared understanding of the game’s rhythm. We delegated roles more naturally, and our conversations felt more constructive and less chaotic. That sense of progress made the challenge feel less frustrating and more rewarding.

From a leadership standpoint, the session again proved how important adaptable and collaborative leadership is in group-based problem-solving. Different players took initiative at various moments—some led the charge on deciphering clues, while others kept us grounded in strategy. It highlighted how leadership doesn’t always mean having the loudest voice but instead knowing when to guide, when to listen, and how to keep everyone aligned toward a common objective. That dynamic shift in leadership felt more cohesive this time around and really helped us secure a better ending.

Personally, my opinion of the game changed significantly after this session. The first time around, I appreciated the concept but struggled with how punishing and slow it felt at times. On this second attempt, I found myself more invested and excited by how the pieces of the story came together. I began to see the game not just as a puzzle, but as a storytelling experience that rewards persistence, memory, and collaboration. The narrative felt richer, and the payoff at the end made the whole journey worth it.

What I liked most about this session was how immersive it felt—we were no longer stumbling through the rules but instead focusing on the mystery and the characters we were inhabiting. The only downside, as before, was that the game still relies heavily on trial-and-error, which can sometimes feel repetitive. But the satisfaction of winning and unraveling the mystery properly made it far more enjoyable this time. I’m glad I gave T.I.M.E Stories a second chance—it proved itself to be a layered and rewarding experience when played with the right group and mindset.