Around 15 years ago, Antoine Bauza created a game titled La chasse aux Monstres, published by Scorpion Masqué. This memory game, featuring colorful illustrations, became a favorite among young children. The objective was simple: players had to "put monsters in the closet" by uncovering hidden toys under tiles, testing their memory and attention to detail. Fifteen years later, Bauza returned with a new and more complex game, L'Encyclopédie des Monstres, again published by Scorpion Masqué. Designed for 2 to 4 players aged 6 and older, this game takes young players on an imaginative journey around the world. It includes 15 different scenarios, each with its own set of rules and variations, offering a fresh challenge every time. The game's box contains five book-shaped containers, each filled with tokens and illustrated by Maud Chalmel. A unique feature allows players to pull out the books through small holes in the box, creating a mysterious and engaging experience. Players receive Monster cards that grant special abilities, such as revealing a token for all players or examining a token secretly. These powers encourage teamwork and strategic thinking, sometimes leading players to help each other even at the cost of their own turn. The game uses a Die & Retry system, meaning that if players make a mistake, they restart the round but can use the knowledge gained to improve their next attempt. The goal is to reveal all the monsters on the table before the six candles, which act as a countdown, are extinguished. If all candles are turned off, the game ends in defeat. Success brings players to the next level, with each destination offering new rules and challenges, such as finding a monster with eyes closed or rolling a cursed die. Each of the 15 destinations is accompanied by a full-page illustration and detailed descriptions about the location and its creatures. These elements not only enhance the game's visual appeal but also spark curiosity about different cultures and their folklore. L'Encyclopédie des Monstres has been well-received for its creativity, design, and the way it builds upon a simple concept to create a rich and engaging experience for young players.