I am teaming up with the folks at the Have Fun and Play Podcast (https://havefunandplay.com/) on Instagram @havefunandplay and we are sharing our Top 10 Most Replayable Games in celebration of Groundhog Day. What makes a game replayable? There are a lot of different reasons that you might want to play a game over and over. I look forward to sharing my list and hearing from you what games are replayable and why as well.
Imagine is a creative deduction party game where one player is trying to communicate a secret word using only the 61 transparent cards that have different shapes, colours and symbols on them. You use as many cards as you need, layer them, stand them up, animate them or do just about anything else you can think of – but no talking.
Imagine is replayable for me because of these 4 reasons:
1. Anyone can play. This is not just a game for artists or creative types. Anyone can play this game and succeed. Imagine is not about creating art – but communicating with symbols and images. You can play the game with a wide range of gamers, young and old, new and experienced gamers. Similar to Dixit, it’s been my experience that young children are exceptionally good at this kind of game.
2. Every game is unique. Every game and the experience it provides is shaped by the minds of the people you are playing with. Everyone you play it with has a unique perspective on how to creatively combine the images on the cards to convey their message and Imagine provides a space to show how the simplest shape can communicate a much larger concept.
3. Scoring isn’t really important. Similar to Telestrations, there are rules for scoring and we usually use them, however, it’s more about the experience and the laughs than who wins or loses. Often not being able to guess the word is as much fun, or more, as guessing correctly, as failure sparks an opportunity to talk about what concept they were trying to portray and hear from everyone else what you might have done differently.
4. There are always some memorable moments when someone is able to guess the word with just a single card or the guesses veer off so far from the original intent it becomes laughable.
The publishers recommend the game for 3-8 players but you can easily play Imagine with several more. Every game I’ve played has surprised me with the creativity and problem solving that comes out during the game. A highly recommended party game.
What do you think? What makes a game replayable in your opinion? What are your favourite games to replay over and over? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.