Last Word (1985) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Last Word is a word game that was released in 1985 by Milton Bradley. It is designed for 2 to 4 players, with the best player count being

The game involves grid movement on a square grid and is suitable for players aged 10 and up. The objective of the game is to be the last player standing by being the first to make a word that fits the given criteria.

Game Components of Last Word

Game Board: A 10×10 grid of letter tiles and wild spaces

Letter Tiles: Used to form words, each tile is worth points

Player Pieces: Four color-coded pawns with corresponding compartments to hold tiles

Wild Spaces: Tiles that can be used as any letter

Bonus Points Tokens: For isolating opponents and making the last word

How To Setup Last Word

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle, ensuring all players have access. Each player chooses a pawn and places it on the starting position. The letter tiles are randomly placed on the board. Each player has a compartment to store the tiles they pick up during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Score the most points by forming words from the letter tiles and removing them from the board.

Word Formation: Players must create words using adjacent or wraparound letters on the grid.

Tile Removal: After forming a word, the player removes the tiles used from the board.

Scoring: Each tile removed is worth points; bonus points for isolating opponents and making the last word.

Game End: The game ends when no more words can be formed; the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Last Word combines the thrill of word games like Boggle with strategic elements of area control. Players must navigate the grid carefully to ensure they do not get isolated and eliminated. The wraparound feature adds a unique twist, allowing players to move from one end of the grid to the other. As tiles are removed, the game becomes increasingly challenging, requiring players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and strategy to outmaneuver opponents.

Engaging Gameplay: Combines word formation with area control, keeping players engaged.

Replayability: Each game is unique due to the random placement of tiles.

Family Friendly: Suitable for families and word game enthusiasts.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the grid and tiles can be time-consuming.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Strategy Overload: May be overwhelming for younger or casual players.

Personal Thoughts on Last Word

Last Word is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys word games and strategic challenges. It’s particularly appealing to fans of Boggle and other word-based games. The game requires a good balance of vocabulary skills and strategic thinking, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for younger children or those looking for a quick, simple game.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.