Экивоки (2013) Board Game

Экивоки is a party game that was released in 2013 by designer Olga Yakimuk and artist Lala Vaganova. It is published by Тверская типография and falls under the categories of Party Game, Racing, Trivia, and Word Game. The game is designed for 2 to 16 players, with the best player count being between 6 to 10, 12, 14, and 16.

Game Components of Экивоки

Igrvoe pole (game board) representing a two-story house with an attic

240 cards with various words and phrases

5 penguin figures (one for each team)

A dice

Sand timer

Plasticine (for modeling)

Rules of the game

How To Setup Экивоки

To set up the game, players start by placing the game board, which features a two-story house with an attic. Each team chooses a penguin figure and places it at the starting point of the board. The word cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The dice, sand timer, and plasticine are also prepared for use during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Verbal Explanation: When a 1 is rolled on the dice, players must verbally explain a word or phrase on a card within one minute.

Reverse Word: With a 2, players must read the word backwards so their team can guess it.

Drawing: A 3 requires players to draw the word.

Mimicry: Rolling a 4 involves explaining the word through gestures.

Yes/No Questions: A 5 initiates a “Yes/No” game where the team asks questions to guess the word.

Thematic Tasks: With a 6, players engage in thematic tasks such as modeling with plasticine or singing a song related to the word.

Game Objective:

The objective is to be the first team to move their penguin to the 50th cell on the board, which is the attic. Each successful explanation or task completion moves the penguin forward by a certain number of cells.

Player Experience

Playing Экивоки is a highly interactive and entertaining experience that tests creativity, communication skills, and teamwork. The game is filled with various challenges that keep players engaged and laughing. The diverse tasks ensure that no two rounds are the same, making the game highly replayable.

Pros

High Replayability: With 240 cards and multiple ways to explain each word, the game offers a lot of variety.

Encourages Creativity: Players must think creatively to explain words in different ways.

Promotes Teamwork: The game is designed for teamwork, fostering collaboration and communication among players.

Fun and Engaging: The variety of tasks ensures the game stays entertaining and fun.

Cons

Language Barrier: The game is primarily in Russian, which can be a barrier for non-Russian speakers.

Complex Setup: Although the rules are straightforward, the setup and explaining the rules can take some time.

Dependence on Team Coordination: Success in the game heavily depends on the coordination and understanding within the team.

Personal Thoughts on Экивоки

Экивоки is an excellent choice for those looking for a fun and interactive party game that encourages creativity and teamwork. It is ideal for gatherings with friends or family, especially those who enjoy word games and challenges. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer more strategic or competitive games, as the focus here is on creative expression and teamwork rather than strategic depth.

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