Cross Clues (2020) Board Game

Cross Clues is a word-based deduction party game designed by Grégory Grard and published by Blue Orange Games in in 2020. The game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a runtime of 5 to 10 minutes, making it a quick and engaging option for game nights or social gatherings.

Game Components of Cross Clues

10 Axis Tiles

25 Clue Cards

50 Code Word Cards

1 Sand Timer (5 minutes)

Illustrated Rules

How To Setup Cross Clues

To set up Cross Clues, start by choosing the grid size: Express (3×3), Classic (4×4), or Expert (5×5). Use the Axis tiles to create the grid, placing letters in one direction and numbers in the other. Shuffle the Code Words and place one under each letter and number. Shuffle the Clue Cards corresponding to the Axis tiles used and deal one card to each player (or two cards for 2-3 players). If desired, use the sand timer to add a time pressure element.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to fill in the grid.

Clue Giving: Each player must come up with a single word clue that relates to both code words on their Clue Card.

Rules for Clues: Clues must be a single word, not share a root with either code word, and not be reused.

Guessing: Other players discuss and guess the location of the clue in the grid.

Correct Placement: If correct, the Clue Card is placed in the grid; if incorrect, it is set aside face down.

Game End: The game ends when the timer runs out or all Clue Cards have been placed. Success is measured by the number of correctly placed Clue Cards.

Player Experience

Cross Clues is designed for social play, encouraging cooperation, logic, creativity, and speech & language skills. It is suitable for players aged 7 and up and supports 2-6 players. The game fosters a fun and cooperative environment, making it perfect for family gatherings or friend meetups. Players appreciate the high replayability due to the thousands of possible word combinations, though the game can become easier towards the end as fewer options remain.

Pros

High Replayability: With thousands of word combinations, the game remains fresh and exciting.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and social interaction.

Develops Skills: Enhances logic, creativity, and speech & language skills.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible for a wide age range.

Customizable Difficulty: Offers different grid sizes for varying levels of challenge.

Cons

Ending Can Be Weak: The game can become less challenging as it nears its end, making it easier to guess correctly.

Potential for Giving Away Information: Players may inadvertently reveal the location of their card, affecting the game’s balance.

Personal Thoughts on Cross Clues

Cross Clues is ideal for families, friend groups, and anyone looking for a cooperative game that stimulates creative thinking and teamwork. It’s a great addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy word games and puzzles. While it may have some minor flaws, the overall experience is engaging and rewarding, making it a fun and unique game to introduce to others.

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