TAGS (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

TAGS is a party game that was released in 2018 by HeidelBÄR Games. Designed by Spartaco Albertarelli, TAGS is a real-time, trivia, and word game that is suitable for players aged 10 and above. With a playtime of 20-40 minutes, TAGS is a fast-paced game that challenges players to think quickly and creatively.

Game Components of TAGS

Game board: A 4 x 5 grid

Letter tags: Used to form words

Topic tags: Categories for the words

Marbles: White, blue, and black, each worth different points

Category cards: Include “includes” and “ends with” letter rules

Score track and player markers

How To Setup TAGS

To set up TAGS, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Shuffle and distribute the letter tags and topic tags randomly onto the grid. Each player chooses a marker and places it on the start space of the score track. The game is ready to begin once all components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay:
– Each player’s turn starts with flipping a 15-second sand timer.
– Players must come up with words that start with the letters on the tags and fit the categories.
– Valid answers allow players to take marbles and topic tags, which are worth points.

Game Objective:
– Collect as many marbles and topic tags as possible to score points.
– The game ends after each player has been the start player once, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

TAGS is known for its frantic pace, thanks to the 15-second timer. Players must think quickly and strategically to come up with valid answers before the timer runs out. This fast-paced environment ensures there is very little downtime, as players are constantly thinking of words even during other players’ turns. However, some combinations of letters and categories can be impossible to solve, which may lead to rounds ending without all marbles being taken.

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay: Keeps players engaged and thinking quickly.

Minimal downtime: Players are always involved, even when it’s not their turn.

Variety of categories: Ensures a diverse range of words and challenges.

High replayability: Numerous cards and random placement ensure different games each time.

Cons

Impossible combinations: Some rounds may end with unsolved categories.

Timer length: The 15-second timer can be too short for some players.

Marble quality: Some marbles may have minor defects, like weird spots.

Personal Thoughts on TAGS

TAGS is ideal for players who enjoy quick, word-based challenges and are comfortable with fast-paced games. It is a great addition to any game night, especially for those who appreciate linguistic puzzles and competitive word games. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more relaxed or strategic games, as the time pressure can be intense. Overall, TAGS is a delightful and engaging game that keeps players on their toes.

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