Inkling (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Inkling is a party word game released in 2021, designed by Kwanchai Moriya and published by Osprey Games. The game is suitable for 3-6 players, with the best experience for 4 players. It has a quick runtime of around 20 minutes, making it a great choice for game nights or gatherings with friends and family.

Game Components of Inkling

Clue Cards: Each player receives one Clue Card.

Ink Cards: Players are dealt eight Ink Cards each.

Score Sheets: Used for tracking guesses and scores.

Player Count: 3-6 players.

Playing Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

How To Setup Inkling

To set up Inkling, each player is dealt a Clue Card, eight Ink Cards, and a score sheet. This simple setup prepares players for the creative word-guessing game ahead.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases

Arrange Ink Cards: Players arrange their Ink Cards to represent the words on their Clue Card, using creative methods like rotating, overlapping, or covering cards.

Guess Clue Words: Players guess the words of their adjacent players, writing their guesses on the score sheet.

Draw Ink Cards: After each round, players replenish their Ink Cards by drawing new ones.

Game Objective

The objective is to help your adjacent players guess your words while guessing theirs correctly. Points are scored based on the number of correct guesses, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Inkling offers a unique and engaging experience where creativity and lateral thinking are key. Players must interpret and arrange their letter cards in innovative ways to convey words, making it a fun and challenging game. The dynamic of guessing words from adjacent players adds a social element, encouraging active participation and teamwork.

Pros

Creative Gameplay: Allows players to think creatively with letter arrangements.

Social Interaction: Encourages participation and teamwork among players.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to transport.

Incentivized Participation: Scoring system ensures all players are engaged without the risk of sandbagging.

Cons

Dependence on Guessing: Success can be highly dependent on how well players can guess and interpret each other’s arrangements.

Limited Letter Set: Players must work with the letters they have, which can be limiting.

Personal Thoughts on Inkling

Inkling is ideal for those who enjoy word games and creative challenges. It’s a great addition to game nights or social gatherings, offering a unique blend of strategy and collaboration. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly competitive games, it is perfect for groups looking for a fun, interactive experience that fosters creativity and teamwork.

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.