Pitchstorm (2018) Board Game

Pitchstorm is a party card game released in 2018 that invites players to step into the shoes of aspiring screenwriters pitching their movie ideas to notoriously difficult executives—represented by their friends. Here’s an overview of the game:

Game Overview

Theme: Humor, storytelling, and party dynamics

Players: 3 to 12

Age: 14 and up

Playtime: 15 to 60 minutes

Game Components of Pitchstorm

The core deck consists of:

500 cards: A mix of character and plot cards along with note cards for executive suggestions.
Blank cards: Players can create their own ridiculous movie ideas.

How To Setup Pitchstorm

Gather Players:
- Pitchstorm is designed for 3 to 12 players. If you have more than 6 players, consider splitting into teams of two.
Prepare the Deck:
- Shuffle the 500-card deck, which includes character cards, plot cards, and note cards. Make sure all cards are mixed well.
Select the Executive:
- Choose one player to act as the executive for the first round. This player will be responsible for judging the pitches.
Distribute Cards:
- Each writer (the other players) draws one character card and one plot card from the deck. These will form the basis of their movie pitch.
- The executive draws a hand of note cards, which they can use to add ridiculous elements to the pitches.
Pitching Time:
- Set a timer for each pitch (typically one minute). Writers will present their ideas based on their drawn cards.
- During each pitch, the executive can play a note card to introduce unexpected twists or challenges.
Voting:
- After all pitches are made, the executive chooses their favorite pitch, and that writer earns a point.
Continue Playing:
- Rotate the role of executive for subsequent rounds and continue until a player reaches a predetermined score or becomes “rich and famous.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roles:

Each round features one player acting as the executive, while the remaining players are writers pitching their movie ideas.

Card Types: Players draw from three types of cards:

Character Cards: Define the main character of the movie.

Plot Cards: Outline the basic story premise.

Note Cards: Held by the executive, these can introduce absurd twists or requirements during the pitch (e.g., “Can we add a dinosaur?”).

Pitching Process: Writers have less than a minute to present their pitches, incorporating both their character and plot cards. During each pitch, the executive can play a note card to add unexpected elements, forcing writers to adapt on the fly.

Scoring: After all pitches are made, the executive selects their favorite pitch. The winning writer earns a point. The game continues until a player reaches a specified score or becomes “rich and famous.”

Team Play: In larger groups (6-12 players), players can split into teams of two, resulting in multiple executives and collaborative pitching, which enhances the comedic aspect of the game.

Game Objective

The primary objective of Pitchstorm is for players to creatively pitch entertaining and often ridiculous movie ideas while navigating the whims of an unpredictable executive. The player or team that successfully adapts their pitch to win over the executive’s favor scores points, and the game continues until one player achieves a predetermined number of points, showcasing their prowess as a “writer” in this humorous setting.

Player Experience

Pros:

Creative and humorous gameplay
Easy to learn and play
Encourages storytelling and imagination

Cons:

Limited replayability
Some prompts may not appeal to all players

Personal Thoughts on Pitchstorm

Pitchstorm is a fun party game that is perfect for gatherings with friends or family. The game’s components are well-made, and the humorous prompts make for a lighthearted and enjoyable experience. While the game may not have as much replayability as some other party games, it is certainly worth checking out for those who enjoy storytelling and creativity.

Overall, Pitchstorm offers a unique twist on the party game genre and provides a fun and engaging experience for players. It is recommended for those who enjoy storytelling games and are looking for a new addition to their game night lineup.

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