Box cover for the board game "Wise and Otherwise" displaying a partially illuminated Earth globe with various symbols and text on a black background.
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Wise and Otherwise (1997)

ByMichail

Wise and Otherwise

“Wise and Otherwise” is a board game published by WiseandOtherwise.com Inc. The game was released in 1997 and has been voted Games Magazine’s Party Game of the Year in 1998. The game is designed for two to six players and can be played with a game board, six pawns, and a set of cards containing the beginnings and ends of obscure proverbs.

Why is Wise and Otherwise Popular?

“Wise and Otherwise” is a popular game because it combines elements of trivia, creativity, and wordplay. Players take turns being the Reader, who reads the beginning of a proverb aloud and asks the other players to complete it with a convincing ending. This format encourages players to showcase their creativity and knowledge of obscure proverbs, making the game engaging and entertaining.

Game Components of Wise and Otherwise

  • Game Board**
  • Six Pawns**
  • Cards containing beginnings and ends of obscure proverbs**.

    How To Setup Wise and Otherwise

    To set up the game, each player chooses a pawn and places it at the starting point on the game board. The deck of proverb cards is shuffled, and each player prepares to take turns being the Reader. The Reader’s role is to pick a card and read the beginning of a proverb aloud to the other players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Number of Players: 2 to 6
  • Turn Structure: The Reader reads the beginning of a proverb, and other players write down a convincing ending. The actual ending is recorded, and all endings are shuffled.
  • Voting: Players vote on which ending they believe is the authentic proverb.
  • Scoring: Two points for each player whose endings were convincing, two points for players who voted for the authentic proverb, and three points to the Reader if no one voted correctly.
  • Objective: The first player to reach the end of the game board wins.

    Player Experience

    **Wise and Otherwise** offers a unique blend of creativity and critical thinking. Players must be inventive in coming up with plausible endings to obscure proverbs, while also being discerning in identifying the authentic ones. This game encourages social interaction, creative writing, and strategic voting, making it a engaging and entertaining experience.

    Pros

  • Encourages Creativity: Players must come up with convincing endings to proverbs.
  • Social Interaction: Promotes discussion and voting among players.
  • Critical Thinking: Requires players to discern between authentic and made-up proverbs.
  • Award-Winning: Recognized as Games Magazine’s Party Game of the Year in 1998.

    Cons

  • Limited Availability: The game is from 1997 and may be out of stock or hard to find.
  • Complexity: May require some time to understand and set up the game mechanics.

    Personal Thoughts on Wise and Otherwise

    **Wise and Otherwise** is ideal for individuals who enjoy wordplay, creative writing, and social games. It is a great addition to any game night, encouraging laughter, creativity, and critical thinking. This game is particularly suited for groups of friends or family gatherings where everyone can engage in a fun and intellectually stimulating activity. However, due to its age and potential scarcity, it might be challenging to find a copy, making it a treasure for collectors of vintage board games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl