Concept (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Concept is a board game that was released in 2013 by Repos Production. Designed by Gaëtan Beaujannot and Alain Rivollet, the game has gained popularity for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging gameplay experience. With a focus on deduction and word guessing, Concept offers a fun and interactive experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Concept

110 cards

1 game board featuring around 118 intuitive icons

1 rulebook

4 game aids

1 transport bowl

39 tokens

5 plastic pawns

42 plastic cubes

Color-coded markers and cubes for concept attributes.

How To Setup Concept

To set up Concept, players start by drawing a card that contains nine concepts to choose from, divided into three difficulty levels: easy, moderate, and hard. Each player or team selects a concept from the card and prepares to give clues using the game board and its various icons. The game board is laid out with numerous icons representing different attributes and concepts, which players use to convey their chosen concept without verbal hints.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics:

Non-verbal Communication: Players give clues by placing markers and cubes on the game board’s icons.

Deduction: Other players guess the concept based on the visual clues provided.

Team Play: Can be played in teams or individually.

Difficulty Levels: Concepts are categorized as easy, moderate, and hard, though the difficulty can be subjective.

Game Objective:

The objective is for players to guess the concept by interpreting the visual clues placed on the board.

Points are awarded to the player who guesses correctly and to the team or player who provided the clues. The game ends once all double Victory Point tokens have been used, and the player with the most Victory Points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Concept is a creative and engaging experience that emphasizes visual communication and teamwork. Players use a combination of strategy and imagination to convey complex concepts through simple icons. The game is enjoyable for players of all ages and can be played in various settings, from family gatherings to larger group events. However, the game’s scoring system can sometimes feel less critical than the fun of communicating and guessing the concepts.

Pros

Innovative Communication: Introduces a unique way to communicate without words.

Accessible to All Ages: Easy to learn and play, making it versatile for different gatherings.

High Replayability: With 990 concepts across 110 cards, the game offers a lot of variety.

Creative Thinking: Encourages creative and imaginative problem-solving.

Fast-Paced: Games are relatively fast-paced, especially with a lively crowd.

Cons

Subjective Difficulty: The easy, moderate, and hard categories can be inconsistent.

Scoring Issues: The scoring system can be ineffective, leading some players to ignore scores altogether.

Lack of Comeback Mechanism: Players who fall behind early may feel they have no chance of winning.

Limited Card Variety: With frequent play, players may encounter the same concepts multiple times.

Personal Thoughts on Concept

Concept is an excellent game for those who enjoy creative problem-solving and non-verbal communication. It is ideal for families, social gatherings, and anyone looking to challenge their ability to convey complex ideas through simple visual cues. While it has some flaws, such as the subjective difficulty levels and scoring issues, the game’s enjoyment and creative appeal make it a standout in the world of party games. If you’re looking for a game that fosters teamwork, creativity, and lots of laughs, Concept is a great choice. However, for those seeking a highly competitive game with a robust scoring system, other options might be more suitable.

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