CrossTalk (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

CrossTalk is a word-based party game that was released in 2017 by Nauvoo Games. It was designed by Brett Sobol and Seth Van Orden, with artwork done by Jacqui Davis and Ian O’Toole. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging team-based gameplay.

Game Components of CrossTalk

Dry-erase boards

Hint boards

Clue cards

Code words

Markers

How To Setup CrossTalk

To set up CrossTalk, players are divided into two teams, each nominating a “cluemaster” or clue giver. At the start of each round, the cluemaster from each team receives a private clue to share with their team, providing additional context for the public clues to come. The game boards and markers are prepared for note-taking and clue-giving.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Team Division: Players are split into two teams.

Cluemasters: Each team selects a cluemaster who gives public and private clues.

Public Clues: Cluemasters give one-word clues publicly, allowing both teams to hear.

Private Clues: Initial private clues are given to each team for context.

Hint Boards: Cluemasters can use hint boards once per round to guide their team on which clues to emphasize, ignore, or interpret as opposites.

Guessing: Teams take turns guessing the code word, with the opposing team getting the first chance to guess after each public clue.

Objective: The first team to correctly guess the code word wins the round.

Player Experience

CrossTalk offers a unique blend of strategy and deception. Players must communicate subtly and strategically, using the hint boards to encode their clues without giving away too much to the opposing team. This game encourages creative and nuanced clue-giving, making it engaging and challenging for players. The use of hint boards adds a layer of complexity, allowing players to combine multiple clues, include false ones, or suggest the opposite of what they said, which keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Allows for complex and strategic clue-giving.

Subtlety and Deception: Encourages players to be sneaky and creative with their clues.

Adjustable Complexity: Can be played with or without the hint boards to adjust the level of strategy.

Team Collaboration: Fosters communication and teamwork within each team.

Replayability: High replay value due to the varied clues and strategies.

Cons

Slower Pace: Compared to other party games, CrossTalk can be slower due to the strategic nature of the game.

Complexity: The use of hint boards can make the game more complex, which might not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on CrossTalk

CrossTalk is ideal for players who enjoy strategy and word games. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a more cerebral and interactive experience, rather than a purely whimsical or fast-paced party game. The game’s unique mechanics make it stand out in the realm of word-guessing games, offering a fun and challenging experience for those who enjoy deciphering clues and outsmarting their opponents.

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