Décorum (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Décorum is a board game released in 2022 by Floodgate Games. It is designed by Charlie Mackin, Harry Mackin, and Drew Tenenbaum, with artwork by Michael Mateyko. The game falls under the puzzle category and includes mechanics such as communication limits, cooperative gameplay, deduction, negotiation, and roles with asymmetric information. With a runtime of 30-45 minutes, Décorum is suitable for 2-4 players aged 13 and above.

Game Components of Décorum

Player cards with constraints (tasks or goals)

Heart-to-Heart tokens (or House Meeting tokens for 3-4 players)

Round Tracker

House board with different sides for varying player counts

Small cards for additional constraints in 3-4 player games

Objects and room elements for decoration

Acrylic tokens (optional in the Deluxe Version)

How To Setup Décorum

To set up Décorum, start by selecting the appropriate side of the House board based on the number of players. For two players, each receives a large player card and no small cards. For three and four players, each player gets a large card and three small cards of the same color. In a three-player game, the fourth player’s large card is set aside, and their small cards are distributed among the other players. Players then place the Round Tracker and Heart-to-Heart tokens according to the game instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to decorate a house without directly sharing their constraints.

Hidden Information: Each player keeps their constraints secret.

Decoration Actions: Players can add, remove, or swap objects and repaint rooms.

Heart-to-Heart/House Meetings: Players discuss and adjust their strategy at specific intervals.
– For two players, Heart-to-Hearts occur after rounds 15, 20, and 25.
– For three and four players, House Meetings occur every five rounds.

Fulfillment Check: The game ends after round 30 if all players’ constraints are not fulfilled.

Scoring: Players earn 3 points for each fulfilled constraint and bonus points for remaining Heart tokens.

Player Experience

Playing Décorum involves a unique blend of cooperation and strategic guessing. Players must communicate indirectly, using responses like “Love it,” “Hate it,” or “Fine with it” to guide each other towards fulfilling their hidden constraints. The game encourages role-playing and animated interactions, making it more enjoyable when players engage in the game’s passive-aggressive cohabitation theme. It is highly interactive and can be humorous, especially as players navigate the challenges of shared decision-making without direct communication.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: Promotes communication and problem-solving skills.

Cooperative: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Replayability: Offers 30 unique scenarios and the potential for more through a companion app.

Quick Setup and Learning: Easy to learn and set up.

Role-Playing Element: Adds a fun and animated layer to the game.

Cons

Dependent on Player Engagement: Requires players to be actively involved and not take the game too personally.

Limited Strategic Depth: Not as strategically complex as some other board games.

Player Count Differences: The game is more finely tuned for two players, with the four-player version being slightly easier but less polished.

Personal Thoughts on Décorum

Décorum is ideal for couples, families, and game nights where players are looking for a light-hearted, cooperative experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy role-playing and indirect communication, as it adds a fun and animated element to the gameplay. While it may not be as strategically demanding as other games, it offers a unique and engaging experience that can be very enjoyable for the right group of players. If you’re looking for a game that combines cooperation, hidden information, and a dash of humor, Décorum is definitely worth considering.

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