Letterpress (2020) Board Game

Letterpress is a word game that was released in in 2020. Designed by Robin David, this game is published by Osprey Games. It is categorized as a card game and word game, suitable for players aged 14 and above. The game can be played by 1 to 6 players, but it is best enjoyed by 1-2 players. With a runtime of 20 minutes, Letterpress is a quick and engaging game that tests players’ spelling skills.

Game Components of Letterpress

110 cards, including letter cards, vowel cards, and challenge cards

Reference cards for each player

Solo card for solo mode

Rulebook

How To Setup Letterpress

To set up Letterpress, shuffle the letter, vowel, and challenge cards into three separate decks and place them face down. Deal five letter cards to each player and give each player a reference card. For the shared pool, place three letters face up in the middle of the table. In solo mode, place the solo card in front of the player and return all the challenge cards to the box.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft one card from a selection of five, four, three, and two cards each round, adding a final card to their hand.

Letter Valuation: Letters are valued according to their difficulty of use.

Shared Letters: Three letters are shown in the common pool each round.

Objectives: Complete challenges like ‘make a 7/8 letter word’ or ‘word with only one vowel’ to add letters to your collection.

Final Round (The Eliminator): Use collected letters to form the highest scoring word.

Scoring: The player with the highest scoring word in each round gets to pick letters first for their final round collection.

Player Experience

Letterpress is a game of strategic planning and vocabulary skills. Players must balance short-term goals of scoring high each round with long-term goals of collecting the right letters for the final round. The game offers a solo mode against the Rotary Printer, which provides a different challenge and can be played in easy or hard mode. Each turn involves agonizing choices as players weigh the benefits of rare letters against the need for a well-rounded set of letters.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines card drafting, letter valuation, and objectives for a dynamic gameplay experience.

Solo Mode: Offers a challenging solo experience against the Rotary Printer.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to plan ahead for the final round.

Easy to Teach: Simple rules make it easy to learn and teach.

Clean Aesthetic: Attractive and clean design of the game components.

Cons

Dependent on Vocabulary: Success heavily relies on the player’s vocabulary skills.

Final Round Risk: Winning every round does not guarantee winning the game if the final word is not the highest scoring.

Personal Thoughts on Letterpress

Letterpress is ideal for word game enthusiasts and those who enjoy strategic planning. It’s a great option for players looking for a game that challenges their vocabulary while offering a unique and engaging gameplay experience. The solo mode adds versatility, making it a good choice for both group and solo play. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with less dependency on individual vocabulary skills.

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