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Picture Perfect (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Picture Perfect is a board game released in 2020 by Corax Games. It is designed by Anthony Nouveau and features artwork by Ronny Libor, Sören Meding, Gyula Pozsgay, and Maja Wrzosek. The game falls into the negotiation and puzzle categories, incorporating various gameplay mechanics such as auction/bidding, deduction, hidden victory points, memory, tile placement, and variable set-up.

Game Components of Picture Perfect

  • 4 player shields with scoreboard
  • 4 double-sided floor mats
  • 4 tables
  • 4 sets of 14 figures with stands (cardboard standees)
  • 4 VIP cards
  • 4 score markers
  • 1 starting player reference card
  • 14 guest envelopes
  • 42 preference cards
  • 12 exchange cards
  • 40 decorations
  • 9 auction cards (for the auction and bidding variant)
  • 1 rulebook
  • 1 photography guide.

    How To Setup Picture Perfect

    To set up the game, each player starts with their own 3D party room diorama, including a cardboard table, decorations, and standees representing the 14 party guests. A grid marked on the floor shows the spaces where the standee characters can be placed. Each character has an envelope loaded with three cards showing their secret posing preferences. Players also receive the necessary components such as VIP cards, score markers, and exchange cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Fulfill as many guest preferences as possible to take the best group photo.
  • Rounds:** The game is played over six rounds.
  • Preferences:** Each guest has three secret preferences (e.g., being on a specific side of the table, near or away from certain characters).
  • Exchange Cards:** Each round, players draw an exchange card that dictates how the envelopes are passed among players.
  • VIP Card:** Each player has a VIP card that can be secretly placed in an envelope, making that guest score double points.
  • Final Scoring:** After the final round, players can make one final adjustment and then take a photo of their setup. Scoring is based on how many preferences are fulfilled.

    Player Experience

    Picture Perfect offers a delightfully thematic experience, capturing the essence of historical dinner party dramas. Players must strategically arrange their characters based on limited information, relying heavily on memory and deduction. The game feels more like parallel play, with each player focused on their own diorama until the final reveal. The randomization of preference cards ensures high replay value, and the game’s light and thematic nature makes it accessible to a wide range of players, including families.

    Pros

  • Beautiful Art:** Lovely and detailed artwork on the components and standees.
  • Unique Theme:** Captures the salacious and gossipy nature of historical dinner parties.
  • Deceptively Challenging Puzzle:** Simple to learn but challenging to master.
  • High Replay Value:** Randomized preference cards ensure different games each time.
  • Family-Friendly:** Accessible for families, including children.

    Cons

  • Component Issues:** Cardboard standees can be cumbersome to assemble and may get damaged.
  • Limited Player Interaction:** Not ideal for players who prefer aggressive ‘take that’ play styles.
  • Component Quality:** Base game components, while nice, may require upgrades for long-term enjoyment.

    Personal Thoughts on Picture Perfect

    Picture Perfect is an excellent choice for players looking for a light, thematic brain teaser. It’s perfect for families or those who enjoy logic puzzles and don’t mind a game with minimal direct player interaction. The game’s unique theme and beautiful art make it a standout, and the randomization ensures it remains fresh and challenging over multiple plays. However, it may not appeal to competitive players seeking intense interaction or those who prefer more complex game mechanics.

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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

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