Scrawl (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Scrawl is a party game released in 2016 by Big Potato Games. The game is designed for 4-8 players and has a runtime of around 30 minutes. It is recommended for players aged 17 and above. The game involves line drawing and is known for its hilarious and unpredictable outcomes.

Game Components of Scrawl

Dry erase boards

Clips

Pens

Scenario cards with various phrases and words

Score cards

Dry wipe sheets

How To Setup Scrawl

To set up Scrawl, each player receives a dry erase board, a clip, and a pen. The group decides on an active color for the game, and each player draws a scenario card, keeping the word or phrase secret. Players then draw their interpretation of the word or phrase on the blank side of their board, following the rule that no words are allowed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing Phase: Players draw their interpretation of the given word or phrase.

Passing Phase: Drawings are passed to the player on the left.

Guessing Phase: The new owner describes the drawing without seeing the original word or phrase.

Repeat Process: This cycle continues until the original drawing returns to its owner.

Scoring: Points are awarded for the final words or art that most closely resemble the starting prompt and for the favorite drawing or guess.

Game End: The game ends when a player collects two more points than the number of players.

Player Experience

Playing Scrawl is a hilarious and often chaotic experience. As the drawings and descriptions pass around the table, they become increasingly distorted, leading to funny, frustrating, and sometimes horrifying results. The climax comes when players reveal the entire stack of drawings and descriptions, often resulting in laughter and shock.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple setup and rules make it easy for new players to join.

High Replayability: With 240 scenarios, the game offers a lot of variation.

Encourages Laughter: The game is designed to be humorous and entertaining.

No Artistic Skill Required: The worse you are at drawing, the better the game tends to be.

Cons

Mature Content: Some versions contain risqué cards, making it less suitable for younger players.

Potential for Delays: Players might dawdle during the drawing phase, necessitating a timer as a house rule.

Not Family-Friendly in All Versions: Certain editions have content that is not suitable for all ages.

Personal Thoughts on Scrawl

Scrawl is perfect for adult game nights or gatherings where the focus is on having fun and enjoying silly moments with friends. It’s not a game for those seeking deep strategy or complex gameplay but excels at providing laughter and entertainment. For families or younger audiences, the 14+ edition might be more appropriate, but the 17+ version is clearly designed for a more adult crowd. Overall, Scrawl is an excellent choice for anyone looking to have a light-hearted and humorous gaming experience.

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