Scrutineyes (1992) Board Game

Scrutineyes is a party game that was released in 1992 by Hersch and Company, in partnership with Mattel, Inc. The game is designed for 2 to 8 players, with the best gameplay experience being with 4 players. It falls under the categories of memory and party game, with gameplay revolving around action timer, pattern recognition, real-time gameplay, and team-based interactions.

Game Components of Scrutineyes

Pictures: Double-sided cards with cartoon and realistic art, each featuring a variety of objects.

Picture Holders: To display the pictures during gameplay.

Score Pads: For recording player answers and scores.

Dice: Used to determine which section of the picture to focus on.

Timers: To manage the time for each round.

Answer Book: To resolve disputes and verify answers.

How To Setup Scrutineyes

Players divide into teams, preferably two players per team. Each team selects a picture, a picture holder, and a score pad. They choose which side of the cards to use (cartoon or realistic art). One player rolls the dice to determine which section of the picture to focus on.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Team Play: Teams take turns looking at pictures and writing down answers that fit the category on the card.

Category Focus: Each picture has a specific category or letter theme that players must adhere to.

Section Roll: The dice determines which section of the picture teams will examine.

Timer: Teams have a limited time to write down as many answers as possible.

Scoring: Teams score points for unique answers not listed by other teams. Duplicate answers result in a penalty.

Rounds: The game consists of multiple rounds where teams pass pictures and try to find new, unique answers each time.

Player Experience

Scrutineyes is designed to be a fun and engaging party game, encouraging players to observe details closely and think creatively. However, the game can also be played individually, which some find more engaging since all players are actively involved in searching for objects and writing down answers.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The game promotes active observation and creative thinking.

Variety of Pictures: Double-sided cards with different art styles and themes keep the game interesting.

Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork and competition among players.

Creative Freedom: Allows players to come up with unique and sometimes obscure answers.

Cons

Lengthy Scoring: Comparing answers and resolving disputes can be time-consuming.

Role Limitation: In team play, one player is often relegated to writing down answers, which can be less engaging.

Limited Print Run: The game had only one print run, making it less widely available.

Personal Thoughts on Scrutineyes

Scrutineyes is ideal for fans of observation games and those who enjoy creative challenges. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a fun, interactive party game. While it may not be perfect, its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay make it a hidden gem for those who enjoy games like Scattergories. However, due to its limited print run, it may be challenging to find a copy of the game.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.