Sparkle*Kitty (2017) Board Game

Sparkle*Kitty is a card game designed by Leah Artwick and released in in 2017. It is a whimsical and light-hearted game that incorporates elements of hand management and pattern recognition. The game is designed for 3-8 players, with the best experience being for 5-6 players. With a quick runtime of 10-20 minutes, Sparkle*Kitty is suitable for players aged 6 and above.

Game Components of Sparkle*Kitty

163 Spell cards

10 Princess cards

Spell Book

Color-coded and symbol-marked cards for easy matching, including decorative borders for color blind players.

How To Setup Sparkle*Kitty

To set up the game, each player selects a princess card. The spell cards are shuffled, and 9 cards are dealt to each player. Without looking, each player picks 4 cards to form their tower, placing their princess at the top. The remaining cards form the player’s hand. For games with fewer than 6 players, the green-backed cards are omitted. The spell book board is placed in the center, and the deck is split into two piles on either side of the spell book. The youngest player, or the youngest player dressed as a princess, goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Color and Symbol Matching: Players match the color or symbol of their cards to the cards in the central spell book.

Spell Casting: Players must say the words on the cards out loud when playing them.

Special Cards: “Sparkle” and “Kitty” cards allow players to draw cards from their tower. Black spell cards add modifiers, and “take that” style cards can force players to add cards to their hand.

Objective:

Be the first player to get rid of all cards in their tower to win the game. Alternatively, if the deck runs out, the player with the smallest tower wins, with ties broken by fewest dark magic cards, then fewest cards in hand, and finally by age.

Player Experience

**Sparkle*Kitty** offers a light, silly, and fun experience suitable for players of all ages. The game is ideal for families and casual game nights, providing a great practice in reading for younger players. The gameplay is easy to grasp, and the “take that” mechanics add a bit of strategic interaction without being overly complex. The game’s theme of self-sufficient princesses also promotes positive representation and inclusivity.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay mechanics make it accessible to players as young as 6.

Social Interaction: Encourages social interaction and fun banter.

Positive Representation: Features strong, self-sufficient female characters.

Portable: Compact and easy to travel with.

Reading Practice: Helps younger players practice reading aloud.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Heavily reliant on the luck of the draw.

Limited Strategy: Not a deep strategy game, more focused on fun and simplicity.

Personal Thoughts on Sparkle*Kitty

**Sparkle*Kitty** is a perfect addition to any family game collection or for groups looking for a light, casual game. It’s ideal for families with young children who can practice their reading skills while having fun. The game’s theme of empowered princesses adds a layer of positive representation, making it a great choice for promoting inclusivity and self-sufficiency. While it may not be the centerpiece of a serious game night, it’s an excellent filler game that guarantees laughter and enjoyment.

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