The Lost Words (2020) Board Game

“The Lost Words” board game is based on the book of the same name by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. The book features words related to nature that are disappearing from children’s vocabulary as they spend less time outdoors. The game aims to bring these words back into focus in a fun and engaging way for players of all ages.

Game Components of The Lost Words

120 Word cards

36 Animal cards

1 Game board

4 Scoring markers

1 Rulebook

How To Setup The Lost Words

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the Word cards and Animal cards separately.

Deal a starting hand of Word cards to each player.

Choose a starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In The Lost Words, players take turns playing Word cards to create paths on the game board, connecting animals to their natural habitats. The objective is to score points by creating the longest paths and connecting as many animals as possible within the time limit. Players can also use special cards to hinder their opponents’ progress and gain an advantage.

Player Experience

Pros:

Educational and enjoyable way to learn about nature and vocabulary.

Strategic gameplay with a mix of hand management and take-that mechanics.

Beautiful artwork by Jackie Morris adds to the game’s appeal.

Cons:

Limited replay value once players become familiar with the word and animal cards.

Some players may find the take-that aspect of the game frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on The Lost Words

As a fan of the original book, I was excited to try out The Lost Words board game. The game does a great job of combining educational elements with engaging gameplay. The build quality of the components is solid, and the artwork is stunning. However, the game’s replay value might be a concern for some players. Overall, I think The Lost Words is worth your time if you enjoy word games and want to learn more about nature. It’s perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, but those looking for more complex gameplay may want to explore alternative options.

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