The Mind: Soulmates (2023) Board Game

The Mind: Soulmates is a cooperative card game designed by Reinhard Staupe and Wolfgang Warsch. It is the sequel to the popular game The Mind, which was released in in 2023. The game is published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag and features artwork by Oliver Freudenreich. The Mind: Soulmates was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2-4 players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of The Mind: Soulmates

50 numbered cards (1-50)

Level cards

Hint sheets

Seer role marker

Lives tracker

How To Setup The Mind: Soulmates

To set up the game, players start by shuffling the deck of 50 numbered cards. Each level begins with one player taking on the role of the seer, which rotates clockwise. The seer draws a level card that indicates how many cards to draw from the deck and how many of those cards the seer can look at. The seer also determines how many clues can be given to the other players. The drawn cards are then dealt out as evenly as possible among the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to achieve the game’s objective.

Seer Role: One player acts as the seer each level, drawing level cards and providing clues.

Card Drawing: The seer draws a specified number of cards based on the level card.

Clue Giving: The seer gives clues by writing numbers on the hint sheet.

Face-Down Card Play: Players play their cards face-down in ascending order.

Ascending Order: The goal is to play the cards in ascending numerical order without communicating.

Levels and Lives: The game is played over 12 levels, with the team losing lives if they fail to play the cards correctly.

Memory Element: Players build an idea of which numbers have been played as they retry levels.

Player Experience

Playing The Mind: Soulmates involves a delicate balance of strategy and intuition. The introduction of the seer role adds a new layer of complexity, as players must rely on the clues given to make informed decisions. The game becomes easier with each retry of a level, as players and the seer gain more information about the cards in play. However, the inability to regain lost lives adds a layer of tension and challenge. The game’s artwork and design are attractive and lighthearted, enhancing the overall player experience.

Pros

Engaging Seer Role: Adds an interesting dimension to the gameplay.

Memory Element: Helps prevent players from getting stuck on levels.

Scalable: Works well with 2-4 players and can be adapted for five.

Attractive Design: Lighthearted and visually appealing.

Cons

Two Players Too Easy: The seer role can make the game too straightforward with only two players.

Preference Over Original: Players may prefer either this version or the original, but not both.

Personal Thoughts on The Mind: Soulmates

The Mind: Soulmates is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy the challenge of silent communication. It offers a fresh twist on the original game, making it a great option for those looking for a new layer of complexity and strategy. However, players who prefer the pure challenge of the original may find this version too reliant on the seer’s clues. Overall, it’s a solid spin-off that is worth exploring, especially if you’re looking for a game that combines teamwork with clever clue-giving mechanics.

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