True Colors (1989) Board Game

True Colors is a deduction and humor party game that was first released in in 1989. It was designed by Jean Tarrade and published by Games Adults Play. The game is designed for 3 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 18 and older.

Game Components of True Colors

85 double-sided question cards

60 voting cards (10 of each color: orange, blue, green, yellow, pink, red)

6 tokens and player cards (one of each color)

6 mover stands

3 guessing cards (“most,” “some,” “none”)

1 ballot box

1 score pad

Instructions

6 clothes pins

18 symbol cards (‘+’, ‘0’, and ‘±’).

How To Setup True Colors

To set up True Colors, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding token and player card. They fasten the clothes pin of their color to a visible place. Each player receives two voting cards of each active color (except their own) and three symbol cards (one of each ‘+’, ‘0’, and ‘±’). The question cards are shuffled and placed on the table, and the ballot box is positioned centrally. Players also place their guessing cards (“most,” “some,” “none”) in the middle of the play area. One player is designated as the scorekeeper and receives the score pad to record each player’s initials.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Reading the Question: A player selects and reads a question card aloud.

Voting: Players secretly vote for the player they think best fits the question by placing two voting cards into the ballot box.

Guessing Round: Players guess how many votes they will receive by placing their token on the “most,” “some,” or “none” guessing cards.

Revealing the Votes and Scoring: Votes are revealed, and points are awarded based on correct guesses (3 points for “most” or “none” correct, 1 point for “some” correct, 0 points for incorrect guesses).

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most points over ten rounds by correctly guessing how other players will vote.

Player Experience

True Colors is a fun and interactive party game that encourages social interaction and reveals insights into how well friends know each other. The game is light-hearted and easy to understand, making it accessible to players aged 13 and above. With a playtime of about 30 minutes, it is an excellent addition to any social gathering.

Pros

Interactive and Social: Encourages player interaction and reveals new aspects of friendships.

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it immediately playable.

Light-hearted: A fun and comedic game suitable for various social settings.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 30 minutes, making it perfect for short gatherings.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game has light strategy and luck elements, which might not appeal to players seeking complex gameplay.

Player Limit: Best with 3-6 players; fewer players might reduce the game’s effectiveness.

Personal Thoughts on True Colors

True Colors is ideal for groups of friends looking to enhance their social interactions and have a fun, light-hearted experience. It is not suited for those seeking complex strategy or deep gameplay but excels in its role as a party game that fosters camaraderie and laughter. If you enjoy games that are easy to pick up and play, and you’re curious about what your friends really think of you, True Colors is a great choice.

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