Vowl (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Vowl is a word game that was released in 2020 by designers Jason Boles and Tristam Rossin. It falls into the categories of card game, party game, and word game, making it a versatile option for game nights with friends and family. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 14 and up.

Game Components of Vowl

210 Basic Cards (GREEN)

130 Advanced Cards (YELLOW)

60 Expert Cards (RED)

2 Sand Timers (25 Seconds and 15 Seconds)

2 Custom Dice

5 Victory Tokens

5 Scoring Tokens

1 Double Sided Scoreboard

1 Rule Book

How To Setup Vowl

To set up Vowl, select a game length (either 30-45 minutes or 45-60 minutes) and place the scoring board with the corresponding side face-up on the table. Each player chooses a player color and takes their corresponding scoring and victory tokens. All scoring tokens are placed on the “0” space of the scoring board, while all victory tokens are placed on the final space of the scoring track (10 or 15, as designated by a star).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Modes: The game features three distinct game modes – Solo, Partner, and Head-to-Head.

Card Drawing: Players roll dice to determine how many cards to draw from the basic deck.

Time Pressure: Players must solve word puzzles with missing vowels within the time limit set by the sand timers.

Scoring: Success is rewarded with points, which can be taken in two ways: moving the scoring token forward two spaces or moving the victory token and another player’s victory token down one space.

Winning the Game: The first player to have their scoring token meet or surpass their victory token on the scoring track wins the game.

2-Player Variant: In the 2-player variant, one player selects cards for the other to solve, adding a competitive twist.

Player Experience

Vowl is a challenging and entertaining word game that tests players’ ability to recognize words with missing vowels under time pressure. The game is engaging for both small and larger groups, offering a fun and brain-stimulating experience. Players often find themselves on a roll, solving words quickly, only to be stumped by a particularly tricky card, which can lead to humorous moments and lively discussions.

Pros

Unique Concept: Vowl offers a fresh take on word games with its vowel-removal mechanism.

Fast-Paced: The game is quick and exciting, suitable for short gaming sessions.

Multiple Game Modes: The three game modes add variety and replayability.

Brain-Stimulating: It challenges the brain in ways that other word games might not.

Cons

Lack of Answer Key: There is no immediate answer key provided, which can be frustrating for stuck players.

Replayability Concerns: After multiple plays, the game may become more about memorization than word recognition.

Personal Thoughts on Vowl

Vowl is ideal for fans of word games and those who enjoy quick, challenging, and fun gaming experiences. It is a great addition to any game collection, particularly for those who appreciate brain-teasers and time-pressure challenges. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking long-term replayability or an extensive answer key for tricky puzzles.

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