Wavelength (2019) Board Game

Wavelength is a party game that was designed by Alex Hague, Justin Vickers, and Wolfgang Warsch and released in 2019 by Palm Court. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Wavelength

Spectrum Cards: Dozens of double-sided cards, each showing a spectrum from one extreme to the other (e.g., hot/cold, good/bad, light side/dark side).

Custom Device: Includes a wheel, a dial, and a sliding hatch to reveal a hidden target range.

Game Box: Serves as the board and houses the custom device.

Teams: Divided into two teams, with a player designated as the “Psychic” each round.

How To Setup Wavelength

To set up Wavelength, players divide into two teams and choose a Psychic for the first round. The Psychic selects a Spectrum card and spins the wheel on the custom device with the sliding hatch closed, secretly noting the target position. The game box and device are easy to assemble, with the insert holding the wheel upright.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Team Division: Players are divided into two teams.

Psychic Role: One player from the active team is the Psychic, who spins the wheel and gives a clue based on the Spectrum card.

Clue-Giving: The Psychic provides a clue that suggests the location of the target slice on the spectrum.

Guessing: The Psychic’s team discusses and guesses the location, while the opposing team predicts whether the guess is to the left or right of the actual location.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the closeness of the guess to the correct location. The opposing team can also earn a point for correct predictions.

Objective: The first team to reach 10 points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Wavelength involves a rich mix of social interaction, strategic thinking, and humor. Players must interpret the Psychic’s clues, which often lead to interesting discussions and debates. The game accommodates all player counts effectively, making it suitable for various social settings, from intimate gatherings to larger parties.

Pros

High Replayability: With dozens of Spectrum cards, the game offers numerous unique scenarios and challenges.

Social Interaction: Encourages lively discussions and teamwork.

Easy to Learn: Rules can be taught in under a minute, making it accessible to new players.

Flexible Player Count: Can be played with 2-12 players, accommodating different group sizes.

Cons

Downtime: Some players may experience downtime, especially those not actively participating in a round.

Physical Storage: The game box is larger and less portable compared to other party games.

Personal Thoughts on Wavelength

Wavelength is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun, engaging party game that fosters communication and teamwork. It is particularly suitable for groups of friends or family gatherings where players know each other well, but it also works well with strangers as it forces creative and generic clue-giving. The game’s ability to accommodate a wide range of player counts and its quick setup make it a versatile addition to any game collection.

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