Wicked & Wise (2022) Board Game

Wicked & Wise is a fantasy board game released in 2022, designed by Jay Bell, Estefania Rodriguez, and Beth Sobel. The game is published by Weird Giraffe Games and is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above. Wicked & Wise incorporates predictive bid, take that, team-based game, and trick-taking mechanics to create a unique gaming experience.

Game Components of Wicked & Wise

60 basic cards (4 suits, 15 of each suit)

15 gem cards

63 goal cards (3 teams, plus 4 shared beginner goals)

7 role cards

17 treasure cards

3 reference cards

2 Table Talk cards

Additional components needed: Lead Player Token, Gem Token, Coins.

How To Setup Wicked & Wise

To set up **Wicked & Wise**, players form two-person teams, each consisting of a Dragon and a Mouse. Each team has a goal deck, and the game is divided into three rounds. Dragons draw a hand of 10 cards, while Mice draw a hand of 7 cards. Dragons then draw 4 goal cards from their team’s goal deck and pass 2-4 of these cards to their Mouse partner, who selects 1-3 goals to attempt during the round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players: 2-6

Ages: 8+

Duration: 45-75 minutes

Game Mechanics:
– Trick-taking
– Asymmetrical gameplay
– Team play
– Variable player powers

Objective:
– Teams of Dragon and Mouse players compete to win tricks, treasures, and coins.
– The team with the most coins at the end of the three rounds wins.
– Dragons lead tricks, while Mice use special card abilities to influence the game.
– Each trick allows the winner to choose between taking coins or drawing treasure cards.

Player Experience

**Wicked & Wise** offers a unique blend of trick-taking and teamwork. The game requires strategic communication between the Dragon and Mouse players, as they work together to achieve their goals. The game is light on theme but rich in interaction, with fast-paced turns and easy cleanup between tricks. The experience varies significantly depending on the number of players, with 4 or 6 players providing the core gameplay experience.

Pros

Engaging Teamwork: Unique roles for Dragons and Mice foster teamwork and strategy.

Variable Goals: Dynamic goal selection adds variety to each round.

Quick Turns: Fast-paced gameplay with easy cleanup between tricks.

Adaptable: Supports 2-6 players with different gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complex Rules: Trick-taking veterans may need to unlearn traditional rules.

Length: Games can take 45-60 minutes, which some players might find long.

Dual Role Complexity: The Dual role, while interesting, can be complex and is recommended for experienced players.

Personal Thoughts on Wicked & Wise

**Wicked & Wise** is ideal for fans of trick-taking games looking for a fresh twist and those who enjoy team-based gameplay. It’s a great fit for families and casual gamers due to its accessible age range and engaging mechanics. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking a deeply thematic experience or those who prefer very short game sessions. For trick-taking enthusiasts and those who enjoy strategic team play, **Wicked & Wise** offers a delightful and challenging experience.

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