You’ve Been Sentenced! (2005) Board Game

You’ve Been Sentenced! is a word game that was designed by McNeill Designs and first released in in 2005. The game has gained popularity for its unique gameplay mechanics that involve forming grammatically correct sentences using a set of word cards. It is categorized as a card game, party game, and word game, making it suitable for a wide range of players.

Game Components of You’ve Been Sentenced!

540-card word deck containing conjugations of funny words, famous names, and familiar places

Score sheet pad

Sand timer

Pencil

Rules sheet

How To Setup You’ve Been Sentenced!

To set up the game, players start by mixing all the cards from the word deck together and placing them face down in a tray within easy reach of all players. This combined deck is the Word Pool from which each player will draw their hand of cards. Each player draws 10 cards face down to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drawing: Each player draws 10 cards from the Word Pool.

Sentence Building: Players must build a grammatically correct and sensible sentence using the words on their cards.

Timer Mechanic: The first player to complete their sentence flips over the sand timer. Other players have until the timer runs out to create their sentences.

Challenging Sentences: Other players can challenge the grammar or sensibility of a sentence. The defender and challenger argue their points, and the other players vote on whether to accept the sentence.

Scoring: Accepted sentences earn points based on the words used, with additional points for using all 10 cards or being the first to flip the timer.

Game Objective

The objective is to score the most points by constructing valid sentences. The game ends when a player reaches or exceeds 200 points, with the highest score winning.

Player Experience

You’ve Been Sentenced thrives on its wacky and humorous nature. Players enjoy creating the most amusing and creative sentences possible, which often leads to entertaining debates and defenses during the challenging phase. The game is highly replayable due to the large number of cards and the possibility of creating different sentences each time. However, it requires players to be honest and not too competitive, as the judging aspect can be influenced by player biases.

Pros

High Replayability: With 540 cards and the option for expansion sets, the game offers a lot of replay value.

Encourages Creativity: Players are challenged to build creative and grammatically correct sentences.

Social Interaction: The game fosters social interaction through the challenging and voting mechanics.

Variants and House Rules: Players can create their own house rules or use provided variants to mix up the gameplay.

Cons

Judging Bias: Highly competitive players may deny other players’ sentences unfairly, affecting the game’s enjoyment.

Luck of the Draw: The game’s outcome can be influenced by the cards a player draws, which may not always be favorable.

Potential for Seriousness: The game is less fun if players take it too seriously rather than enjoying the humor and creativity.

Personal Thoughts on You’ve Been Sentenced!

You’ve Been Sentenced is ideal for those who enjoy word games and have a sense of humor. It is suitable for a wide range of players, from children aged 8 and above to adults looking for a light-hearted, entertaining game. However, it may not appeal to those who prefer more serious or strategic games. The game’s ability to encourage creativity and social interaction makes it a great addition to any game collection, especially for families or casual gamers.

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