BoardGame Verdict
80

"Pictures" is a creative party game where players use one of five different sets of components—such as shoelaces, colored cubes, or building blocks—to recreate a secret image for others to guess. Players score points by successfully guessing others' pictures and by having their own creations correctly identified. The game, released in 2019, notably won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award in 2020.

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80

The Verdict

based on 11 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Negative 0%
Sparks creativity and lateral thinking
Highly accessible with easy-to-learn rules
Fosters positive interaction and camaraderie
High replayability with varied components
Generates consistent laughter and fun
Some component sets are less intuitive or enjoyable
Picture cards remain static throughout the game
Rules have minor clarity issues
Component sorting required before and after play
100
Meeple Mountain, Justin BellArticle

“But the best part of Pictures is trying to compose an image with the limited tools you have available in a round. It’s also why I laugh so hard every time I play.”

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100
HexaGamersArticleTop List

“This game is great since it is super easy to set up and super easy to learn. Although this one has some slight strategy to it (unlike many others on the list), everyone will understand it within a few minutes or 1 round of play.”

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95
The Board Game FamilyArticle

“The first time we played Codenames: Pictures we played 6 games straight! And there’s plenty more to come. We definitely recommend picking up a copy of Codenames: Pictures for your family!”

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90
Co-op Board GamesArticleTop List

“The reviewer enthusiastically described 'Pictures' as a fun, light, and exciting cooperative detective game where players work together to find clues in an 'ocean of pictures', making it a hit with their game group.”

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86
Topping the Table, Jamie HopkinsArticle

“It’s a delightful cocktail of creativity and fun, perfect for game nights where the objective is pure hilarity. Just remember, the replayability and engaging player interaction make it a brilliant addition to any board game collection.”

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85
Tabletop Tolson, Kim TolsonVideo

The reviewer likely highlighted 'Pictures' as a strong contender or a worthy past recipient of the Spiel des Jahres award, recognizing its engaging gameplay and widespread appeal.

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85
Board Game Barrage, Kellen, Neilan, Mark, ChristinaVideo

The Board Game Barrage hosts included 'Pictures' in a discussion about games that promote positive social interactions, highlighting its ability to foster good feelings among players.

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85
I Slay the Dragon, WolfieArticle

“Over all, Pictures is a lighthearted game for some casual family fun. It sparks creativity in just about anyone, and simultaneous play keeps everyone engaged.”

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80
The Opinionated Gamers, Dale YuArticle

“But, with gamers that I know, this game was a hoot. We laughed so loud that we were scolded by the missus of the house to keep it quiet lest we wake up the sleeping baby! That alone is enough to make this game a keeper.”

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55
The Dice Tower, Tom VaselVideo

Tom Vasel personally did not enjoy 'Pictures,' finding some of the component sets boring and the rules unclear, though he acknowledges that most people he played it with loved the game and that it generally goes over well with others.

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45
Tantrum House, BryanVideo

The reviewer found 'Pictures' to be an interesting challenge but personally did not enjoy the gameplay, citing issues with unclear rules regarding reusing components and the small size of the cards, despite acknowledging that many others find the game enjoyable.

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