Paraphrase – Songs in Other Words – Kickstarter Preview

Initial Impression/Components:

The game came in a very small and portable box. Not that that’s a bad thing, it could actually work well for its genre, but I was expecting a larger product. The card game had decent quality linen finish cards and the rules were short and sweet (Though with a couple of mistakes that I plan to point out to the publisher prior to their launch). Other than that, there was no real art to discuss, but the cards were laid out in a read-able and easy to understand format. UPDATE: The art from this prototype is dated. The box and cards will be redesigned for their launch. 

Favorite:

I like the idea that this game can function as a sort of reverse Karaoke night. You’re allowed – actually encouraged – to sing out the tune if you know what it is and I believe the hope is to get people loosened up and to just enjoy an evening together.

Least Favorite:

The songs covered were from the 60’s all the way to 2010’s with so many from each decade. I knew almost every song that came up but it was a real struggle for some of the players. I believe this game would be improved by making multiple mini games (same size as this box) using either a genre of music, or a specific time period. The number of people that know an abundance of songs across 6 decades, and would purchase the game, are slim. I’ll share that as well as other suggestions privately with the publisher as well.

Overall:

I had more than a few notes that I would suggest in hopes of them improving the game. Thankfully, there is a lot of time for them to accomplish that before a full manufacturing run. I think the idea of the game is good, and all considered, is a pass, but I also feel their audience is a bit limited based on the ruleset, songs, and game type.

Areas they did well:

– Large scope of songs

– Simple rules / quick setup and play

– Short game length

– Getting players involved

– A way of breaking the ice or even unwinding with a familiar group

– Encouraging to be silly and just enjoy yourself

– Easy way to keep track of points

– Not including a timer (complete waste in this digital era)

Areas they could have improved:

– Fine tune and editing of rules

– Not penalize players who don’t wish to sing (can’t earn the bonus point)

– Reduce the randomness of what category a team might get.

– Allow a team to earn additional points if they get all 5 before 90 seconds.

– Target audience that is more specific.

– A way to include introverts more

Final Thoughts:

I can see this game being a good find for people with an energetic and outgoing group, for people that had, at any time, frequented a karaoke bar, for dance and/or vocal groups, for team building groups, for drama/improv/art groups, etc. Depending on your family, or extended family, this could be a good way to get them to interact with each other too. I am unsure if it would stand the test against standard gaming groups.

I’ll see you next time, back here at The Game Table,

Zerility

Here’s a link to their website if you’d like to find out more: