In the realm of party games, Telestrations stands out as a unique and entertaining blend of drawing and wordplay. The game’s simple, easy to explain, and fun to enjoy. The game plays 4-8 players, but you can play it up to 12 with the Telestrations: 12 Player Party Pack. If you want an adult version, there’s the Telestrations: After Dark version. And for an absurd and adjacent hilarious version, check out (click me for Scrawl review)
Components
- 60 second sand timer
- 6-sided die
- 142 cards with phrases and names that total over 1,500 words
- 8 erasable sketch books with different spiral colors to distinguish who the book belongs to
- 8 dry-erase markers
- 8 clean-up cloths–I love clean up cloths!
- Gameplay
Telestrations takes inspiration from the classic game of telephone, where a whispered message gets progressively distorted as it passes from person to person. In this game, the distortion occurs visually and verbally, leading to misinterpretations with unexpected hilarious outcomes.
To start the game, the group decides on which side card to use. Then, each player takes a card and a player rolls a die. Each player matches the number rolled to the word on the card. The best part? Cards have a blank, where you get to make up any word you’d like! Players take turns drawing a phrase or idiom. This phase is called “SKETCH IT”. Once finished, they pass their drawing to the next player, who must then write down what they think the drawing depicts. This phase is called “GUESS IT!”. This process continues until the final player reveals the original phrase
What Makes Telestrations Different
Telestrations distinguishes itself from other drawing games by incorporating the element of written interpretation. This adds a surprising layer of unpredictability. It doesn’t matter if the person drawing is an artist or has no artistic ability, this can all change based on what the player deciphering the drawing expresses into words.
Who Should Play Telestrations?
Telestrations can be enjoyed by children, adults, families, friends, and acquaintances at a party. The rules are simple, the game is easy to learn and accessible to anyone that can read and write in English. No artistic abilities needed!
Overall
Telestrations is a fun staple in any board game collection. As long as you like drawing party games or want to play a game with at least four people, this drawing game can guarantee replayability and a good laugh.
About the Author
Coty is an avid reader, board gamer, reviewer, and playtester who enjoys everything from fine-tuning rulebooks (even in Spanish!) to designing 3D print upgrades. Follow her on Instagram. More thoughts and favorites are shared at KaCo Plays
